Track improvements on tap at NMCC

NEW MADRID, Mo. - A few projects remain on New Madrid County R-1 School District’s construction list.

At their October meeting, members of the R-1 School Board were updated on past and current projects. They also set in motion additional projects.

Dr. Sam Duncan, superintendent, reported on the major projects primarily paid for with ESSER III monies, which are provided by the federal government as elementary and secondary school emergency relief due to the pandemic, and grant funds. He noted much of the money was used for technology advancements.

Also Scott Vilas with Navigate presented a construction update on the 23 projects completed with funds from the passage of a bond issue in 2020. The only remaining project is the FEMA shelter/ multipurpose building currently under construction.

“So much has been accomplished,” Duncan said. “(The Board) was very pleased to see how far we have come in the last few years.”

But there is still more to do.

Andrea Harris, director of the Technical Skills Center, presented a TSC Opportunity Grant for the Board’s consideration. The grant would fund air-conditioning for the shops used by the welding, auto mechanics and agriculture programs.

The Board accepted a bid from Associated Sheet Metal in Jackson to add the air conditioning to the shops upon approval of the grant by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

According to Duncan, the District will know by Nov. 14 if the grant is awarded. If received, the company would then start ordering the components for work to begin next summer.

In addition, the Board discussed options for refurbishing the track at the New Madrid County Central High School.

Duncan said the current track surface is worn. Also the asphalt base for the track is deteriorating and needs to be replaced.

“The track program is growing like crazy,” Duncan said. “We want to expand the track to eight lanes from six. This would allow us to hold bigger track meets and would be a track our teams would be proud of. This is an exciting project.”

The Board continued its work on the Continuous School Improvement Plan required by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Data from the Missouri School Board Association’s community input meeting was reviewed as well as the CSIP framework draft.

“We have been working through the planning process for the last couple of years,” Duncan noted. “We are getting to the point the plan is coming around.”

As part of their work on the CSIP, formal approval was given to the mission statement for the District. The mission statement is: The New Madrid County School District will provide all students with a rigorous yet supportive educational system that ensures our students become respectful and caring citizens, and can apply the quality education they have been provided to their real-world experience.

In other action during the meeting:

• The Board approved an amendment to the Assistant Teacher Job Description and Non-Certified Salary Schedule to include the 20-hour online substitute-training program, which was approved by DESE on June 1 as a paraprofessional qualification. The amendment will become effective immediately.

• In personnel matters, Jessi Beasley was transferred from special education assistant to Parents as Teachers educator and Hailey Brewer was transferred from secretary to accounts payable in the District Office.

Employed were Cassandra Brooks as a custodian and Emma Graham and Natalie Wescoat as special education assistants. The resignations of Tammie Graham in accounts payable at the District office and Jazzma Thompson as school resources officer at Matthews Elementary were accepted.

• Approval was given for the purchase of MSBA Full Maintenance Policy Service for Sept. 1 through Aug. 31, 2023, in the amount of $3,479. In addition to keeping the District’s policies in line with state requirements, the service also assists the District with legal concerns, Duncan said.

• The name of the late Heather Polk will be added to the memorial plaque at Central High School. A donation was made in her memory by Pate Hogan.

• Lani Steimle with OPAA, the District’s food service, provided an update to the Board. In response to inquiries from Board members, it was decided to survey student on the service.

• The Board adopted Policy JGA “Corporal Punishment” and Policy DJFA “Federal Programs and Projects.” Also approval was given to submit the Annual Secretary of the Board Report to DESE.

• The Board reviewed the CD investments, which remain strong, according to Duncan.

• Joe Moss, Central Middle School principal, presented information regarding a possible cell phone program at the Middle School. Duncan said further input will be sought from the building leadership team as the program is developed.

Following the meeting, Duncan noted the first quarter of the school year has ended.

“It has been a great first quarter,” Duncan said. “The students are succeeding. The band did very well in their competitions. The sports teams are succeeding. The Tech Skills Program continues to be a source of pride for school district.”

Also he pointed out the SafeDefend training was recently completed for school personnel at all the District’s campuses. The SafeDefend program provides ways to alert school officials if a problem is noted and includes items which could be used following earthquake, electrical outages or for security.