Watch a full replay of the Oct. 8 School Board Meeting on the Excelsior Citizen YouTube Channel.
EXCELSIOR SPRINGS, Mo.—The Excelsior Springs School District Board of Education met on October 8, 2024, to discuss district initiatives, approve financial matters, and review progress on academic and construction projects. Before the meeting, board members toured the construction site of the new Lewis Elementary School, which is set to offer state-of-the-art learning spaces when completed.
Consent Agenda Approvals
Board President Tray Harkins called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. at the Support Services Center. The board approved several consent agenda items, including minutes from the September 2024 meetings, bills, and financial reports. Resignations of district employees were also accepted, notably Melissa Roberts, a custodian, and Steve Richardson, a maintenance worker, who will retire in January 2025. The substitute list for the 2024-25 school year was revised, and several contracts were approved, including a cooperative agreement with Job Corps and a partnership with Quality Plumbing to support the district’s scoreboard.
Lewis Elementary Updates
Dr. Jill Comstock, principal of Lewis Elementary, provided an in-depth building report that highlighted the school’s academic progress and student engagement. She presented updates on the Building Improvement Plan and shared STAR Reading data, showcasing areas of student achievement. Dr. Comstock also shared efforts to build a positive school climate through initiatives like Positive Office Referrals, which recognize students for good behavior.
Students Madalyn Woods, Bentley Harvey, and Alana Loy spoke about their participation in the school’s Safety Patrol program, where they help ensure student safety before and after school. The board commended the students for their leadership and commitment.
Academic Services Report
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Melissa Miller delivered an academic update that emphasized the importance of creating and maintaining a strong learning culture. She outlined changes in the district’s teaching and learning strategies over the past three years, focusing on key areas like reading proficiency. Dr. Miller presented STAR Reading assessment results and discussed the implementation of Reading Success Plans for the 2023-24 school year. While there were many highlights, she also addressed some challenges in student reading levels that the district is working to improve.
Additionally, Dr. Miller provided updates on several district-wide programs, including the Battle of the Books for elementary students and a high school internship program designed to give students real-world work experience. She also noted progress in the use of Canvas for middle and high school classes, as well as the ongoing success of personal finance and health classes.
Community Survey Results
Superintendent Dr. Jaret Tomlinson asked the board to discuss a recent community survey, which sought input from district residents on various aspects of the school system. The full survey results were emailed to parents on Oct. 10 and offer some insight into community perspectives on district performance. The board discussed the results of the telephone surveys during the meeting. View or download the full survey results that were emailed to parents below:
Transportation Program Evaluation
One of the key discussion items was the Transportation Program Evaluation, presented by Dr. Mark Bullimore, Deputy Superintendent. The board reviewed and approved the evaluation, which assessed the efficiency and effectiveness of the district’s transportation services. The board moved the transportation evaluation from the consent agenda to the discussion section to allow for a more thorough review.
Recognition and Personnel Updates
Cornerstone Elementary nurse Cassie Schutte was recognized as the district’s Classified Employee of the Month for October 2024, honoring her dedication and service to students and staff.
In the closed session, the board approved several personnel changes, including the hiring of Scott Guilkey as Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Operations for the 2025-26 school year. The current District Superintendent, Jaret Tomlinson, is slated to retire at the end of this school year, and the current Deputy Superintendent, Mark Bullimore, will take his place.
Guilkey is the current superintendent of Orrick R-XI School District, a role he’s held since July 2022. Prior to that, he served as the principal of Braymer High School from 2019 to 2022. Earlier in his career, Guilkey worked as a social studies teacher at both North Kansas City Schools and Ozark High School, teaching a variety of history and government courses. He also taught at Springfield Catholic High School. He holds a Master’s in Educational Administration and a Bachelor’s in Social Science Education, both from Southwest Baptist University.
Next Meeting
The board adjourned the meeting at 8:12 p.m., with the next regular Board of Education meeting scheduled for Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. at the Support Services Center.
For full details and official meeting minutes, see the agenda below:
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