New app will improve communication across R-1 District

NEW MADRID, Mo. - It will be even easier to get updates on happenings in the New Madrid County R-1 School District next school year.

During their March meeting, the R-1 School Board approved the purchase of the Apptegy notification system/social media platform/website.

According to Dr. Sam Duncan, superintendent, because the District is spread across the county, it is often difficult to get information out quickly. Also he noted due to limited manpower, information may be listed for example on the Web site but might not be included on another social media platform.

“We have been looking for a resource for more than a year where we could improve,” he said. (This new system) “allows us when we put information out instead of just going to one social media platform it will go to all of them simultaneously.”

The Apptegy system will be used not just for announcements and emergencies, but also to showcase the activities of students. In addition, he said it could save the District money.

District personnel will begin making the change to the new system immediately to have it in place by the beginning of the next school year. Duncan emphasized every effort will be made to make the changeover as seamless as possible for users.

Approval was given for the addition of the names of Bob Pulliam and William Joseph “Billy” Haubold Jr. to the Education Foundation memorial plaque. Donations were made by Jenny Cope, Kay Rebstock and Mary Kay Davis for the placement.

Following a presentation by the administration team the Board approved having a speaker for August’s Back-to-School Orientation. Duncan said a speaker will be sought who is both motivational and inspirational for faculty and staff.

A media class instructor will be added to either the offerings available at Central High School or the Technical Skills Center. Following a presentation by Justin Poley and Renee Smith, the Board approved advertising for the position for the 2022-2023 school year.

Duncan explained the possibility of offering a media class has been discussed for more than a year. He said the class could take a variety of forms ranging from a way to help parents be aware of happenings in the district to providing the ability to produce their own coverage of ballgames and tournaments.

“We are looking for a class to help our students understand if they want to go into journalism or media production how it looks in today’s world,” he said. “We are very excited about it.”

In other personnel matters, the board approved rehiring non-tenured staff for the 2022-23 school year as well as head coaches. Lacey Fields was hired for early childhood special education at Lilbourn Elementary.

Resignations were accepted from Amy Hay as a building secretary at Central High School effective Feb. 23; Andrea Harris as Central High School Student Council advisor and Joseph Moss as Central High School assistant football coach and Central Middle School assistant baseball coach.

In other actions:

• The Board approved a revision to a policy to provide the extra-duty allowance salary of 7 percent for a Middle School assistant softball coach.

• Ethan Hunziker, ag instructor, presented information to the Board regarding the ag program. He spoke about successes of students and the upcoming construction of a new green house on campus.

“Agriculture is a big part of who we are in our region. We continue to try to invest in our ag education program in the District and are proud of the work he has done,” Duncan said about Hunziker.

• The Board reviewed the CD investments.

• The Board reorganizational meeting will be April 14 following the April 5 municipal elections.

• A budget work session is set for 9 a.m. April 25.

Following the meeting Duncan was upbeat about the final months of the school year. He said much of this time will be dedicated to filling job openings.

“We have had tremendous applicants which is very good to see. High quality people want to teach in this District. We are focusing specifically on bringing the right people in to teach our kids,” he concluded.