Watch a full replay of this meeting on the Excelsior Citizen YouTube Channel.
EXCELSIOR SPRINGS, Mo., Oct. 14, 2025 — The October meeting of the Excelsior Springs Board of Education featured a full agenda spanning recognition ceremonies, academic and financial updates, and strategic planning approvals.
Classified Employee Recognition: Mike Baxter Honored for Grounds Transformation
The meeting opened with a heartfelt recognition of Mike Baxter, a maintenance team member who received the district’s Classified Employee Recognition Award (CERA). Baxter was celebrated for taking the initiative to completely overhaul the front landscaping of Excelsior Springs High School, a project he completed largely on his own during the sweltering late-summer months. According to a letter submitted by district safety officer Jeff Kimsey, Baxter removed deteriorated materials, tilled the soil, and assisted with laying new sod, then personally watered and maintained the area on weekends.
“This wasn’t something he was asked to do,” Kimsey emphasized. “Mike volunteered for the job, and the results speak for themselves.” Board members commended his dedication, noting how the updated grounds boosted not just the building’s appearance, but also school pride.
Early Childhood Educator Kennedy Lynn Recognized for Statewide Award
Dr. Katie Andreasen, Early Childhood Director, introduced Kennedy Lynn, a standout educator selected to receive Kansas State University’s College of Health and Human Sciences Rising Professional Award for 2026. Now in her fifth year with the district, Lynn was nominated by her colleagues for her leadership across numerous district initiatives.
Andreasen highlighted Lynn’s work as a team lead for professional development, behavior framework initiatives, and new teacher training. She also praised her role as a mentor and full-day classroom leader. “She makes me a better administrator every day,” Andreasen said. Lynn will receive her formal recognition at Kansas State University this coming spring.
MSBA Board Report: Preparing for Elections and School Crisis Leadership
The board viewed the Missouri School Boards’ Association’s October video report, in which Katherine Hariston, Associate Executive Director of Leadership Development, encouraged districts to begin public engagement ahead of the school board election filing period. She recommended hosting candidate forums and utilizing MSBA’s free informational resources to demystify board responsibilities.
The report also featured the launch of The Essential 5, a new crisis leadership handbook from MSBA’s Center for Education Safety. CES Chief Operating Officer John McDonald emphasized the need to train school leaders in emergency response, a responsibility often overlooked. “Lost time is lost trust,” he warned, stressing the importance of clear, transparent communication after a crisis.
Superintendent’s Report: School Funding Reform and District Financial Snapshot
Dr. Mark Bullimore, Superintendent, presented a comprehensive report covering district finances and developments in state education policy. Currently, 58% of district expenses are allocated to salaries and benefits, a slight decline reflecting increased contracted services and new lease/purchase agreements, such as the Lewis Elementary.
Revenue sources remain mostly local (52%), followed by state (35%), federal (7%), and county (4%). A dip in revenue was attributed to delays in reimbursements and a drop in Prop C distributions. Unexpected repairs to the high school cooling tower contributed to a $225,000 expense, though this will be offset by insurance.
Bullimore devoted substantial time to explaining the Missouri School Funding Modernization Task Force, created by Governor Mike Kehoe. He reviewed its four focus areas: funding targets, student counts, local effort factors, and performance-based incentives. He stressed the importance of local advocacy as potential funding shifts could reallocate resources between districts.
Cornerstone Elementary Presents Literacy Gains and Community Engagement
Jessica Broadbent, Principal of Cornerstone Elementary, gave an overview of the school’s 2025–26 priorities under the banner “We Are Cornerstone: All In for Learning.” She emphasized impact, support, and connection as key drivers behind instructional strategies and school culture.
Broadbent described the successful implementation of the Wit & Wisdom literacy curriculum and efforts by her leadership team to develop tailored professional learning. The school’s PBIS system remains strong, and new recognition programs, including ROAR Awards and bus rider commendations, are energizing students and staff.
The PTO was recognized for organizing the school’s largest-ever Color Run, with over 300 participants. Upcoming events include a Veterans Day Assembly and a STEAM Night. Broadbent closed her report with a performance by Cornerstone’s fourth graders in the District Honor Choir, who sang “Make a Difference” and shared reflections on music and teamwork.
Academic Update: Literacy Progress, Teacher Support, and Career Readiness
Dr. Melissa Miller, Assistant Superintendent of Academic Services, provided an extensive academic report. STAR Reading data showed that 65.2% of students achieved typical or high growth this fall, with the strongest performance in fourth grade (75.6%) and challenges in second grade (52.2%).
Miller described efforts to build a professional culture that values growth, adaptability, and risk-taking. The district is emphasizing vocabulary instruction across all grade levels, supported by new K–12 protocols and structured programs like LETRS and Aspire.
She also shared encouraging developments from the district’s career-readiness efforts. Fourteen students are participating in internships through Tony Harman’s program, while Rick Schwab’s Missouri Flex initiative allows students to earn credit through real-world work experiences. One student, once considered disengaged, now maintains 97% attendance through her workplace placement.
Strategic Planning: Board Approves Partnership with The Cambrian Group
Dr. Bullimore presented a proposal to engage The Cambrian Group for strategic planning services, including development of a new five-year Strategic Plan and Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP). The process includes training internal facilitators, forming a 20–30 member planning team with equal representation from staff and community, and assembling action teams to create implementation strategies.
The contract, negotiated at about 60% of standard cost, is fully covered in the FY26 budget. The board approved the agreement unanimously, signaling the start of a collaborative effort to shape the district’s long-term future.
FY26 Budget Revision: Deficit Reduced by $1.8 Million
In the final agenda item, Dr. Bullimore presented the FY26 Q1 Budget Revision, revealing a significant improvement: a reduction of the original $2.3 million deficit to just $465,000. The district is now operating in the black in both the General and Teachers Funds, with no reliance on reserves and an unrestricted fund balance projected at 24.15%.
Bullimore credited this turnaround to revised revenue forecasts, Medicaid billing improvements, cost-saving curriculum adjustments, renegotiated vendor contracts, and reclassification of expenses to food service funds. The district also introduced a needs-based budgeting philosophy to eliminate unnecessary or premature expenditures.
Though pleased with progress, Bullimore cautioned that continued vigilance is required, especially regarding utility costs and capital spending.
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