Three apply to fill vacancy on New Madrid County R-1 School Board

NEW MADRID, Mo. — The vacancy on the New Madrid County R-1 School Board will soon be filled.

During the October meeting of the Board of Education, applications submitted for the opening on the board following the resignation of Board President Danny Parker were reviewed. Interviews are set for 5 p.m. Oct. 30 and, according to Dr. Sam Duncan, superintendent, a decision will follow on who will fill the vacancy.

“We have three exceptional people vying for that spot.” Duncan said. “They are community-minded, school-minded. We really appreciate them applying.”

The successful applicant will be sworn in at the November meeting.

As part of the reorganization at the September meeting following Parker’s resignation, Kay Rebstock was selected as Board and Jenny Cope as secretary/treasurer.

Also at at the November meeting an open house date will be set for the new FEMA building/ multipurpose room at the Middle School.

“This is a fantastic addition for the Middle School and already highly used,” Duncan noted about the building.

In other action during the October meeting:

• The Board approved a request from the city of New Madrid for the old football scoreboard for their Youth Little League football field at Hunter-Dawson Park. According to Duncan, New Madrid City Administrator Aaron Griffin expressed his thanks on behalf of the city for the donation.

• Justin Poley, Stacy Pikey and Rhiley Smith presented an update on the District’s Alternative School.

“We are very proud of work the teachers do in the school. They are working in a unique situation and do a fantastic job,” Duncan said.

• The addition of the name of the late Pate Hogan was approved to the Memorial Plaque at New Madrid County Central High School. The donation was made in his memory by Kay Rebstock.

• Approval was given for the District’s 2023-2024 bus routes. The annual action sets in motion the means by which the District is reimbursed by the state for transportation costs.

• Tyler Fullhart was hired by the Board as assistant wrestling coach and Deasia Jackson to serve as special education assistant.

• The substitute teacher list for the 2023-24 school year was approved.

According to Duncan, additional substitutes are needed. Currently the District pays certified personnel $100 a day as substitutes and $90 a day for non-certified individuals.

Anyone interested in serving as a substitute can contact Lisa Broyles at 573-688-2161, option 5.

• CD investments were reviewed and are slightly higher than this time last year.

The Superintendent pointed out the Board provided the staff with a 6 percent raise for the 2023-2024 school year and continues to closely monitor the revenue and other budget numbers.

“It is not just about a strong bottom line but also about doing nice things to enrich our students,” Duncan said. “We spend a lot of resources to take exceptional care of our students. Just recently all the second grade students went to (Beggs) Pumpkin Patch.”

Following the October meeting, Duncan noted the first quarter has ended.

“It seems so quick. You wonder where all the time went,” he said. “It has been a really good quarter. We have enjoyed a lot success in the classrooms, on the playing fields and on the courts. We have had lot of good community support this fall. We are looking forward to next quarter.”