Shackelford named New Madrid County Central High School principal

NEW MADRID, Mo. — With the start of classes in the New Madrid County R-1 School District on Aug. 19, students will return to find some familiar faces in new places.

Following the appointment of Bridgett Masterson as the District’s interim superintendent in June, at July’s regular R-1 School Board meeting, Justin Poley was named to take her former position as director of special education. Poley has served as principal at Central High School for the past four years,

Poley’s job was filled at a special meeting on July 25 when Jared Shackleford was selected for that post. Shackleford was the Spanish instructor at CHS.

Masterson said she is pleased with both choices.

“They both have great vision and great leadership skills,” she said. “I am looking forward to working with both of them in their new leadership roles.”

Also at the regular July Board meeting, Linda Lock was employed as Health Occupations teacher for the Technical Skills Program, Morgan Lynn as the special education program secretary, Andrew Blackford as assistant football coach at Central High School and Michael Morgan as assistant football coach at Central Middle School.

Transfers approved were Cassie Durden to special education teacher at New Madrid Elementary from Lilbourn Elementary and Christy Keene to transportation program secretary at the Technical Skills Center from special education program secretary to Title 1.

Approval was given for the 2024-25 school attendance policy.

Masterson said among the changes in the policy is that school personnel will communicate more with parents about their child’s absences in an attempt to remedy problems.

“Attendance is very important for student learning. The changes in the attendance policy seek to reflect that,” she added.

Also Joe Moss, principal at Central Middle School, presented information to the Board regarding an update to CMS Handbooks. The updates primarily deal with cellphone usage and attendance.

According to the superintendent, all policies and changes will be reviewed at the upcoming open houses. Also policies are available on the District’s website www.nmceaglenation.com

In other action during the meeting:

• The R-1 tax rate hearing is set for 10 a.m. Aug. 26 at the Board office,

• The updated administrative salary schedule for the 2024-2025 school year was approved.

• The Board agreed to allow the city of New Madrid to use the New Madrid Elementary parking lot for an event on Aug. 31.

• Approval was given to replaced outdated Chromebooks.

• CD investments were reviewed.