February Board Meeting

The Thayer Board of Education met in regular session on Thursday night, February 11th. Present were board members Mr. Franz, Mr. Ward, Ms. Carhart, Mrs. Tucker, Mr. Fink, Mr. Underwood, and Mr. Croney, the building administrators Mr. Justus and Mr. Hedden, and Superintendent Rod Priest. Guests included Mrs. Cotham, Mrs. Young, and Mrs. Steffins.

The board reviewed the financial reports and approved to pay the bills in the amount of $136,093.26.

Mr. Priest shared with the board information on current legislative issues including Sen. Purgason’s proposed constitutional amendment to do away with personal and corporate income taxes and replace them with sales taxes, legislation on open enrollment, and ethics. The Superintendent shared with the board concerns on how overall reduced revenues in the state will affect public schools. This included the Department of Education’s request for $43 million of supplemental appropriations to fully fund the current year’s foundation formula. As of this date the governor was not able to find funds to meet this request. Possible additional withholdings for the current year are possible in addition to the governor’s announced withholdings on February 5th. These withholdings of $73,775,354 included a $2,043,710 cut to the state’s Parents as Teachers Program for the current year.

Mr. Priest added, “It is currently estimated that the next year’s state budget will use approximately $900 million of federal budget stabilization funds. Thus, for FY 2012, it is estimated that the state will be facing a beginning deficit in the neighborhood of $1 billion before netting the gain or loss between revenue growth and basic spending increases. With public education receiving nearly a third of all revenue in the state, we face a funding cliff and public education will not escape cuts if a new funding source is not found.” The constitution of the state of Missouri requires a balanced budget.

In other reports the date for the Distinction of Performance banquet has been set at Missouri University of Science and Technology on March 23rd. This is the fourth year in a row that the Thayer School District has received this honor.

Mrs. Cotham presented to the board revisions to the district’s Comprehensive School Improvement Plan to address the students’ needs, especially in the areas of Instructional Strategies, Special Education and Attendance. And, Mrs. Young presented to the board an addendum to the Professional Development Plan that will address the Comprehensive School Improvement Plan.

Mr. Justus presented the Title I evaluation. Title I is a federal program to serve disadvantaged children. The district provides interventions to 92 students with 2 certificated teachers, a preschool program with a teacher and an aide, and 4 teachers used to reduce class sizes.

The board was given a list of board policies to be discussed at next month’s meeting that reflects changes in legislation.

Attendance for the High School for January was at 95.4% and year to date at 94.2%. Mr. Hedden informed the board of the incentive contest that was helping promote perfect attendance not only as individuals but at the grade levels. Enrollment stands at 223 for High School and 93 for Jr. High. Mr. Justus gave attendance for the Elementary school at 93.9% for January and 94.18 YTD. Enrollment for the Elementary stands at 390.

The board voted to offer contracts to the Elementary and High School Principal.

The next regular meeting will be held on March 11, 2010 at 7:00pm in the high school library.