Filing set for New Madrid County R-1 School Board

NEW MADRID - Filing will open in December for those interested in serving on the New Madrid County R-1 School Board.

At the Board's November meeting, the board set Dec. 15 as the first day for filing to fill the two three-year terms which will be open on the board. The last day to file is Jan. 19 for the April election.

Individuals can file during school hours at the superintendent's office on the New Madrid County Central High School campus during regular school hours, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. On Jan. 19, the office will remain open until 5 p.m.

The terms of Donnie Brittain and Ryan Eddy will expire in April.

Also during the meeting, the Board approved a bid for the purchase of 20 new buses for the 2015-2016 school year from Blue Bird Bus Company.

According to Dr. Cynthia Sharp Amick, superintendent, the 20 buses will cost a total $1,723,325 along with trade-in of the older buses. Also submitting a bid was Thomas Company, which bid $1,873,290.

John Garner, director of transportation pointed out the new buses will come equipped with new technology, including live GPS. "We will basically be able to check where buses are at all times," Garner said, adding the older buses will be retrofitted with the technology as well.

Approval was given to establish a Memorial Eagle Supporter Plaque which will be placed in the lobby at Central High School. Amick said for a donation of $100, a name, following the Board's approval, will be placed on the plaque.

Funds raised will go to the New Madrid County R-1 Foundation, which is a 501 C3.

During the meeting the Board also approved the first name to be placed on the plaque. Cindi Jones donated $100 in honor of her father, William Richard Phillips Jr.

Amick said others who are interested in having a name placed on the plaque can contact Pam Riley in the district office by calling 688-2161.

In other action by the Board:

* Approval was given of the Missouri Assessment Program and End of Course Exam disaggregated data for the school and district. The data breaks down student achievement in a variety of categories.

At the suggestion of Tom Mickes from the Regional Law Seminar, the board is updating district job descriptions to be in compliance with state and federal guidelines. The new descriptions will include skills required, physical demands, environment, responsibilities, etc. The Board tabled the issue to allow further review, Amick said.

A proposed Industrial Development Project Plan Project from the New Madrid County Commission was OK'd.

The Board awarded the soft drink bid for 2016-2021 to Coca Cola. Amick said in the agreement, the District will not be required to purchase a specific amount of cases and received a lower cost per case of sodas and water with the Coca Cola bid. Also Coca Cola agreed to provide $7,000 a year to the district for five years for using its products. Also submitting a bid was Pepsi Cola.

* The District Facility Plan, which was updated by the district's facility committee, was reviewed. The plan includes short-term and long-term improvements for the five buildings and four campuses which are part of the R-1 school system. In a related matter, the Board also reviewed a plan to ensure the roofs of the District's buildings are maintained.

* During the Precision AG update, the Board was informed about Three Rivers College offering three seminars at the Central campus in tractor driving. The final free seminar for students or adults will be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 21.

Toby Heeb, was employed as assistant high school baseball coach, and Steve Rogers will be a coach for the Middle School baseball team. The resignation was accepted from Mary Unsel, copy aide, effective Dec. 18.

In reporting on attendance and enrollment, Amick noted enrollment is currently 1,412, which is down by four from this time last year. Attendance goals continue to be met at all buildings except Matthews Elementary and Central High School, she said.

* Thanksgiving break is scheduled to begin on Nov. 25 with school to resume on Nov. 30.