Watch a full replay of this meeting on the Excelsior Citizen YouTube Channel.
Excelsior Springs, Mo. (March 11, 2025) – The Excelsior Springs School Board gathered for their March meeting that was part celebration, part tough decision-making. On one hand, board members were honored for School Board Recognition Month, a standout staff member was recognized, and student achievements were highlighted. On the other, the board faced difficult financial choices, including the controversial decision to cut funding for the Northland CAPS program, a move that left students frustrated and searching for answers.
The meeting also saw the board approve a new health insurance plan, navigate state funding uncertainties, and take the significant step of eliminating an assistant principal position at the high school—a cost-saving measure expected to free up revenue but one that will also put more responsibilities on existing staff. The process for filling a vacant board seat, left open after Troy Snelling’s recent resignation, was also outlined, adding another layer of change to the district’s leadership.
With the April 8 school board election on the horizon, tensions are running high as the district balances student needs, financial realities, and long-term planning. Through passionate student advocacy, difficult budget discussions, and ongoing shifts in leadership, the decisions made at this meeting will have a lasting impact on the future of Excelsior Springs schools.
School Board Recognition Month
As part of Missouri’s School Board Recognition Month, school board members were honored with certificates and gift baskets for their service to the district. In the open session, board members received official certificates of recognition, while additional gifts, including drawings, letters from students, and school spirit items, were distributed during the closed session. Several board members later shared photos of the thoughtful gifts on social media.
Deputy Superintendent Mark Bullimore also read a proclamation from Missouri Governor Mike Parson, officially designating March 2025 as School Board Recognition Month. The proclamation emphasized the vital role of local school boards in advocating for public education and ensuring the success of students statewide.
“People don’t always realize that serving on the school board is a volunteer position,” Bullimore said. “Our board members dedicate countless hours to making sure we have the best schools possible, and we truly appreciate their commitment.”
In addition to the certificates and gifts, a special painting from Schneider Electric was also presented to the board.
Classified Employee of the Month
The Excelsior Springs School Board recognized Hillary Mullen, administrative assistant at Cornerstone Elementary, as the district’s Classified Employee of the Month during its March 11 meeting.
Mullen, who serves as one of the secretaries at Cornerstone, was nominated by school administrators for her dedication and exceptional contributions to the school community.
“We are delighted to nominate Hillary for Classified Employee of the Month,” her administrators said in a statement read by Deputy Superintendent Mark Bullimore. “She truly is the heart of our campus, ensuring that the front office operates with seamless efficiency while fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for students, families, and staff.”
The district’s Classified Employee of the Month program highlights staff members who go above and beyond in their roles, demonstrating dedication and commitment to the success of Excelsior Springs schools.
MSBA Board Video
Board members and guests viewed the latest Missouri School Boards Association (MSBA) Board Report video, which covered key financial and governance topics impacting school districts across the state.
MSBA Senior Director of School Finance Linda Quinley provided an update on federal funding, particularly in light of potential government shutdowns and delays in discretionary grants. While essential entitlement grants such as Title I and special education funding remain stable, Quinley emphasized the importance of districts timely claiming federal dollars to prevent cash flow disruptions should a shutdown occur. She recommended that districts submit claims at least quarterly, if not monthly, to ensure funds are available as soon as they are spent.
The report also featured a presentation by Dr. Phil Gore, a nationally recognized expert in school governance. Dr. Gore stated the importance of building trust within school boards, stating that school board members serve as stewards of both children’s education and public funding. His presentation, titled “Building a Culture of Trust,” highlighted the role school boards play in maintaining local control and ensuring a strong public education system.
The video closed with a message of appreciation from MSBA in recognition of School Board Recognition Month, thanking board members for their service and dedication to their communities.
Visitor’s Forum
During the visitor’s forum, two students—Jameson Bright and Cameron Wansing—spoke in support of the Northland CAPS (Center for Advanced Professional Studies) program, which was later discussed by the board.
Bright, a junior, expressed frustration over the district’s decision to withdraw from the program after students had already applied and been accepted. He described his excitement upon learning about the opportunity, and his disappointment upon hearing the program would no longer be available. “This left me in a state of disarray,” Bright said. “The program would have taken up four hours of the school day and given me much-needed credits to graduate.” He also raised concerns about communication, noting that many students and teachers were unaware of the decision until after applicants had been notified.
Wansing, a current Northland CAPS student, shared his personal experience with the program, crediting it with helping him discover his passion for financial analysis. Initially interested in marketing, Wansing said his real-world experiences through Northland CAPS, including reviewing loans with the Clay County Economic Development Council, shifted his career path. “This is a level of career clarity that most students my age don’t have,” he said. “Future students deserve the same opportunities I’ve had.”
Wansing also read a letter from senior Maycie McLaughlin, who credited Northland CAPS with shaping her future. She highlighted the hands-on learning, networking opportunities, and real-world experience that helped her determine her career path. “I’ve been accepted to Mizzou to study nursing and work toward my goal of becoming a neonatal nurse,” McLaughlin wrote. “Without Northland CAPS, I wouldn’t have had the clarity or opportunity that led me to this career.” She also shared the impact the program had on her sister, who initially planned to become a pediatric nurse but, after an internship at a veterinary clinic, discovered her true passion for animal care and is now on track to become a veterinarian.
The students urged the board to reconsider cutting funding for Northland CAPS, emphasizing its unique opportunities that go beyond a traditional high school classroom.
Elkhorn Elem. Building Report
Elkhorn Elementary Principal Dr. Jennifer Harris presented the school’s annual report to the Excelsior Springs School Board during its March 11 meeting, highlighting academic goals, school culture initiatives, and ongoing improvement efforts. She was joined by student council members Carson Marsh and Chance Albertson, along with their advisor, Shelby DeHart, who shared student-led initiatives with the board.
Academic Goals and Instructional Strategies
Dr. Harris outlined Elkhorn’s primary academic objectives for the year, which include increasing reading proficiency to 70% and math proficiency to 75% by May 2025, as measured by the Star assessment. The school has implemented four rigorous instructional strategies and focused on aligning curriculum with standards and assessments. A strong emphasis has also been placed on small-group instruction, ensuring students receive targeted support regardless of their proficiency level.
Additionally, teachers have been working extensively with the district’s newly developed science curriculum, integrating hands-on learning and inquiry-based teaching strategies to enhance student engagement.
School Culture and Community Involvement
Elkhorn Elementary continues to foster a positive school climate through its Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework. The school has applied for Missouri PBIS Tier 1 recognition and regularly reviews behavior data to support students effectively. Key initiatives include quarterly student assemblies, recognition programs such as Student of the Month and attendance awards, and behavior incentive activities.
Dr. Harris credited the school’s engaged parent group, SOS, for their unwavering support of students and staff. “Elkhorn is blessed to have a very supportive community,” she said. “Our events are well-attended, and our parent group plays a crucial role in enriching the student experience.”
Student Council Initiatives
Student council president Carson Marsh and vice president Chance Albertson presented an overview of their projects aimed at giving back to the community. Their initiatives include:
- Pop Tab Collection for Ronald McDonald House – A drive to support families with children facing medical challenges.
- “Boo Grams” Fundraiser – A Halloween event where every student received a small treat, thanks to generous donations.
- Food Drive – Over 1,000 pounds of food were collected and donated to the Good Samaritan Center.
- Coin Drive for Playground Equipment – An ongoing initiative to raise funds for new basketball and tetherball equipment, which has sparked friendly competition among students.
- Teacher Appreciation Cart – A planned event in May to provide snacks and treats for staff members.
School Improvement and Student Progress
Dr. Harris highlighted the school’s use of a 30-60-90 day improvement cycle, emphasizing continuous monitoring of student growth. Recent data shows promising progress:
- Kindergarten early literacy proficiency increased from 61% in the winter to 93% currently.
- First-grade reading proficiency remained steady at 75%.
- Second- through fifth-grade reading proficiency grew from 45% in the fall to 55% in the winter.
- Math proficiency across all grades showed modest improvement, increasing from 66% to 67%.
- Attendance rates remain strong at 94.8%, just shy of the school’s 95% goal.
While the number of discipline incidents has increased compared to last year, Dr. Harris noted that improved data analysis has allowed the school to provide better support for students and staff.
In closing, Dr. Harris expressed her gratitude to the board for their continued support. “Thank you for allowing me to serve in this very special community,” she said.
APR Review
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Melissa Miller presented the Excelsior Springs School District’s Annual Performance Report (APR) during the March 11, 2025, school board meeting, providing an overview of how the district is evaluated by the state and highlighting key areas of progress and improvement.
Understanding APR and Accreditation Scores
The APR serves as the district’s “report card” from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and is a crucial factor in determining school accreditation. Under the Missouri School Improvement Program (MSIP 6), the district’s accreditation score is based on two main components:
- Performance Score (70%) – Includes student achievement, growth, graduation rate, and post-graduation follow-up.
- Continuous Improvement Score (30%) – Measures how well the district is progressing in key areas over time.
For the 2024 report, Excelsior Springs earned an overall APR score of 73.7%, with 63.9% in performance and a strong 58 out of 60 possible points in continuous improvement. The only area where the district fell short in continuous improvement was attendance, which remains a challenge.
Student Growth and Academic Focus
Dr. Miller emphasized that while overall performance is important, the district prioritizes student growth. “We focus on growth, not just scores,” she said. “Everyone in the district is an instructional coach, and every educator is a reading teacher.”
Key findings from the district’s data include:
- Growth points are becoming harder to earn as student progress increases year over year.
- Vocabulary development remains a major district-wide initiative, as stronger vocabulary skills are linked to overall reading success.
- The district uses the Star assessment to track progress throughout the year, allowing teachers to make real-time instructional adjustments rather than waiting for state testing results.
Projected MAP Performance and Testing Challenges
The APR report also included projected MAP performance data, with Star assessments providing an accurate estimate of how many students are on track to be proficient. While Star testing has proven reliable in predicting MAP scores, Dr. Miller noted that students tend to experience more test anxiety during the MAP test, which can affect outcomes.
“Students don’t feel as much pressure with the Star test as they do with MAP,” she explained. “MAP testing takes two weeks, is exhausting for both students and teachers, and comes with a lot of technology and procedural challenges.”
To help reduce testing fatigue and anxiety, the state is introducing “testlets”—smaller, more frequent MAP-like assessments administered throughout the year. Some Excelsior Springs schools, including Elkhorn Elementary and Cornerstone Elementary, are piloting these assessments.
Next Steps and Future Initiatives
Looking ahead, Dr. Miller outlined key areas of focus for the district, including:
- Expanding vocabulary initiatives across all grade levels.
- Exploring the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in education, including its potential uses for teachers and students.
- Improving attendance rates, which remains an area of concern.
She also highlighted the district’s use of student progress snapshots, which provide a clear visual representation of a student’s growth over time. These reports are shared with families during parent-teacher conferences, making discussions more meaningful by showing actual student progress rather than just test scores.
“Parent-teacher conferences are more data-driven now than ever before,” Dr. Miller said. “Families get to see exactly how much their child has grown, not just whether they’re on grade level.”
Miller stated the district will continue monitoring progress and making instructional adjustments to ensure ongoing student growth and success.
Superintendent’s Report
Superintendent Dr. Jaret Tomlinson provided key district updates during the March 11, 2025, Excelsior Springs School Board meeting, addressing upcoming schedule changes, financial planning, and long-term funding concerns.
April Board Meeting Rescheduled
Dr. Tomlinson announced that the April board meeting has been moved to April 22, 2025, due to scheduling conflicts with the election certification process. He encouraged board members and the community to take note of the date change.
End-of-Year Calendar Updates
With winter weather disruptions now accounted for, the last day of school for students will be Thursday, May 22, which will be a full day. Staff members will have their final workday on Friday, May 23, which will serve as a designated check-out and cleanup day. If additional inclement weather occurs, adjustments may be necessary.
District Leadership Team Meeting
Dr. Tomlinson shared that a District Leadership Team (DLT) meeting is scheduled for the following week. The team, which includes administrators, teachers, classified employees, and a board representative, will discuss salary, benefits, and other district matters.
Transition to a New Board Management System
With BoardDocs— the district’s current board documentation platform— being discontinued, the district will transition to a new system this summer. More details on the rollout will be provided to board members as the migration process progresses.
Financial Report: Caution Amid Uncertainty
Dr. Tomlinson provided a financial update, reporting that as of February 21, 2025, the district has realized 71.6% of its expected revenues and 57.6% of its planned expenses.
However, he cautioned the board about significant uncertainties surrounding state and federal funding.
“There is no one in this state who can tell you where the revenues will be this year,” Tomlinson said, highlighting concerns about state adequacy targets (SAT) and potential reductions in federal funding.
He warned that if federal and state funding declines, the burden will increasingly fall on local funding sources. The district will have to make tough decisions on whether to increase local funding or face significant cuts to programs and services.
While he remains optimistic about the district’s expense management, the unpredictability of year-end funding, particularly federal reimbursements, makes long-term planning challenging.
“We need some luck,” he said. “We need strong returns from the state and for federal reimbursements to keep coming.”
Looking Ahead: 2025-26 Budget Planning
Preliminary discussions for the 2025-26 budget are already underway. Dr. Tomlinson emphasized the need for fiscal responsibility, noting that while requests for additional funding are being considered, departments and schools will be expected to stay within their existing budgets unless critical needs arise.
“If you make poor choices in October, don’t come crying to me in March,” he joked, stressing the importance of early planning and accountability.
The district expects the next fiscal year to be a more “normal” financial cycle, as major construction costs for Lewis Elementary phase out, reducing the large financial swings seen in recent years.
Conclusion
Dr. Tomlinson assured the board that while challenges remain, the district is tracking well financially and is prepared to adapt to funding fluctuations. The board will continue monitoring budget trends closely as the fiscal year progresses.
Approval of Health Insurance
Board unanimously approved a new health insurance plan for the district during its March 11, 2025, meeting. Superintendent Dr. Jaret Tomlinson presented the plan, which includes a 4.98% rate increase and an upfront $177,535 payment to secure a 10% discount on an assessment levied by the district’s insurance consortium, the Missouri Educators Unified Health Plan (MEUHP).
Insurance Consortium and Financial Impact
Excelsior Springs is one of approximately 100 Missouri school districts participating in the self-insured MEUHP program. The consortium experienced a financially challenging year, resulting in assessments for all member districts to cover costs and improve cash flow. Without the district’s upfront payment, the assessment would have been $197,261.
Dr. Tomlinson emphasized that the district’s financial contribution helps keep employee premium increases lower. Without the assessment, employees could have faced a 20-25% premium increase instead of the 5% adjustment approved by the board.
“Health insurance is not getting cheaper or easier,” Tomlinson said. “This is one of the biggest expenses in our budget after salaries, and we have to make strategic decisions to keep benefits affordable for our staff.”
Challenges in Securing Alternative Coverage
The district explored other insurance options but received no competitive bids due to a high loss ratio from the previous year. Dr. Tomlinson explained that insurance carriers were unwilling to provide quotes unless the district accepted a 30% increase, making MEUHP the best option for 2025-26.
Looking Ahead
Dr. Tomlinson stated that the district will closely monitor its health insurance performance in the coming year. If the district has a “healthier” year, it may consider reevaluating its insurance provider for future cost savings.
The board’s 5-0 vote finalizes Excelsior Springs’ participation in MEUHP for the next plan year. The district’s full assessment payment is due by April 30, 2025, to secure the 10% discount.
Northland CAPS Program
Following community concerns and confusion over the apparent cancellation of the Northland CAPS program earlier this month, the Excelsior Springs School Board confirmed during its March 11, 2025, meeting that all 19 students accepted into the program will be fully funded for the upcoming school year. However, the board will review funding guidelines moving forward and consider placing a cap on the number of students the district supports in the future.
Unexpected Demand Creates Budget Dilemma
Superintendent Dr. Jaret Tomlinson explained that the district originally budgeted $40,000 to cover 10 students in the program, estimating a cost of $4,000 per student. However, this year, 19 students applied and were accepted, doubling the anticipated cost to $80,000.
“Historically, we’ve only had single-digit participation,” Tomlinson said. “This year, interest surged, and we weren’t prepared to double the budget without board input.”
The increase in applicants was partially due to other school districts opting out of Northland CAPS, freeing additional spots for Excelsior Springs students. While the district’s high school counselors worked to fill these openings, the financial impact was not immediately addressed, leading to confusion among students and parents when funding appeared to be cut.
Conflicting Communication Adds to Confusion
Although Tomlinson stated during the meeting that the decision to cut the program was never finalized, email communication obtained by The Citizen suggests otherwise. Correspondence between a parent and school officials, dated March 3, 2025, indicated that a final decision had, in fact, been made to cut funding, adding further uncertainty to the situation.
Board Commitment to Supporting Accepted Students
After discussing multiple options, board members unanimously agreed that all 19 accepted students will be allowed to participate this year.
“We don’t want to penalize students who already went through the application process and were accepted,” board president Tray Harkins said.
The board will revisit the program’s funding structure in June once the budget for the 2025-26 school year is finalized.
Read more about the Northland CAPS funding decision and community response here.
Approval of Administrator Staff Reduction
In an effort to reduce costs, the Excelsior Springs School Board voted 5-0 during its March 11, 2025, meeting to eliminate one assistant principal position at the high school following the promotion of current assistant principal Doug Baker to Activities Director beginning the 2025-26 school year.
Financial Impact of the Reduction
Superintendent Dr. Jaret Tomlinson explained that the district evaluates every vacancy to determine if refilling the position is necessary. In this case, administrators determined that the responsibilities of the outgoing assistant principal could be absorbed by the remaining two assistant principals and the high school principal.
By not replacing the outgoing assistant principal position and restructuring district leadership, the Excelsior Springs School District anticipates significant administrative cost savings in the next fiscal year. With Superintendent Jaret Tomlinson set to retire, incoming Superintendent Mark Bullimore will assume the role at a lower salary, contributing to overall reductions. Combined, these changes are expected to save the district approximately $150,000 in administrative expenses compared to the current year.
Increased Workload for High School Leadership
While the decision helps the district’s budget, it will increase workloads for the remaining administrators.
“The high school is not excited about this,” Tomlinson admitted. “It’s a lot more work for them.”
With fewer administrators, responsibilities such as teacher evaluations, discipline, and student support will be distributed among a smaller team. Teachers may also have to take on additional responsibilities, such as handling student behavior issues without immediate administrative support.
Balancing Cost Savings and Staff Needs
Tomlinson acknowledged that administrative cuts can put additional strain on staff but noted the importance of financial responsibility, especially given ongoing funding uncertainties at the state and federal levels.
“We know education staff is already stretched thin,” Tomlinson said. “But with school finance getting tighter, these are the kinds of decisions we’re going to have to make more frequently.”
Tomlinson also warned that without additional revenue—such as a proposed local levy increase—the district may face more difficult budget decisions in the near future.
“If what we see right now happening with school finance and national finance continues, these are the types of questions and decisions you’re going to have to make on a monthly basis because it’s going to get extraordinarily tight. You know, there is a levy up this spring. If that levy passes, that will allow us to at least stay competitive with salaries against our neighbors. If it doesn’t pass, you’re going to have these conversations a whole lot quicker,” he said.
Decision Can Be Revisited
While the board approved the reduction, board president Tray Harkins noted that the district could revisit the decision if necessary.
For now, the district will move forward with a high school leadership team consisting of one principal, two assistant principals, and one activities director.
Board Member Vacancy Discussion
The Excelsior Springs School Board has outlined the process for filling the vacancy left by Troy Snelling, who recently resigned following controversy over comments he made.
Timeline for Filling the Vacancy
- March 28 – The board will officially post the vacancy.
- April 11 (3:30 p.m.) – Deadline for applications.
- April 14 (5:30 p.m.) – Board of Education work session to review applications. The board will determine whether to interview all applicants or select finalists.
- April 16 & 17 (6:30 p.m.) – Candidate interviews will be held in an open session if necessary.
- April 22 – The selected applicant will be notified and sworn in during the regular board meeting.
Election Loser Could Apply for Vacancy
Interestingly, the timeline of the application process allows the candidate who finishes third in the April 8 Board of Education election—where incumbents Tray Harkins and Kalyn Goode will face challenger Anna Sue Spohn for two open seats—to apply for the vacant position, potentially giving them another opportunity to join the board despite losing at the ballot box.
Term Length and Election Process
The appointed board member will serve until April 2026, at which point the seat will be up for election for the remainder of Snelling’s original term. This means the appointed member will have the option to run for re-election in December 2025, with their seat appearing on the April 2026 ballot.
In that election, two separate ballot options will be available:
- A one-year term (to complete Snelling’s original term through 2027).
- A standard three-year term for regular board seats.
This means the appointee could potentially be on the ballot two years in a row if they choose to run for the one-year term in 2026 and then later pursue a three-year seat in 2027.
Board Encourages Thoughtful Consideration
Board members emphasized the volunteer nature of the position and encouraged potential candidates to research the responsibilities of serving before applying.
“If you are going to sign up to run for the Board of Education, please do your research on what you are getting into,” board member Kalyn Goode said. “It’s not just sitting up here for two hours once a month—it’s a lot more than that. You really have to love kids, love Excelsior Springs, and love this district.”
The vacancy posting will be available on the district’s website starting March 28.
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