Menu
New Madrid County R-1 School Board fills vacancy
NEW MADRID, Mo. — Former educator Cathey Daniels is the newest member of the New Madrid County R-1 School Board.
Daniels, a resident of Matthews, was sworn into office at the November Board of Education meeting. She replaces Danny Parker, who resigned.
“I have known Cathey for many years. I think she is an excellent addition to the Board of Education,” said Dr. Sam Duncan, superintendent. “She has many years of experience as a teacher and life-long experience as a community member.”
Also during the November meeting, the Board set Dec. 5 through Dec. 26 as the filing date for the April 2, 2024, school board election. The three-year terms currently held by Jeff Polk and Mark Kay Davis will be up for election along with the unexpired two-year term which Daniels is currently serving.
Candidates can file during regular school hours with Lisa Broyles, secretary to the superintendent, at the Board offices at the New Madrid County Central High School.
Approval was given to again offer a one-time incentive for certified and non-certified staff retiring through PSRS/PEERS at the end of the current school year.
Those who notify the District of their retirement plans by 3:30 p.m. Dec. 4 will receive a $1,250 incentive with $625 paid in December and $625 at the end of the current school year. Those who notify the District of retirement plans by 3:30 p.m. Jan. 8 will receive a $1,000 incentive with $500 payable in January and $500 at the end of the current school year and those who notify the District of retirement plans by 3:30 p.m. Feb. 5 receive a $750 incentive which provides $375 in February and $375 at the end of the current school year.
Duncan said the incentive plan has worked well for staff members and the District over the past several years.
“It enables us to give the folks who have put in all their years something nice and helps us get a jump on finding high quality people who will carry on their legacy,” he said.
Christie Kenedy reported to the Board about the Professional Development Committee’s work.
Kenedy said in an earlier survey, teachers not only expressed concerns about curriculum but also on the need to set aside time for wellness. In response, a teacher work day will be conducted Jan. 8 for wellness activities
The Professional Development Committee working with school counselors will offer a carousel of wellness activities for participants. Also physicals for all employees will be offered.
In other action during the meeting:
• A moment of silence was held for the late Pate Hogan, who held the position of technology director for the District.
“Pate was one of those people that put so much effort in to being technology director and did so much behind the scenes. He had exceptional technology skills and always had eye on how to protect information, make sure our networks were safe and information delivered in a timely manner,” Duncan said.
While Duncan acknowledge it would be difficult to find someone to fill the position he spoke with the Board about finalizing a job description and beginning the search for a new technology director.
• Keith Trout was transferred from custodian at Lilbourn Elementary to maintenance. The resignations of Tyler Fullhart as assistant baseball coach at the Central Middle School and Charisse Bryant as special education aide/bus driver were accepted.
• Approval was given for the Class of 1974 to have their class reunion at the New Madrid Elementary School. At the time of their graduation, the building served as the high school.
• The Board reviewed CD investments.
• Christmas break begins for students at noon Dec. 21 with teachers remaining for a half-day work day. Teachers will return from the break on Jan. 8 with students returning on Jan. 9