Improvements set for new carpentry program at TSC

Wednesday, May 29, 2024

By Jill Bock~Standard Democrat

NEW MADRID, Mo. - Even before classes ended, improvements were under way for the coming school year.

During the May meeting of the New Madrid County R-1 School Board, Bridget Masterson, director of special services, presented an update on the SEMO Health Network Clinic which will be on campus next fall at the Central High School. Work is nearly complete with furnishing and an interior door still needed.

“We are excited about the prospect of having a healthcare professional on campus,” said Dr. Sam Duncan, R-1 superintendent.

A number of summer improvements and purchases were also approved by the Board during the meeting. In addition to the usual painting, cleaning and carpeting, the roof on the C pod at the Central campus will be replaced.

With the addition of the carpentry class at the Technical Skills Center, approval was given to widen the overhead door to the classroom and pour a driveway to the road. Duncan said funding for the work will be through leftover American Rescue Plan Act/Missouri’s Area Career Center Opportunity grant funds totaling $77,739.89. Any funds remaining will be used to purchase the tools/equipment for the carpentry class.

Duncan described the curriculum for the class as in the embryonic stage but said initially students will build smaller structures inside the shop.

“We want students to be able to experience the beginning, middle and end of building a structure. Learning the whole process is key,” Duncan said.

In other actions during the meeting:

• The Board approved the 2024-2025 salary schedules as presented. Duncan said there are no planned salary adjustments for the coming year.

Also he noted all teaching openings are filled for the coming school year. However, he added, the District continues to seek bus drivers and will fill assistant coaching and club sponsor positions.

Employed for 2024-2025 school year were: Dana Perry, school resource officer; Angie Jackson, speech pathologist at Matthews Elementary; Shanta Lerma and Ashlynn Eddy, special education assistants; Jared Shackleford, Central High School National Honor Society sponsor; Terry Nathan Tilmon and Dallas Allen, Fellowship of Christian Athletes sponsors for Central High School; Emily Dunlap, assistant softball coach for Central High School; and Whitney Tidwell, assistant volleyball coach at Central High School.

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The resignations of Danny Darnall as assistant football coach and head baseball coach at Central Middle School, and Alana Basham as Middle School yearbook sponsor were accepted. Also the employment of Brayden Hull as a special education teacher and assistant football coach at Central High School was rescinded.

Transfers approved by the Board for the 2024-25 school year include Lacey Fields to special education teacher at New Madrid Elementary, DeNekia Tucker to ECSE special education teacher at Lilbourn Elementary and Jenny Sexton to Middle School softball assistant coach.

• Joe Moss, Central Middle School principal, presented information on student cell phones. Moss and the Board members discussed the impact cell phones have on the school climate and efforts to minimize the distractions from phones.

• The annual contract for physical and occupational therapy provided the Kenny Rogers Center was approved. “They do great work and we are always pleased to have them as a partner,” Duncan said.

• Budget adjustments for the 2023-2024 school year were approved. According to Duncan, revisions are common as the school year winds down and the numbers appear to be on target.

• A request from Teresa Moore for the use of a New Madrid County R-1 gym was approved. Moore is planning a high school girls basketball skills training from May through June 27.

Also approved was a request from MU Extension-New Madrid County 4-H for the use of New Madrid Elementary gym for a 4-H Camp BLAST from June 19 through June 21.

• The Board appointed James Manuel Spraggs to represent the New Madrid County R-1 School Board on the city of Matthews Tax Board for Economic Development.