School Board Recap: Parents Speak Out Against Violence

Excelsior Springs School Board Meeting Summary – October 10, 2023

Recognitions:

• Amy Jeffers, Recovery Room assistant at Lewis Elementary, was honored as the October Classified Employee of the Month.

MSBA Delegate Report:

• The Board watched the October MSBA Board Report video.
• Mr. McKown, the MSBA Delegate, reminded the Board about MSBA’s Annual Conference from November 2nd-4th at the Kansas City Convention Center.

Visitors’ Forum:

• Jacob Smith shared concerns about a perceived lack of transparency in regard to the recent gun incident at the Middle School. Smith said parents and the community deserve to know if the school district adhered to their handbook policy.
• Diane Elliott expressed her worries regarding violence and drug issues at the High School. Elliott’s grandson was the alleged victim of a bathroom brawl at the High School earlier this year.

Cabinet Reports:

1. Academic Services Report by Dr. Miller:

   • Evaluation of Teaching
   • Star Assessment Results and Elementary Comparison by Grade
   • Individualized Intervention Plans
   • Field Trips and their relevance for middle and high school
   • Overview of Wit & Wisdom.

2. Human Services Report by Dr. Everett:

   • Updates on Special Education, including a 3-Year Monitoring Cycle Review and counts.
   • Anti-Bullying Education and Initiatives
   • Introduction of PBIS and Panorama as Social Emotional Tools.

3. Operations Report by Dr. Bullimore:

   • Safety & Security enhancements funded by a $200,000 grant.
   • Overview of Food Service.
   • Updates on 22-23, 23-24, and Staff Attendance.

4. Superintendent Report by Dr. Tomlinson:

   • Discussion on a recent meeting with Clay County Commissioners about Senate Bill 190.
   • Updates on Tennis Courts repairs, Lewis Elementary construction, Property Tax Revenues, and plans for Facility Upgrades in 2024 and 2025.

Discussion/Action Items:

1. High School Building Report by Dr. Wickham:

   • Insight into Tiger Culture, Community, Attendance, Class of 2024’s progress, future destinations of graduates, Academic Performance, Instructional Practices, and upcoming events.

2. High School Video Board Proposal:

   • The proposal from Daktronics Sports Marketing for a stadium video board was approved as presented.

Personnel Approvals (Closed Session):

• Anne McKeever, Ashley Grower, Carl Owens, Lori Bush, and Melissa Miller were approved for various positions and roles within the district. Avrie Christiansen was approved as the 9th Grade Women’s Basketball Assistant Coach.

Next Meeting:

• The next regular Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 14th, at 6:30 p.m. at the Support Services Center.