001Look. >> Thank you. Our next next up is recognitions. Good evening. So, I'm excited to introduce you to Miss Olivia Huff. She is a preschool student in Miss Ashley Deward's four and 5-year-old preschool classroom. And this is what Miss Deard said about choosing Olivia for a portrait of a grad for January for competent. She said that Olivia is a kind and compassionate student. She is a bright light in the classroom. She is eager to participate and so funny. She takes great pride in her work and is always up for a challenge. She has no problem initiating interactions with peers and adults and she is a good friend and a delight to have in our class this year. I have to say from my own perspective, Olivia is one of the very only preschoolers I've ever
002had experience with that within the first week of school we got her out of the carline and she was like, "Hi, what's your name? I'm Olivia. How you doing?" Like she asks you questions. She's such she really is a bright light and really exciting and we're so happy she made it just from dance class to here today. So Olivia Huff is our portrait of grad for Jan. For our portrait of grad for February, empathetic. This is Miss Whitley Ostein. And I have Miss Danielle Chevaria, her preschool teacher, and Miss Lisa Brryley, her classroom pair, here today to tell you why she was chosen for empathetic. >> Hi. We chose Whitley. Um, Whitley was selected as our portrait of her graduate for empathy due to her gentleness and compassion towards her peers. When she sees someone
003who is hurt, she checks in by asking if they are okay, patiently waits for a response, and often offers comfort through a hug or a gentle pat on the shoulder. When she notices someone who is upset, Whitley will approach them and ask if they would like a friend to play with. Whitley's ability to recognize others emotions, acknowledge their feelings, and offer support is a skill that can be challenging for many preschoolers. She truly sets a wonderful example for others. >> Good evening. I have two uh students from North tonight as well as Mrs. our kindergarten teach one of our kindergarten teachers. Miss Frank unfortunately couldn't make it tonight, but I will start with Miss Lydia Gregory, our first grade student uh who earned the portrait of graduate for confidence. Here are a few words for
004Mrs. Frank. When I think of confidence, I automatically think of Lydia. Lydia is full of creativity and personality. She truly believes she can do anything. It never even occurs to her that she cannot do something. What I love most about Lydia's confidence though is how she applies it to everyone. She cheers on others with the same belief that she has in herself. The confidence in herself and her classmates make our whole classroom braver a braver place where everyone believes in themselves a little bit more. Congratulations, Lydia. And Miss Dolins is going to speak about at our kindergartner, Addie Brashley, our February student of the month. All right, I have the privilege and pleasure to introduce Adeline Brashler. Um, Addie is such a bright light in our classroom. While I could have easily chosen her for
005any of our portrait of a graduate character traits, her empathetic nature and caring heart is evident in all that she does. She is kind and thoughtful and puts the needs of others first. and she's able to put herself in other people's shoes, which is something that's really tricky for a kindergartenner to do sometimes. I'm so grateful to have her in my class family. Congratulations for Tiger of the Month, EMPATHY. >> Good evening. I have our January winner for comments, Maddox Johnson, and Miss Croer's here to celebrate him. Confidence is believing in yourself even when something is hard, new, or even scary. Maddox shows this every day. He believes in himself and is often the first to raise his hand to answer questions and share ideas. He is quick to help his peers and is a
006wonderful leader who sets a positive example. I've had the privilege of watching Maddox's confidence sprout and grow through both summer school and into kindergarten. And it's been truly special to see. Beyond the classroom, his confidence shines on the wrestling mat and the baseball field. I'm very proud of him and can't wait to see where his confidence takes him next. And for February, we have Miss Taylor Tree. Miss Mcgulli is not able to be here, but she shared these kind words. Taylor is the definition of empathy. From the very beginning of the school year, I've seen her heart win in all situations. When a friend or classmate needs help, has dropped supplies, or just needs cheering up, Taylor is there setting the best example. She works well with everyone, striving to be fair and kind in
007everything she does. She listens intently to all just to show how much she cares. Taylor is always there to give a hug, smile, or encouraging word, somehow reading exactly what someone needs in the moment. I'm sad that I can't be there to share these words myself because this girl deserves all the recogn recognition and more. I could go on and on, but I'll narrow it down to the these final words. The world is a much brighter, caring, more understanding place because Taylor is in it. Keep shining your light and letting your heart guide you. I'm so proud of you. All right. I am here to present East Portrait of a Grad student of the month for January and February. We're going to start with January is first grader Vera Hansen who was chosen for the
008trait of competence. Um her teacher, Miss Jerry Wilson, is here. Um Vera's in first grade and Miss Wilson is going to say a few words about Vera. When deciding to find um a student with the perfect trait of confidence, it is Vera. She in everything she does exudes confidence. When she walks into the room, she always asks other kids what she can do to help them because she knows she can. Um the same with any kind of errands around the school. She knows she can get there. And I believe if any of you need to take a vacation, she would be more than happy to take over because she's that confident that she could do it. But she also leads with a a servant's heart and she is kind. And if I could give her
009every trade that we have, I would. And she probably will get them eventually. But Miss Verna Hansen is also sunshine. So I am so happy to have her and blessed Okay. Um, East Portrait of a Grad student of the month for February's trait of empathetic is kindergartener Jameson Finnegan. Um, his teacher, Mrs. Cell could not be here tonight, but I do have something from her to read about Jameson. Jameson shows empathy every single day. He doesn't just think about himself. He thinks about everyone around him. Throughout the day, Jameson notices when a friend is feeling sad, frustrated, or left out. He takes the time to check on them, offer kind words, and help them solve their problems. What makes this even more special is that his kindness isn't just for his classmates. Jameson also shows
010care and concern for the adults he meets at school. He pays attention. He listens and he wants others to feel happy and supported. Jameson, I am so proud of your kind heart and the way you look out for everyone around you. You truly deserve to be recognized for being empathetic. Love, Mrs. Cell. Good evening. I am so honored to be here um along with their families and teachers to recognize our two students from West Elementary for January and February. Uh for January for confident, this is first grader Maddox Anderson along with his teacher, Mrs. Gross. and I'm going to let her stand and say a few words about Maddox. >> All right. Maddox brings big confidence to our first grade classroom. He's not afraid to share his thoughts, jump into new activities, or raise his
011hand sometimes before I'm even done asking the question. His confidence is contagious and encourages others to be just as bold and brave in their learning. And our student for February for empathy is kindergartner Parker Gan with his teacher Mrs. Farre. And I'm going to let her share a few words. >> This is Park. Oh, can I touch it? It won't make a sound. Okay. >> There you go. Parker shows kindness everywhere he goes. He always has a smile on his face and he always tries to make other people feel better even when they're having a rough day. I wish everyone could be like Parker because he makes my job so enjoyable and way easier. This is Parker. All right. So, Ozark Middle School is uh honored to present Silus McKini for our confidence award uh
012for our student of the month. And Mr. Duggar is here to say a few words about Silus. >> Trailblazers team at MS is extremely excited to recognize Silas for confidence. Silas is a confident fifth grader who approaches each day with a positive mindset and a willingness to try new things. He believes in his ability. He learns from his mistakes and doesn't give up when something feels difficult. His confidence inspires those around him and helps create a classroom environment where everybody feels encouraged to grow and succeed. >> All right. And for our second uh student of the month, we are so excited to present Bailey Hutchinson for empathy. And she has uh Mr. Johnson here to speak on her behalf and the rest of the team. We brought a whole trio. Well, we're honored to be
013here with Bailey Hutchinson because this young lady truly embodies empathy daily. She's quick to listen, slow to speak, and truly values others more than herself. I mean, she often can come enter a room and and find the students that not that are not at their best faster than even us as teachers. And she's quick to rally alongside them and give them the support they need. She makes our team better at Ozark Middle School through her high character and leadership and really leading the way with empathy. Bailey, you make our team much better. Thank you for supporting others. All right, for the junior high, we actually were able to pick two staff members kids. And what better way to recognize a great staff than to also recognize their children. So, we went with the theme here.
014Um, our first student is Casey Cordell. He's an eighth grader. This was sent in by his team, but more specifically by Miss Wolfen, your English teacher. Casey exudes quiet confidence. He comes into class each day prepared, not just with his materials, but with the right mindset. He is ready to learn, and just as importantly, ready to help others learn, too. He consistently makes positive choices, even when it would be easier to follow the crowd, which takes real strength at this age. Casey works hard, participates thoughtfully, and treats people with respect. He's an excellent student and a role model whose actions quietly encourage others to be better. He is such a great kid. So that's Casey Cordell. And then next we have Harper Allered. She is someone whose empathy shines in everything she does. Oh, this
015was sent in by Miss Jenkins. Okay. She is one of the first to notice when another student is down and tries to give them a word of encouragement. Harper is always willing to help other students without even being asked. Her kindness feels genuine and effortless. She is so supportive of all of her peers and is a great role model. Uh, Annabelle Brown is so confident that while we're in line, I told her that she was the one that was going to have to give this speech and her response was, "Fine, I can do it." U, we all know that uh, confidence for a high schooler can be tricky. Um, especially confidence for a teenage girl. Uh, one thing I've loved about Annabelle since I have known her is her ability to speak with adults, to
016carry on jokes, to communicate uh, with anyone, anytime, anywhere. Uh, her job is one that she has to carry a lot of confidence with. Um, and, uh, Annabelle Brown is Finley's January nomination for the trade of confidence. And February is Kaylee Youngman. Uh, empathy. Uh, the empathy characteristic in Kaye shines through every day. Uh, Mrs. Stein said in our business class, uh, Kaylee shows empathy in always reminding the other students in that class to look at things from another student's perspective or to try to put themsel in their shoes. Um, and Kaylee is one of our uh, sweetest, patient, most kind student almost to the point where we've had conversations about how too much empathy can also be a problem. So, uh, Kaylee is February. Thank you, KAY. We've got two uh, amazing young men
017uh, from OS to recognize tonight. um both seniors. Um unfortunately Lucas couldn't be here tonight, but our January student for confidence is Lucas Edwards. You guys had a chance to meet Lucas during a presentation earlier and I think would agree he's a very confident young man. But here's what his teachers had to say about him. Lucas represents confidence in the very best sense of the word. Whether presenting to the board of education, serving as an academy ambassador, or participating in class, he carries himself with a certain assurance that is both noticeable and inspiring. In the classroom, Lucas consistently steps forward to guide group work, volunteer for challenges, and include others in the process. His enthusiasm, positivity, and sense of humor help bring people together, and his peers naturally look to him as a leader. Lucas
018shows us that true confidence is not about standing above others, but about being secure enough to lift others. Lucas is outstanding representative of Ozark High School and is with our state wrestlers tonight uh uh cheering them on. So Lucas Edwards, our February student is senior Levi Gant representing the trade empathetic. We are proud to recognize Levi for demonstrating the portrait of graduate trade of empathy. Levi serves as a leader in our band, and anyone who has worked with a group of that size knows it takes patience, awareness, and a genuine care for others to keep so many moving parts working together. He's consistently kind, accepting, and considerate of his classmates, treating everyone with respect and support. When this year's marching season was cut short due to weather cancellations, Levi showed true character, lifting the spirits
019of those around him and helping the group stay positive and focused. Levi leads by understanding others and we are proud to celebrate him tonight. Levi G. Yeah, there's so much clapping. Very good. I'm trying. I was still adjust. Yeah. Yeah. I'm not close to my 10,000 steps. A little bit. This is killing me. >> It's all right. Did you make your 10,000 steps already? Did you make your 10,000 steps already? >> I was gonna stand up during during our session and I was full. >> Exactly. I know. I'm doing the same thing. >> I'm going to be up late tonight. >> All right. >> I'll be on the bike late tonight. >> Next. Next on the agenda is request for public comment, but we didn't have anyone sign up. So then the next item isformational
020items. It is donor recognition. Um, and is Dr. Gray here or you're going to do it? >> So, with the donor recognition, we had two uh this month that we're recognizing Ozark Christian Church. They donated $470 worth of $10 gift cards for students, staff, and their families, and they gave them to each of the um elementaryaries. And then Castlewood Senior Lev, they had um it was a bingo night. I believe it was uh some type of bingo night to where all the proceeds where they want to go to outstanding meal balances for our students. >> Yeah, >> we thank them for that. That is awesome. >> All right, next up is report superintendent update. >> Yes. I just I wanted to quickly bring up um could you bring up the county map really quick? I
021want to talk about Senate Bill 3 just for a moment just to put it on the forefront of everyone's thoughts. Just as a reminder, this is the uh county map that shows the counties that um from a property tax could be zero uh no change to the current law. It could be a 0% county or a 5% county. And as if we remember this uh bill was passed back in June and a to keep the chiefs I believe in our state of Missouri. Um unfortunately I'm not sure that that's happening but we are still feeling the repercussions of this bill. So um it is now if you'll go to the next one please. So, uh, as a group, as the as Christian County, uh, we are going to be impacted by this bill. And what
022we want to do is to inform people of what the ballot will be on April 7th. Um, this has been vetted by the school attorney, our school attorney, as well as Nyx's school attorney. You can see at the bottom all of the various logos that are on this that we have come together twice and we will again next week to uh put together a document that represents all because it each it impacts us in various ways. And so um it it was it was enlightening to hear how each each one is going to be impacted. But you can see the ballot language on there. You can see Senate Bill 3 in Christian County. And we are having we have uh talking points. But then what we want to do on each side of this and
023part of this we needed to get uh we needed to finish this pretty quickly because um NIXA had parent teacher conferences this week and they wanted to put this in front of their parents. And so the goal is is that we have the talking points because we know that we cannot ask or tell people how to vote. we can only inform. Okay. And so we want to inform them. But on the back side, each person or each entity is going to tailor how it specifically will affect their own uh district or their own taxing jurisdiction. So you can see that we have the fire departments on there. We have the Christian County Senior Fund. Um, we have CC Links, Ozark, Nixa, Spokane, uh, Clever, Chadwick, and the Sparta Trojans. And I just wanted to bring
024this to the forefront because this is going to be on the ballot on April 7th. And this will um 100% reduce the amount of revenue that our school will take in if it passes. Um, as you know, we are uh working through the courts to to determine if this is a constitutional law. But I want to go back and just give you a couple of numbers that if um this this past year, the residential assessed valuation was 510 million almost 511 million. If this passes, it will go back to 2024, which is 454 million. So on this document it says that some will will result in flat funding and potentially a reduction. We will be one of those that will have the reduction. Um >> and that will be on the back of ours. Absolutely.
025Um and uh at this point we are estimating anywhere between you know 1.8 to 2.3. But I part of the problem with this that we've already talked about from the with the assessors is that I believe the bill says parcels of land and it also says homesteads and there's not a definition for those right now. And so we will have to work with the county assessor to determine what they determine what parcels are and what homestead means. Okay. And um just as a reminder that this is only for residential. It is not for commercial. Um, but it will have an effect if it goes into law. >> So, I'll I'll add something on this. It and if you read this language, it looks it looks pretty generic and which is probably has to be because
026all these other organizations are on there, but uh for those watching online or for those here, uh, what it really means is we'll we'll lose about $2.4 $4 million estimated per our expert finance person who's I don't think he's here tonight but >> and that's like worst case scenario >> but we like to look at the worst case here. So the worst case is 2.4 million which if you understand our budget the majority of our budget goes towards teachers. So if we if we lose that we can figure out some way to to cut something out of there but it it has to come out of some kind of salary. So if you understand our budget, we can talk talk to anyone who want who wants to see that. Um we got a budget award,
027one of the only one of the few >> uh >> in the state of Missouri, >> few in the not not just Missouri but across the country. So we were one of the few in Missouri that got this award across the country uh because of our excellence. >> And you just got to understand that if this passes there will be significant impact, negative impact to our to the U district here. Dr. Wilson, isn't it true kind of piggy back off of James that when the legislature passed this legislation which will take fund I mean in essence take funding from us there has not yet been anything proposed any way for us to replace that funding? >> No sir, there's nothing um that has been proposed to replace that funding. No. And you know, part of
028not part of it, but the the bad part is is that you have you have counties that are our neighbors that were a no change county. And so as their assessed valuation goes up, they which you know goes to property taxes for the schools, they will continue to be able to try to cover inflation, try to cover salaries. Um, unfortunately, if this passes and it's not found unconstitutional, we would be at 2024 um for a very long time until we would have to go to the voters and ask for a potential tax increase and then they would reset. And and just to clarify, it does not apply to new buildings or to if somebody purchases a new to them home, even if it's a, you know, not new home, but >> it would reset when
029someone is sold when it is sold. So the person that buys the house would be assessed the new valuation. It would go to like the 2026 evaluation valuation. >> Somebody >> Yep. >> and then frozen at that level. >> I'm sorry. >> And then frozen >> and then it would freeze again. Absolutely. Okay. >> So then you've got multiple tax years happening. >> Um and that would be difficult for the assessor also. >> Have you heard anything about the leg the legal battle going on about it? >> Not yet. >> I'll add one more thing here that the way to look at this is that you know not only you're getting a cut but now it means that every year you know the average person gets a little bit of a pay raise uh to
030keep up with inflation right? So cost of goods goes up every year. Well, if we don't get that, our our costs go up. Our costs continue to go up with what a major piece is healthare, health insurance. >> You know, we want to keep if we don't pay teachers more, then we're actually paying them less because, you know, their costs go up, but they don't get any more. So, if we're not doing that, then they're actually getting less. Uh, and now we're getting less revenue, so we can we can't continue to pay those those obligations. So, it's kind of a lose-lose situation for us. And unfortunately, I don't see state revenue going up anytime soon either. >> And thank you for talking about this at chamber today at uh Dr. Wilson and educating the business
031community on this. >> Um and also I think we've seen worst case scenarios where our school could lose accreditation within five years if this continues >> from a financial aspect >> and the state would come in and take over. >> Yep. If once once you get to uh three 3% in your fund balances, >> then yes, that's when the state would come in. And if if something doesn't change, you know, and we've got we've got years to figure this out. But um yeah, that is a a harsh reality. >> Can you remind me real quick? We we know a lot of our funding comes locally. >> Um what does what does Missouri rank as far as state funding? Just so everybody I want >> 49th. Yep. State funding we rank 49th. So if you want
032a good school and you choose to do so, usually you have to fund it locally. And we had somebody who does not live local >> put us in this position as a point. >> Um >> 100%. >> Yep. >> Whereas we are at zero, but Republic for example is still the same. So, they will possibly be able to offer raises that we couldn't. >> And you know, um just as a a side note to that too is that um not every district, not every entity will feel the same hurt with this. We have been very blessed in Christian County that our assessors have kept up with um inflation to the best that they can and our assessed valuations have gone up. So, we have been blessed for the past few years on that. There are
033counties um that that did not happen. So if this if this passes for them, the impact may not be as harsh for them because their assessed valuations have never gone up for us because our assessors and our county collectors have been so proactive. It will be um it would have a detriment to us. >> Yeah. Shout out to Danny Gray. >> That's right. >> Do what? >> Shout out to Danny Gray. >> Shout out Jeremy, >> he probably doesn't get that off and now it's Jeremy Burns. Um, thank you for that update. >> All right, looking at district reports, are there any questions, comments, >> so I noticed that that baseball field looks pretty good. >> Is that is that good to go now? Is it What's the What's the What's the the ribbon cutting
034get on that? >> Oh, that's a good question. Sorry to put you on the spot there. >> I thought you were getting your trying to get your steps in. >> We do a walkth through on the turf tomorrow so we could practice. We had dead week this week so no practice for baseball triyouts will start mummy. The turf is ready to go. >> Nice. >> Uh both dugouts have been painted. The press box has been painted. the visitors batting pages which our freshman and JB will use was turfed today by our guys. Uh the hill the drainage ditch on the third third base line that UAK last month will be done tomorrow. He will seat it and straw it tomorrow. It's got a good ridge so it should be a good seating area for everybody.
035Uh concrete behind the third base dugout will come to make the entrance all concrete with no gravel. And then the tiered sitting seating behind first base hillside will be done towards the middle of March. So we uh January moved pretty slow. February has been a good month. If you've been driving by, you've seen a lot of progress. I need to give a shout out to our operations team. >> They have done a lot of it. And I was gone for three days. I came back and I left a list of things to do. They went above and beyond. So those guys have done a great job. >> Good leadership. They've got good leadership. So thank you for what you've done. >> Done a great job. >> Yeah. Mark. Mark as well. Mark does a great
036job. >> Yeah. >> Awesome. Awesome. >> Yeah. >> Right. We appreciate that. All right. Next up, we have future dates. You guys can look at that. Looks like up first, March 10th, we have MSBA advocacy day. Um, I think several of us are going to attend that and then meet the candidate will be right around the corner. So, you can see that through the end of the through the end of June. All right. Next up, I will entertain a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented. >> I'll make a motion to approve the consent agenda. >> I'll second. Motion by James, second by Ryanne. All in favor, passes unanimously. Okay. And then next up is new business. And then we have second budget revision. And we've got Lori. Due to the change in the
037date, um Dr. Gray had already had another event tonight, so he wasn't able to do this. And so he asked if I would cover it and I said, "Sure." I said, "I can read off a spreadsheet just as well as the next person can." Um, so if you'll go to the expenditures, February 2026 expenditures. What we're trying to do is just um adjust the items that we know such as we at the beginning of the year, we do not know what our federal money is coming in and so we now know what these are. So from our expenditures um we had carryover from the prior year. So if you can look it says uh budget adopted and then revised budget one and so you can see that we are revising the expenses out of this
038for to uh 13,000. You can also look at travel for title uh and if you just scroll down you can see that it also has some additional carryover. You can also see food supplies. we received a grant I mean award and so the expense is on this side but on a different uh there's 17,000 on another spreadsheet for revenue and then also you can see the title one homeless uh fuel we also um moved some money around for that. So those were the main expenditures. Um when I came, we changed budgeting just a little bit to where we didn't make everything at a zero budget. And so we don't go through and say budget equals um actual expenses. We want to see the variances. So, um I'm not a huge budget adjustment person and so
039uh they have accepted that and have done well and so but these are the things that are beyond our control that we know are the correct numbers and then um the the revenue you can see there's a few more in these and these are mainly just our revenues from taxes um when the budget was approved back in June We did not know if the tax transfer was going to pass. So we did not put that in the budget. Okay. So this is adding the amount into the budget. Um you can also see the actual collected due to levy transfer. I mean that's the reasons for that delinquent taxes. We've adjusted that. Um and some of that is moving from debt service to operating because of the 20 cent levy. um e-ate. We thought that we
040were going to get $199,000 for dark dark fiber lease, but this year it wasn't allowed, but he said that next year it will be allowed. Um we also are very very grateful that um we are taking advantage of the preschool grant and you can see the difference that our budget adopted was $369,000 but we are hoping to receive $813,000 and so that allows more students to be um in preschool. Uh we did receive a feminine hygiene grant. Uh we also have some additional revenues with the carryovers for title. And then you'll see that we had budgeted. Um we were going to get we have the energy credit that we were supposed to get and we did receive it. Um we had initially thought that it was going to be 2.8 but due to the government
041and what um any changes that they've made, it actually came in he he budgeted or he thought it was going to be 2.156 but it als it came pretty close to $2.2 million. And so those are the changes in expenses and revenues that we are asking you to approve. If you look, and we don't have to open this, but you will also see what you were talking about earlier with our um mater excuse me, meritorious budget award. And so he has updated that. So if you wanted to go through and look at the entire document, you can. It's also we also have what the checklist is. There is for that document. it is when you make the budget amendments, we need to update update that, but then it also carries over so that it makes
042life easier in June when we adjust and and um finish out the budget year. So, we are asking that you approve the uh second budget revision as presented. So, the the budget um >> I should have asked for an >> the revisions are on the little spreadsheets are in the in the 125 page document. >> Yes, they are. >> And just for I I think this is true that the tax levy transfer the extra 2 million that's kind of a one-time deal, right? >> Yes. >> Okay. So, just people don't >> That's what I wanted to ask. We we advertised that on the ballot that that was going to be what paid for the teacher salary increases that ha that happened right even though we didn't have that money in our pocket when we approved
043it in June like you said then it passed in August >> and and the teachers did get salary increases >> and and they did get those salary increases that I've assured people that many times they're always asking me did that really happen I'm like yes it did I just wanted to make sure Going back to what I should have done, I will enter a motion to approve the second budget re revision as presented. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Motion by Dustin and second by Rayanne. Do we have any other questions for Lori? >> Okay. >> I will just point out that that budget document, you know, it's great reading 125 pages. But in I mean in all seriousness, I mean I think a few years ago it was only 10 or 12 and it's
044you can see why it's why you get an award for that. It's pretty significant. >> It is so much better. You can actually see what's happening and where the dollars are going. That's the way it's supposed to be. >> Yeah, it's it's great. It's great. >> Okay. All right. All in favor? Passes unanimously. Right. Next item on the agenda. I would entertain a motion to approve the boundary adjustment east of Highway 65. >> Second >> motion by Matt, second by Dustin. All right. Now we can open it to discussion. And are you presenting on this as well? >> I am. I have all three tonight. >> All right. Okay. Um, as stated, we would like for you to approve this uh targeted boundary adjustment. This recommendation reflects enrollment trends, class size, equity, and anticipated potential
045residential growth. You can see on this document, the circled area that is all well, excuse everything in red is east of 65 and everything in the is west. So, east of 65 goes to north and west, you know, goes to west. And the area that I have circled, that is a small portion that goes to west and we would like to be able to move that portion back into North. Um, you know, districtwide the enrollment has declined over the past few years and North has experienced um quite a bit of that decrease. Um, it has declined by 88 students over the past five years. West has increased for a while, but then it's remained stable and our lower grades are the ones that we are starting to lose students in. Um, what this has h
046what this does is it causes an imbalance of the classrooms and the staffing. And so we're trying just to make it more equitable for North U to have a little bit larger classes and also to lower the class sizes at West. Um, also if you'll notice, it does give us a nice little dividing line between uh north and excuse me, between the west side and the east side. That's really hard when I'm saying west and east, but they go to north. That's a little difficult. But um also we have looked at there are there is one big uh residential area that's going to be built or we think is going to be built in that area and if we left it at that with this that one residential area would be split between two elementaryaries
047and we do not want that. So I can answer any questions that you might have but um we would like to for you to approve this tonight. Have the affected families been notified? >> They are going to be notified as soon as you approve it. They're going to have phone calls tomorrow >> as well as um I think that the west and the north will reach out to them and then there will be occasions that they will invite them in as either if they want individual tours or something that's special for them to come in um to learn more about North. Yes, >> we we talked about this last week, so I don't have too many questions, but I would like to just for the record ask how many students that affects. >> I think
048that it affected approximately 40 students. >> I thought you said 32, but >> 32. 32. >> Yeah. Yeah. 32 is what I think you >> Okay. And I know we have some principles in here >> from not to not to call anyone out, but from any principal standpoint, do you have any any opposition to this? You know, I'm sure I'm sure you brought it up earlier, but or thoughts, you know, not to want to make sure we get all the get all the inputs here. >> Yeah. So, I think Dr. Dr. Wilson hit the nail on the head that we are experiencing a steady decline uh in enrollment at North which is kind of unusual. The outgoing classes are much bigger than the incoming classes. And so this boundary adjustment even if it's 30 or
04940 kids kind of helps us even maintain a little bit. But even there with our biggest class, fourth grade leaving and us gaining students, our enrollment is still going down a little bit. So um it just makes the most sense. These families live the closest to North um and so we'll be super excited to host them. So >> and you're going to roll out the red carpet for them? We're going to invite him to Night of the Arts. We've already got a plan. >> Yeah. So, >> well, and based on the enrollment report that we got in our packet, I mean, West has 615 kids, North has 466, and West is the largest elementary school by quite a big number. Correct. So, to help balance that out, this this feels like it might it's necessary.
050>> And it's a natural divide there, too. >> Okay. Thank you. Yep. >> Okay, we're ready to vote. All in favor? Passes unanimously. All right, the next item on the agenda um based the committee had recommended naming the baseball field the Mike Essich field. So, I will entertain a motion to approve that and then we can discuss it and we can look at the other options if you'd like. But I'd entertain a motion to approve that. >> Motion to approve the baseball field naming. >> Motion by James, second by Rayanne. And um I'm sure everybody's read that they narrowed it down to two, but their recommendation and it shows you the vote and who was on the committee. The recommendation is to go with the Mike Essic field. >> Is there any discussion about I
051mean Lori were you part of this? >> I was. I was. >> Can you kind of can you kind of discuss what I mean how this >> Yeah, there was there was a a lot of discussion on that. Um, and we brought in, I think you can see in the report that we brought in multiple people uh throughout the community that we thought would uh give us a good cross-section of um especially with the baseball. And you know, the conversation really did center around why we want to do this and um and and somebody some somebody had asked, well, why do we want to do this now? Um and we do have two fields that are named um over excuse me by over someone but you know right now with the future of Ozark baseball
052we're making a huge investment in this and we want to set the legacy >> and Mike Essi is a legacy and naming the field now creates a direct connection between the program's history and its future and it honors the individuals who helped build the foundation that made today's investment possible. Um the conversation was Mike Essich and the top two was Mike Ess and Mark Wheeler and um we had conversations both times and there were you can see by the vote that the majority wanted uh Mike Essexfield but I can tell you that we knew we needed to bring two um names to you and they could live with either one of them but they wanted you to know which one they preferred. heard the most. Okay, not that Mark Wheeler wasn't any more worthy. Um,
053but they do believe that coach Essi left a lasting contribution to the um program of baseball and that when you truly think of Ozark baseball, the first person that always comes to mind is Coach Essi. And we want to honor that and we want to honor the tradition and build upon that in the future with the new field. >> All right. >> I think part of the um the committee was supposed to be a student. Was there a student on that? >> Yes. And he did. He came in and had conversations and and we specifically asked him what he thought and and I said, "Do you know Coach Essic very well?" And he said, "No." He said, "But he said, I know my coach talks about him all the time and that when we are
054um trying to play or we're going to have school spirit or we we're going to that this is Ozark, it's like what would coach Essex do? How would he lead this team? How what does that make you feel?" And um that's how he he knows Coach Ess because of everything that has been spoken about him. >> And Mr. Kirkman was on the committee. And if you want to add something, >> uh, I I was just going to say, you know, the the committee, it was I got to kind of sit back and listen. Um, for the most part and and the the people on that committee are highly respected. They've been here. They were been here when, um, some of the programs started and etc. And the the hardest part was you were really, I
055think, talking about two very deserving people, right? And I think, you know, if you asked them to vote today and then again in a week, I think they'd be conflicted from time to time on how to do it because both of them are so uh very u they've been such a big part of the Ozark history and the Ozark tradition. And I think the how they landed more so on uh Mike Essic field was because uh Mark had a u a huge impact on Ozark. I don't think anybody would ever disagree with that in any way, shape or form, but um it was really about when you narrowed it down to like baseball specifically, right? And um I think it was hard for for him. They were back and forth and and and it was
056great discussion. >> It was >> um and and the thing that I noticed in the room was >> the passion for Ozark, the history, the pride, what it means to be um a part of those programs. And I think that's what they wanted to convey to the kids coming through the program of what this is what to kind of live up to in a way that this is what was the foundation was laid before you and um and this is what we want you to lay the next path for the next bunch of students and kind of kind of do that piece. So um I know both of them both of them are outstanding people. Um so uh I'm I'm good with both to be honest with you. But um Mike, if you if you
057think about it, Mike is synonymous with Ozark baseball. I mean, he is he is Ozark baseball. >> It's his legacy. >> When we first moved here, um or I first got the job as an assistant principal, Connor was 16 and um they allowed him to play on the traveling team that summer and it was a great experience for him. Um, but I can tell also tell you that he learned a lot and he learned to respect baseball and he learned to respect Coach Essich. Okay? And I think that's that says a lot for him because when they came off the field or when they graduated, whether they agreed with what he did or not, they respected him and they knew that he was the face of Ozark baseball. >> Okay, it's good enough for me.
058Are we ready to vote? All right. All in favor? Passes unanimously. >> Thank you very much. That's that is a great honor. Thank you. >> All right. Um actually now I will entertain a motion to exit open session and go back into closed. >> So moved. >> Well, he's got to read it. >> Yeah. I make a motion to adjourn to executive close session under RSMO 610213. I have a motion. Uh second motion by James, second by Dustin, and that will need to be roll call. >> Yes. >> All right. Thank you guys for coming. We are going to go back and meet. Thank you all and good night.