School Board Finalizes Conference Switch, Greenlights Firefighter Equipment Grant, and Outlines Board Vacancy Plan

Cornerstone Report

Cornerstone Elementary Principal Jessica Broadbent presented a comprehensive update to the Excelsior Springs School Board on Feb. 11, highlighting academic achievements, student engagement initiatives, and school culture improvements.

Academic Excellence and Authentic Learning
Broadbent emphasized the school’s commitment to effective teaching and learning, outlining authentic learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom. She shared how students engaged in hands-on lessons, such as examining pig hearts in a science unit on the circulatory system and exploring a mobile book library to enhance literacy comprehension.

Additionally, the school has implemented high-impact instructional strategies through the “Big 3” initiative, focusing on three key reading and math skills per grade level. Teachers reinforce these skills through weekly spirals and periodic assessments, ensuring students build strong foundational knowledge throughout the year.

Building a Collaborative Climate and Culture
Broadbent highlighted the school’s emphasis on connection, both among staff and students. The school has introduced student recognition programs, including incentives like serving as a principal’s assistant or DJ for the day, while continuing traditions such as PBIS rewards and the “Tiger Walks” teacher collaboration initiative.

Attendance remains a top priority, with classrooms that achieve a 95% or higher attendance rate earning the opportunity to participate in “Picnic with the Principal” celebrations. The school’s current attendance rate stands at 94.01%, despite seasonal illnesses impacting student presence.

Engaging Families and the Community
Cornerstone Elementary has expanded family engagement initiatives this year, hosting events such as:

• Spooktacular STEAM Night, blending science, technology, engineering, arts, and math.
• Grand Family Night, celebrating intergenerational connections in education.
• Veterans Day Recognition, which honored local service members through classroom visits and student-led tributes.
• Student of the Month Breakfast, where families join to celebrate students recognized for exemplary character traits.

Battle of the Books Encourages Literacy
The board also heard from students participating in Battle of the Books, a school-wide reading competition. The program encourages students to read up to 12 books per year and test their knowledge in a district-wide contest.

“Battle of the Books has made me want to read more outside of school,” shared Evie Arnold. “I’ve even started watching movies based on the books we’ve read.”

Broadbent concluded her report by celebrating the hard work and dedication of the Cornerstone Elementary staff, who she said play a vital role in fostering a supportive, high-achieving learning environment.

Midland Empire Conference Membership

Read more about the switch to the Midland Empire Conference by Clicking Here.

The School Board approved a move to the Midland Empire Conference (MEC), effective for the 2026-27 school year. The decision came during the board’s Feb. 11 meeting, with a 5-1 vote in favor of the switch. Board member Traci White cast the lone dissenting vote, voicing concerns over travel, classroom time, and the speed of the decision.

Reasons for the Move
Activities Director Eric Marshall presented the Midland Empire Conference invitation, highlighting key factors behind the recommendation. A survey of Excelsior Springs High School head coaches showed 14 in favor, three wanting to remain in the Suburban Conference, and two indifferent. Additionally, conversations with student-athletes reflected alignment with their coaches’ preferences.

Marshall outlined the primary benefits of switching to the MEC, including:

• Postseason Alignment – MEC schools compete in similar Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) classifications, offering fairer competition.
• Middle School Athletic Structure – Unlike the Suburban Conference, MEC allows seventh graders to participate in middle school athletics, which could strengthen development.
• Scheduling Flexibility – The single round-robin format in the MEC allows Excelsior Springs to build a more competitive non-conference schedule.

Concerns Over Travel and Instructional Time
Board member Traci White raised concerns about increased travel distances, noting the average travel increase of 200 miles per season. She also questioned whether losing classroom time due to longer road trips aligned with the district’s educational priorities.

“We talk about time in the classroom as a key focus for our district,” White said. “If we adjust schedules for travel, kids get home later, and then how effective are they the next day?”

Superintendent Dr. Jaret Tomlinson acknowledged the challenge but emphasized the district’s ability to problem-solve. Marshall also noted that efforts would be made to schedule conference games on Fridays to minimize class disruptions.

A Divisive Yet Decisive Vote
Several board members cited strong support from coaches, student-athletes, and some parents as factors in their decision. One member noted that students and parents had actively reached out about switching conferences.

While White pushed for more time to evaluate the move, the majority of the board felt confident in the decision. Excelsior Springs will replace St. Pius X in the MEC, joining Cameron, Maryville, Savannah, Benton, Lafayette, Bishop LeBlond, and Chillicothe.

With the vote finalized, Excelsior Springs will remain in the Suburban Conference until 2026, before officially transitioning to the MEC.

2025-26 Career Center Enhancement Grants

The Excelsior Springs Area Career Center received approval from the school board on Feb. 11 for a state enhancement grant to replace outdated self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBAs) in its firefighting program. The board unanimously approved the funding request 6-0.

Critical Equipment for Firefighter Training
The SCBAs, commonly known as air packs, are essential safety gear for firefighters, providing clean, breathable air in hazardous environments. The career center’s current equipment is 15 years old and will no longer meet certification standards after 2025, meaning students would be unable to train with them.

“This equipment is vital to the integrity of our firefighting program,” said Career Center Director Ben Rubey. “Without these air packs, students won’t receive the training they need for certification and real-world firefighting scenarios.”

Grant Funding and Financial Considerations
The career center secured a 75/25 state enhancement grant match, covering $50,700 of the total $67,600 cost, leaving the district responsible for $16,900. Rubey explored alternative options, such as renting or purchasing used SCBAs, but determined that both would be more expensive in the long run and would not qualify for grant funding.

Ensuring Safety and Longevity
The newly approved Air-Pak X3 Pro Bundles include a warranty and annual servicing, ensuring longevity and reliability. Rubey also assured the board that if the state reimbursement fell short, he would return for further discussion before proceeding with the purchase.

Board Member Vacancy

The board discussed the process for filling a board vacancy during its Feb. 11 meeting following the recent resignation of Troy Snelling. The board will formally take action next month, but President Tray Harkins outlined the steps the district will take to appoint a replacement.

There was some confusion among board members about whether the appointed board member would serve for one or two years. However, according to Missouri law (RSMo 162.471) and the Missouri School Boards Association (MSBA), the appointed individual will serve only until the next school board election, at which point a successor will be elected to complete the remainder of Snelling’s unexpired term.

The board did not specify when the position will be posted, but once announced, the district will accept applications for at least two weeks. The board will then interview applicants in a public special meeting, with an appointment being made from the pool of candidates. The selected individual will assume full board member responsibilities, including ethics training and state-mandated certification requirements.

The board will vote on the official course of action in March, ensuring the vacancy is filled before the next eligible election cycle in 2026.