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Bid accepted for new track at NMCC
NEW MADRID, Mo. — With a growing track program, the New Madrid County R-1 Board of Education approved plans to not only renovate but also expand the District’s track.
At its November meeting, the Board accepted a bid from Fisher Tracks Inc. for $550,000 to refurbish the track at the New Madrid County Central High School.
According to Dr. Sam Duncan, superintendent, the refurbishment will be from the ground up.
“We actually have to go all the way down to the base and bring it all back up again,” said Duncan. “And while we are doing that we are going to enlarge the footprint by going from six to eight lanes.”
As part of the refurbishment, the project will also include redoing the high jump, triple jump and long jump areas. The pole vault area will be upgraded and a second runway added. The company will also look at reconfiguring the area used for the discus and the shot put pad.
Duncan said currently because of the disrepair of the track, the District is unable to host track meets. Once the refurbishment is complete, he said the track program is in hopes of not only attracting more but also larger meets and invitationals.
Pointing out since head track coach Jared Allen started a track program for the Middle School, the popularity of track has grown among the Middle School and High School students, Duncan said. “It is a big program for us,” he added, praising Allen and the other coaches involved in the programs and assisting the District in planning the improvements.
The start date for the work has not been set.
The Board again approved a one-time retirement incentive for certified and non-certified staff retiring at the end of the school year.
Those who notify the District by Dec. 2 of intent to retire at the end of the school will receive an incentive of $625 payable in December and $625 payable at the end of the current school year. Those who inform the District of their plans to retire by Jan. 6 will receive an incentive of $500 payable in January and $500 payable at the end of the current school year while those who advise the District of their retirement by Feb. 3 will receive an incentive of $375 payable in February and $375 payable at the end of the current school year.
Duncan pointed out the incentives have been offered for the past six years and have worked well for the District. He added while it is a way for an individual to receive additional money it is also a way for the District to honor their work.
“They have put in their life’ s work in public education. If we know early we can get a jump on hiring and we try to find someone who will help carry on what they have done,” he said. “The sooner we get in the job market with openings, we are able to hire the very best.”
In other employment-related action at the November meeting:
The Board approved Bridgett Masterson as the District’s homeless coordinator and as the migrant/English language learner coordinator for the 2022-2023 school year.
Hired were Matthew Hartman as softball coach and Jonathan Haddon as assistant wrestling coach for Central High School and James Chris Henry and John Chaney as school resource officers for the District.
Other action on the agenda included:
• An update was provided on the status of the District’s comprehensive school improvement plan.
Duncan explained the District and Board of Education have worked with students, parents and business leaders as well as staff to develop key ideas to maintain safe schools, focus on literacy and numeracy and to prepare youngsters for kindergarten.
When finished, he said the CSIP will be a good document for the District and its students.
“We are working together and are constantly learning how to be excellent and to be prepared for what comes next,” Duncan said about the process.
The core values can be found on the District’s website, www.nmceaglenation.com.
• Discussion continued on the use of cell phones by Middle School students. According to Duncan, school officials have spoken with faculty and staff about the use of cell phones by students and next will speak with parents.
“We are working on how we can make sure we are all working together to have a climate where a teacher is teaching and students aren’t on their phones. We don’t take these things lightly and we want to make sure we look at every angle we can,” said Duncan. “The number one item we always come back to is what is the impact of a cellphones during the day in the education environment.”
• Approval was given to the District’s 2022-2023 bus routes. This action sets in motion the means by which the District is reimbursed by the state.
• The Board reviewed the CD investments.
School board filing dates set
NEW MADRID, Mo. — Filing begins Dec. 6 for three openings on the New Madrid County R-1 School Board.
Through Dec. 27 those interested in seeking one of the three-year terms on the School Board can file for office with Lisa Broyles, secretary to the superintendent, at the Board Office at New Madrid County Central High School. The board office will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m Monday through Friday until 2 p.m. Dec. 16 when Christmas break begins; also individuals will be able to file from 3 p.m. until the closing of filing at 5 p.m. Dec. 27.
The terms of office of Danny Parker, John Palmer and Kay Rebstock are expiring.