The school board convened for their monthly meeting Tuesday, February 14th, 2023 to discuss a variety of issues related to district operations and student wellbeing. The meeting included updates on Proposition Lewis, proposed playground additions at Cornerstone Elementary, adoption of an amended budget, and the abandonment of several new programs at the Career Center due to rising costs of construction and budgetary limitations. See the full summary of the meeting below.
Employee Hires/Resignations
Classified Employee of the Month
Excelsior Springs Board of Education recognized nurse Michelle Krier as the February classified employee of the month for her exceptional care and dedication to the students and staff at the middle school. Michelle was nominated by District Head Nurse Laney Marshall, the award is sponsored by Excelsior Springs Hospital.
Missouri School Board Association (MSBA) Video Report
Magic School Bus(es)
Dr. Mark Bullimore provided an update on the recent bus accidents in the district, stating that they were not the fault of their drivers or the transportation service provider. The district highlighted the safety training and procedures that their drivers undergo regularly, including weekly safety meetings and monthly training. The transportation team is monitoring areas of high congestion and has increased the visibility of police officers to help with traffic flow.
In addition, the district discussed its transportation operations, revealing that they currently run approximately 2,400 miles per school day and an additional 25,000 miles per year for activity trips. However, they are currently short-staffed, with only 34 drivers operating 38 total vehicles, meaning that in the case of sickness or absence, other staff members are required to drive. The district is currently discussing ways to be more competitive with other districts in terms of driver pay to ensure buses are covered and trips are completed as scheduled. The district will provide further updates on this as they develop proposals.
Gimme Shelter
The school board is working with Jeff Kinsey to finalize a memo of understanding with the city that outlines everyone’s roles and responsibilities when utilizing the FEMA safety rooms. This not only includes the Cornerstone location but also a potential new location at a new Lewis. The district is collaborating with the chief of the Police Department and chief of the fire station to ensure all expectations are met. Additionally, the district is developing a standard operating procedure for using these facilities and will seek legal approval before presenting it to the school board for approval at the March board meeting. The district aims to keep the public updated on the progress of this collaboration.
Shy of Cameras
The school district is working with Dr. Andreessen to enhance security at the ECC by adding cameras to the back of the building. The cameras will provide additional visibility and help ensure the safety of students in that area. The board also discussed the potential for using these cameras at a new Lewis location if it is built, to keep track of students in that area. The security upgrades are part of the board’s ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of all students in the district.
Hungry for More
The school board provided an update on the district’s food service participation numbers. They reported that the district is currently eight percent above the regional average for lunch service, which is considered outstanding. However, they acknowledged that there is still room for improvement in breakfast participation, especially with an upcoming food service contract negotiation. To make the district more attractive to potential contractors, the board is exploring new ideas, such as grab-and-go breakfast and in-classroom breakfast options. They are also planning special events and programs to boost participation numbers. The board hopes these efforts will help ensure that the district receives competitive bids for food service in the future.
It’s Windy at the Top
The school district is developing a draft for a career ladder plan to be applied to teachers, which will cost approximately $1.25 million, with a state reimbursement of 60%. The plan would provide funds for teachers for tutoring, committees, and other initiatives that benefit students. The district has already met with the Professional Development Committee and is set to meet with building administrators for feedback before presenting the plan for approval in April. However, the state will not appropriate the funds until June, so the district is keeping their fingers crossed for approval.
A Decent Proposition
The school district has launched a website for Proposition Lewis, and a rendering of the proposed project can be found there. The district is encouraging people to share the information on social media. The Lewis Pals received an overview of the plan at a meeting with Dr. Thomas. The district is planning to host a luncheon program in March to speak with seniors about the project. On March 1, there will be an open forum and tour of the Cornerstone building. Stakeholders will be able to tour the Lewis building and ask questions. On March 3, staff members will be briefed on the dos and don’ts of discussing the proposition.
Making the Grade
Dr. Melissa Miller is working on a new curriculum and instruction handbook to address the lack of basic processes in the district, including a curriculum cycle and grading philosophy that haven’t been revisited since 2011. The new handbook is already 65 pages long and will be followed by a literacy framework to address struggling readers. The district is sending teachers and instructional coaches to various places to better understand map testing and assessment opportunities offered by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
We Love Technology
Dr. Miller gave credit to the tech department for providing all students with the necessary devices for remote learning. The administrator specifically recognized John Coleman for ensuring that all students have access to the correct technology, such as an iPad for elementary students and a Chromebook for middle and high school students, and that every teacher has a MacBook. Despite the challenges of working with grants, the tech department worked hard to complete the deployment quickly.
We’ve got Spirit
Schools within ESSD celebrated their 100th day of the school year with various Chiefs-themed activities. In February, a professional development committee sponsored a mental health and wellness week called “take care of your selfie.” Dr. Miller called out Elkhorn Elementary which is known for going above and beyond for their students, as seen in their recent photo of workout Wednesday where students and teachers wore vintage 80s gear.
Student Services Update
Dr. Heather Gross shared updates on the Student Services Department, highlighting the recent confirmation of the December count for individualized education plans (IEPs) and the department’s current position with 335 students on IEPs, which is in line with the expected threshold. The department is also focusing on providing interventions to students who may have missed instruction during COVID and ensuring that students are not unfairly labeled with disabilities. The department is also working on meeting federal regulations through tiered monitoring and external initiatives. The department is also working on a parent education survey and compliance grading. As for resident 2 students, there are currently 19, which is higher than last year, but the district will continue to provide them with the necessary support and services. Despite the higher cost, the district will receive reimbursement for these students and their services.
Solutions for those in Need
The Excelsior Springs School District is preparing for its April tiered monitoring, which will include an annual title evaluation meeting for parents and school personnel to discuss student services and plans for the next school year. Dr. Gross said the district has seen a significant increase in non-public schools attended by students within the district, from one to eight, which may require additional funding for Title Services. Currently, the district has 94 homeless students, which is in line with the expected number based on the percentage of free and reduced population. There are also a number of McKinney-Vento situations, in which students lack permanent housing, including being doubled up with another family or being an unaccompanied youth. Gross added that the district has two English language learner students and a successful gifted population.
Children’s Fund
Dr. Gross highlighted the District’s involvement with the Children’s Fund sharing that ESSD will be working to expand Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (rewards programs for students) to revamp their schools and address behavior needs in each building. Gross said the Children’s Fund still prioritizes prevention, but there are interventions available for children as well.
As reported last spring, Organizations that provide youth services and school districts within the county are encouraged to apply and benefit from the Children’s fund. With access to children’s health services, strategically the services being on site can reduce barriers for children getting the services they need for better health. For the 2022-23 year, Excelsior Springs, Kearney, Liberty, Missouri City, North Kansas City, and Smithville school districts were awarded a total of $7,353,654 in funding. The largest percentage of funding is being put toward prevention programs, counseling and therapy, and intervention programs.
Money Talk
Acting Superintendent Jaret Tomlinson reported that the school district started the year with three million dollars less than the previous year but was able to slow down spending and catch up with the previous year’s finances by December. The district also received more revenue than anticipated due to a successful year of collecting taxes in Missouri. The goal is to finish the year above the red line on the cash flow chart and manage reserves for future years.
Raise Your Hand if You’re Here
According to Acting Superintendent Jaret Tomlinson, attendance in schools has improved greatly, with high schools performing exceptionally well. Although the 90-90 numbers are still not ideal, overall attendance numbers have increased, which can be attributed to the staff’s efforts to make programming more relevant and the principals prioritizing attendance.
Proposition Lewis
Dr. Tomlinson reemphasized the importance of Proposition Lews and making sure that the taxpayers understand the ballot initiative. He stated that Proposition Lewis is about the authority to move money from fund three to fund one. This will allow the school to afford lease purchase costs to build a new elementary school. The tax rates will not increase, and people’s overall taxes will be the same regardless of whether the proposition passes or fails. The main question is whether voters want a new Lewis Elementary or not.
Request for Amended Budget
The board discussed the approval of a budget amendment for the school district. Dr. Tomlinson explained that there were several discrepancies between the adopted budget and the working budget. One example he gave was transportation, which was underfunded by $700,000. He said the budget amendment presented was a snapshot of the current situation and noted that the budget is a moving target and changes frequently. The original adopted budget was $40.7 million, while the working budget increased to $42.7 million due to unexpected expenses. Dr. Tomlinson asked for the board’s consideration in approving the amended budget as presented.
How’re things at the High School?
Cristen Everett, the principal of Excelsior Springs High School, spoke about the philosophies and goals of the high school. She said the high school is focusing on having high expectations for staff and students, improving attendance, and building students’ capacity to understand their next steps after graduation. The high school is also focusing on improving students’ ability to decode informational text by teaching reading in all classes. The high school has implemented incentives for attendance, such as quarterly attendance incentives, and academic awards banquets to celebrate students’ achievements. Teachers and staff are working to decrease the F rate and increase its graduation rate. Everett said rewards and initiatives have been successful, as shown by its high number of 4.0 level students and students with high EOC and ACT scores. She emphasized that the community has been supportive of the school’s initiatives, donating funds for prizes and other incentives. Overall, she said, the school is working hard to ensure its students are successful and prepared for their future after graduation.
Student Council Elections
Four Students from the High School Student Council spoke to the board. Paige Crowley, Chloe Carlyle, Madeline Andreasen and Reese O’Dell. Andresen explained to the board that the student council is implementing a new way of electing the President and Vice President by involving the entire student body and 8th graders, except for seniors. The system is based on an Electoral College style in which each grade receives a different number of votes based on their participation in the student council. The highest number of votes is given to the most active members. Andresen said the new system aims to involve more students and co-sponsors in the election process to give more voices and opinions.
Career Center Updates
The Director of the Career Center, Mr. Rubey, discussed an enhancement grant that could help offset the high cost of machinery and equipment in their programs. He said the state offers opportunities for enhancement grants that will cover part of the cost of the equipment requested, and the center needs to submit an application explaining why they need it and how they will use it. Mr. Rubey explained the need for new workbenches in their carpentry and construction program, a new tire changer in their automotive program, and an upgrade for the Vex V5 hardware in their middle school PLTW program for automation and robotics. The estimated total cost for these equipment purchases is $59,000, with the district’s out-of-pocket expense maxing out at $19,000 after reimbursement from the state.
New Programs Derailed
A proposed plan for a new field house and program additions to the career center have been abandoned due to financial issues. The original plan included the addition of three programs to the career center, the building of a new weight room, and a facility for physical and occupational therapy. However, the construction costs were much higher than anticipated, with bids coming in at over $4.2 million, almost double the original budget of $2.2 million. As a result, the project is not financially viable, and the school board is pivoting in a different direction. They plan to focus on some upgrades in the long-range plan for the career center, such as the building’s facade, restroom improvements, and concrete work. The school board will still evaluate program additions moving forward but notes that it may not be possible off of this building project due to the high cost of construction. The school board still plans to invest in the weight room facilities, which have not been updated in over 20 years. They will work with a company that specializes in these facilities and come up with a plan to resurface the flooring and purchase all-new weights. While the proposed plan for the new field house and program additions may be revisited, it is not currently financially feasible. The school board will focus on improving facilities within their budget and will not overspend on the project.
Playground Additions to Cornerstone
Cornerstone Elementary’s assistant principal, Jessica Broadbent, proposed a plan to update the school’s playground. The plan includes additions such as soccer goals, bucket balls at different heights, a Sun Shade funded by the PTO’s Color Run, picnic tables, and a basketball goal. Insight design created renderings for the proposed updates. Broadbent said the playground updates will cost no more than $15,000.
Wired Differently
Dr. Melissa Miller proposed updates to network wiring in their high school and middle school. After seeking bids from two companies for two separate projects, the technology director recommended that the district goes with a bid from Two Trees Technologies, as they have a history of working with the district. The overall project cost is $45,653, which will be partially funded by grants with a remaining cost to the district of $9,570.60.
June Board Meeting Rescheduled
The June 2023 Board of Education meeting was rescheduled from the 13th to the 27th. The change will allow for better financial preparation and enable the board to close out its books and prepare to start the new fiscal year on July 1st.
The Excelsior Springs Board of Education meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Support Services Building in Room 8, 113 Line Street.
School Board Recap PDF provided by ESSD
We keep the local news free thanks to advertisers and individual contributions!
- Excelsior Springs Weekly Horoscopes – Jan 20-26, 2025
- Excelsior Springs Addresses Ongoing Trash Collection Challenges
- Drive to Thrive: Empowering Young Adults with the Gift of Mobility
- Citizen Leadership Academy Accepting Applications for February Launch
- Area Residents Get Rare Chance to Observe State Appellate Court in Action
- Citizen Pet of the Week: Marley
