Watch a full replay of the December 10, 2024, school board meeting on the Excelsior Citizen YouTube Channel.
Excelsior Springs, Mo.(Dec. 10, 2024) — The Excelsior Springs School Board held their monthly meeting on Dec. 10 at the Support Services Center. It was a brief meeting focusing on a the proposed tax levy that will appear on the April 8, 2025, ballot, employee recognition, and updates on a district salary study.
Tammy Pollard named Classified Employee of the Month
Tammy Pollard, administrative assistant at Lewis Elementary, was named the district’s Classified Employee of the Month. Principals Dr. Comstock and Mr. Travis described Pollard as a vital part of the school’s culture, praising her “grace, flexibility, and positivity” during a year marked by challenges, including the temporary relocation of Lewis Elementary.
“She’s an integral part of our culture and a welcoming presence for families and staff alike,” they said. Pollard’s recognition pays tribute her role in embodying the school’s motto of “cultivating kindness and academic success.”
Tax Levy Proposal Moves Forward
The board discussed a proposal to increase the district’s operating tax levy ceiling by $0.70, bringing it to $5.3089 per $100 of assessed valuation. If approved by voters in April 2025, the measure is intended to support general operating expenses, including salary increases aimed at retaining and attracting quality staff. The exact ballot language is as follows:
QUESTION
Shall the Board of Education of Excelsior Springs School District #40 be authorized to increase the operating tax levy ceiling to $5.3089 per $100 of assessed valuation according to the 2025 assessment for general operating expenses of the District, including increasing compensation for employees to attract and retain quality faculty and staff?
If this question is approved, the operating tax levy of the District isestimated to increase by $0.70 per $100 of assessed valuation.
The resolution to place the question on the ballot was unanimously approved by board members in attendance. The ballot language was included in the meeting agenda, it was not publicly read aloud during the session. The proposal represents a part of the district’s effort to address compensation challenges and operational needs.
Salary Study Underway
Dr. Bullimore provided an update on a salary study led by Fred Corn of Educational Management Solutions (EMS), which is examining how the district’s salaries compare with neighboring school systems.
Bullimore reported that Corn, who attended a the District Leadership Team meeting earlier on the 10th, introduced himself and outlined the study’s scope and process. The leadership team is composed of representatives from various employee groups, including certified staff, classified staff, administrators, technical staff, custodians, and maintenance workers.
The study which is costing the district around $25,000 is meant to gather input from across the district to determine how current salaries compare with those of neighboring schools and identify ways to improve compensation structures.
Superintendent Jaret Tomlinson said, “I think there’s going to be a really good outcome from this study irregardless of what else might happen… I think it’s going to be money well spent. If nothing else it’s that engagement and the collaboration with staff that I think is really important to the future success of the district.”
The study is expected to produce two comprehensive plans by February 2025. One will outline the current state of the district’s salary structure, while the other will present an ideal vision for the next 5, 10, and 15 years. Each plan will include actionable steps for achieving long-term goals, as well as scenarios for both approval and rejection of the proposed tax levy.
Board member Traci White discussed the importance of staff engagement and encouraged all employees to share their perspectives with leadership team representatives. “It’s critical that staff reach out and make their voices heard,” said White. “We want this to represent everyone, not just the individuals in the room.”
Bullimore noted that the final plans will be designed to maximize every available resource. “Every penny counts,” he said. “This study will show us how to rub those pennies together to make the biggest impact for our staff.”
Community Celebrates Lewis Elementary
Board members also discussed the Dec. 5 ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly constructed Lewis Elementary. They shared positive feedback from community members, who praised the building’s design and its preservation of features from the original structure.
Board President Tray Harkins called the event a showcase of the district’s commitment to excellence. He said he had community members share with him how great it was to see the excitement of students, parents, and staff as they toured the new facility.
The next board meeting is scheduled for Jan. 14 at 6:30 p.m. in the Support Services Center. To see the full agenda visit the ESSD website here.
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Is anyone surprised that they are pushing for a tax increase after building the new Lewis school after they told us that there would be no tax increase? Vote down the tax increase, and vote out this school board.