Work continues on New Madrid County R-1 2024-25 school year

NEW MADRID, Mo. — March is School Board Recognition Month and Dr. Sam Duncan, New Madrid County R-1 superintendent, took the opportunity following the March monthly meeting to express his appreciation of those serving on the local School Board.

“We have Board members that care and take time to engage in the school and the community. I appreciate the countless hours they put in, not only in Board meetings but also taking time for school business and our students,” Duncan said. “We have an incredible Board of Education. When faced with tough decisions they always do what is best for our kids.”

During the March meeting, the Central High School counselors made a presentation about course offerings for the 2024-2025 school year.

Duncan described the courses available at the Central High School and the Technical Skills Center as strong. He pointed out the District has hired a full-time business teacher enabling an expansion of business classes as well as an instructor who will re-introduce the carpentry program at the TSC.

“We have had a strong hiring season over the last few months,” Duncan said, “We are proud we have been able to obtain highly qualified personnel for the courses offered.”

Also the Board approved hiring Limbaugh Law Firm as legal counsel. According to the superintendent, the firm will be consulted when questions arise on various issues.

Much of the March meeting centered on personnel matters.

The Board approved the job description for an instructional technology coordinator. The position, which is currently being advertised, would provide assistance to instructors, principals and staff on using the District’s student information system and assist with any technology issues as they arise.

With the growth of the Middle School track program, approval was given to provide extra duty allowance salaries for the inviduals serving as the Middle School head track coach and assistant track coach. Effective immediately, Danna Woods was employed as head track coach for the Middle School and Victoria Duenne was transferred from assistant track coach to assistant track coach at the Middle School.

In other action:

• The Board re-hired non-tenured staff for the 2024-2025 school year.

• Head coaches for the 2024-2025 school year were rehired.

• Employed for the 2024-2025 school year were: Emily Dunlap, choir teacher at Central High School; Nikki Johnson, English language arts teacher/CHS; Shane Howell, business education teacher/TSC; Delmar Edgar, carpentry teacher/TSC; Melissa Maness, sixth grade social studies teacher; Hannah Lester, special education teacher; Sharay Rucker, special education teacher; Kayla Durbin, New Madrid Elementary teacher; Anna Uthoff, Matthews Elementary teacher; and Kendell Green, special education aide.

• The following individuals were transferred: Christopher Nance from process coordinator to Alternative School lead teacher; Sarah Springer from special education assistant to Culinary/ProStart teacher/TSC; Kelli Hunt from special education teacher/CMS to process coordinator; Leslie Sutton from seventh grade social studies teacher to lifeguard/CMS; Matelyn Bolen from sixth grade social studies teacher to seventh grade social studies teacher; and Tenisha Nelson from first grade elementary teacher to mentorventionist/Matthew Elementary.

• The resignations of Michaela Kimball, seventh grade science teacher/head volleyball-CMS assistant softball-CMS/assistant volleyball-CHS; Melissa Shell (retirement) special education teacher/CHS; Joseph McClarty, lifeguard/CMS; Shayna Curtsinger, English language arts teacher/Drama Club/CHS; and Ruth Matlock, accounts payable (effective March 20) were accepted.

• Thursday, April 11, was set as the reorganizational meeting date for the Board.

• At 10 a.m. April 25 the Board will meet for its budget work session.

• The Board reviewed the CD investments. Duncan described the revenue stream for the District as strong and said he expects the District to maintain a balanced budget.

• With the resumption of classes following spring break, the Superintendent noted testing will get under way for students.

“The state has put a lot of weight on MAP and end of course testing,” Duncan said. “We will spend a couple of weeks preparing for tests and reviewing the standards as we do all year long. Then the MAP testing starts toward the middle of April through May.”