001All right, good evening everybody. Welcome to our December regular board meeting. Um before we get started, let's all rise and do the pledge of >> allegiance. [clears throat] [snorts] I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Glad we warmed it up for everybody tonight so it's not as cold. So, um, let the record show that all board members are present except for Mr. Kairens this evening. Uh, board before you have an agenda. Can we get a motion to approve? >> So move. >> Second. >> All those in favor? >> I. >> Okay. Agenda carries. Dr. Bion up first. Terrific Tigers. >> Thank you. [cough] [clears throat] As we call your name, students
002come up and parents get pictures. >> All right, first up, Early Childhood Center. Gier Kirby, PreK, son of Joshua Kirby, Senior, and Deja Summers. [applause] Dier shows responsibility and leadership within the classroom. He consistently participates in group learning and offers answers to the group. Jier shows leadership by following class rules and setting an example for his classmates. He shows a love and enthusiasm for learning every day. [applause] Like what do you want out of me? [laughter] >> Next up, Alma Elementary. Adeline Jackson, first grade, daughter of Derek and Laura Jackson. [applause] Adeline is truly wonderful to work with each day. She shows kindness to others, offers to help without being asked, and always approaches tasks with dedication. She has a fun and friendly personality, and her strong work habits make her a valued member of
003our classroom. [applause] Next, Blanchard Elementary. Princeton Criddle, first grade, son of Samantha and Aries Criddle. [applause] >> Boys need to be >> Princeton is an outstanding student. He is helpful, considerate, kind, smart, always eager to learn, and has a permanent smile across his sweet little face. He is a dream student and everyone's best friend. Way to go, Princeton. Blanchard is proud to call you our terrific tiger. [applause] Clifford Elementary. Christian Perez Salinus, fourth grade, son of Amelana Solinus and Tomas Perez Velasco. [applause] Christian is the perfect example of a terrific Tiger. He always goes above and beyond in everything he does. He works extremely hard on his schoolwork and is always following school expectations. He's always willing to lend a helping hand whenever it is necessary. We are so proud of Christian and happy to
004have him at Clippford. [applause] Franklin Elementary Lake and Milsap first grade daughter of Kennedy Carol and Kendall Milsap. [applause] Leaken consistently goes above and beyond in everything she does. From writing prompts and art projects to math quizzes and spelling tests, Leaken's hard work shines through. Her positive attitude, willingness to help, and eagerness to try her best motivates those around her. Leaken is a true role model in our classroom and school community, and we are thrilled to recognize the wonderful example she sets each and every day. [applause] Jefferson Elementary. Shear Martin, first grade, son of Chanel Wilkerson. [applause] Shamar is always on tasks, listens carefully to directions, and follows them the first time without hesitation. His quiet confidence sets a positive example for his classmates, and he brings a strong understanding to every subject we explore.
005He approaches each lesson with curiosity and determination. Shamar is truly a joy to have in class and his hard work never goes unnoticed. [applause] [snorts] Central Middle School. Elijah Feifer, fifth grade, son of Danielle and Christopher Feifer. [applause] Elijah Feifer is a bright, well-rounded student who shines in the classroom. He learns new concepts quickly, asks great questions, and always puts forth his best effort. His curiosity, work ethic, and natural leadership truly set him apart. On top of that, he's kind, caring, funny, and brings joy to those around him. Elijah is a true terrific tiger and a wonderful example of values we celebrate at Cape Central. >> [applause] >> Terry W. Kitchen Junior High. Alexia Parker, seventh grade, daughter of Ranada Cola. [applause] Alexia has been an invaluable help in the choir and music classroom. She
006consistently assists with leading by example and putting chairs away after choir each day to prepare the room for the next class. She has been a terrific student, always willing to support both the teacher and her classmates. [applause] Central High School Noah Caldwell, 12th grade, son of Janelle and Keith Caldwell. [applause] Noah is an outstanding young man who loves learning and helps others learn. He's very nice and polite kid who will stop and speak to teachers in the hall even if he does not currently have them in class. Noah is an empathetic, kind student who helps make Cape Central a better place. [applause] Central Academy Tasa Williams, 12th grade granddaughter of Donna Collier. [applause] Tasia is an excellent example of what it means to achieve at Central Academy. She has come into our building with a
007smile on her face, determined to succeed, and with such a positive attitude. She volunteers for tasks, asks answers questions, and leads the class in discussions. She is an active member in JAG and the Explorers program. We cannot wait to see what Tasa does with her skills in the future. [applause] And then from November, Central Academy, Aasia Clemens, 11th grade, daughter of Tiana Fleming. [applause] >> I know there was two more in the audience. If you guys want to come up >> here, boss them around. Tell them what to do. I wouldn't want to leave. >> I know. [laughter] >> She don't have to, but >> she don't want to leave her mom. >> That's right. [laughter] [clears throat] >> All right. Of course he was. [laughter] >> Oh my god. [laughter] >> [applause] [applause] [clears
008throat] >> All >> right. And then Dr. Bon, up next we have all state band. >> Yeah. Yes, please come back. >> Yeah. Mr. Hart is our uh band teacher. He's going to talk to you a little bit about Lamar. >> Lamar, I'm sorry. It's all right. Kind of. [laughter] >> I just real quickly wanted to recognize uh George Dean. Uh would you stand up here so they can see you? Come on up. >> All right. Yeah. Give George a hand. [applause] So, I'll I'll try to summarize this up as fast as I can. Uh the All State band is one of the biggest accomplishments that you can earn as a high school uh band student orchestra. And there was about 1,400 students that came up to Columbia Hickman High School last weekend. We went
009up with George and his sister to audition. And out of those, 1400, about 120 are selected. And uh you know, we're competing against schools like uh in St. Louis and Kansas City. And uh but I just wanted to to say that this is a huge deal for our school district. Uh it's very rare because uh it's very tough to get these students in. But George is not only an excellent musician, he is a student with high character and he's just an amazing young adult. He's been in our uh marching band for the last four years and he came on to our program looking like a senior as a freshman. Uh he's just a wonderful young man and uh I'm just so proud of him and I just wanted to tell his parents that they've done
010such a great job raising him. But All State band is a wonderful thing and we just wanted to recognize him tonight. So thank you Joy. [applause] >> We're going to take a picture real quick. Hang on. We're going to take a picture. One of the one things that I thought was pretty amazing is one of 107 kids. Did you already say that? >> Yeah, it Yeah. 107 12 I just for the ensemble usually for the state ensemble which is incredible. >> So uh and he made fourth chair French horn and they only accept eight. So I mean in a way you could say he's the fourth best French horn player in the state of Missouri this year. >> Right. [applause] That's awesome. [laughter] still off. >> Pretty sure that was a Tik Tok train or
011something. >> Now, now you can make your [clears throat] >> The really exciting stuff's coming up. [laughter] >> You sure you don't want to stick around? You may want to stick around. ballot language for >> Yes. Yes. We're going to review each noun. >> All right. Up next, we have information proposals or comments from the audience. Mr. Payne, >> respons. >> Okay. Um and uh again, reach out to Mr. Payne if there are any comments five days in advance in our policies guide how to go about doing that. Uh so up first uh or up next board president's report. It's really hasn't been very long since our last meeting. So not a whole lot other than merry Christmas. Um hopefully all the faculty and staff are excited. It's only two weeks and we get to
012come back. So [laughter] that was a horrible comment. So but nothing else. Just merry Christmas. Very excited to get warmed up just a little bit. It's not minus 20 right now. So >> I think it's going to this week. >> Yeah. That's all I have. So Dr. Can you hand it over to >> Yes, [laughter] >> for tomatoes. We're thinking tomatoes already. Okay. >> Um, >> Tornadoes. I thought you said tomatoes. [laughter] I thought she said tomatoes. >> Tornadoes. Tomatoes. >> Well, [laughter] I would do the 67 thing, but I don't understand the six. [laughter] >> Oh, no. >> I'm looking at Jamie because he did that today. I don't even know what that is. >> Um, >> okay. >> [laughter] >> superintendence report. Here we go. >> Yay. [laughter] >> I don't even know
013where to go. This is your last [laughter] >> Well, I Let me get my composure here. >> Congratulations to 27 seniors who were early graduates of the class of 2026. The high school celebrated them last week. I don't know if [snorts] you saw that on uh on our Facebook post. pretty awesome. And then I know our music department across the district has been uh extremely busy with winter and holiday concerts. Uh I just wanted to uh commend all of our music teachers and students on some fantastic performance. We got to see one today and we'll talk to you about it. Mr. Moore, the music teacher at Clippford, brought the Clipper Elementary choir by today to perform some holiday hits. Uh we we really enjoyed singing along with them. I think we had a bigger crowd
014this year than we've ever had. So, we're really excited to have them here this year. And then they also sang last Friday at the mall with their middle school group, too. So, >> pretty pretty impressive. >> I just would like to wish everyone a happy holiday and a happy new year. Be safe. >> What? [laughter] I know you're have a comment. >> It's Brian. He's causing problems. >> Happy New Year everyone. Happy Happy holidays. Happy New Year. [laughter] >> Thank you. So up next is our tomato report. >> Tomato >> and tomato report. >> So CIP program evaluations up for our next elevate three. >> Miss talent. Good luck. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> Thank [laughter] you. >> I don't know if you could top the tomato word. [laughter] Pretty good. >> We're
015testing your skills communication to um my [laughter] Yes, exactly. >> You're going to elevate. >> Let's hope so. So, Elevate Free 3 focuses on guardian involvement and communication. Um, and I've broken this up into two kind of uh reports because last year we just focused on rooms. Um, this year there are some marketing efforts that came out of that family engagement committee uh that I want to make sure that we discuss tonight. So, our main um reason for implementing rooms was to streamline our communications from teachers to our families. We had, as we know, we had in some situations five different apps that families were having to download on their phones to keep up with the various communications and that's just quite frankly unacceptable. >> And so this was a way for us to make
016sure that we're streamlining those efforts. Also, um there is now state law on the books that states that teacher student communication must occur on school approved platforms that are traceable. So this is keeping our communications also safe between our employees and our students as well. So some of our key um strategies for implementing this obviously we implemented it in 2024. So this is now year two. Um our engagement rate for our families right now over year two has moved from 60% to 72%. Our goal is 80% so we're getting closer. We have a couple of schools who have already reached the 80% mark. Blanchard and Almashrader are already over 80%. Clifford's knocking on the door. They're almost there. [music] So, we'll continue to work with our principles to see those numbers increase. One thing we've
017had to do is, as you guys know, with change comes a little bit of resistance, right? Um, so we've been working to get our teachers on board with this and we have moved up over the last month. We've seen a 9% increase to 79% for our teachers. So the difference there obviously we can't control what our parents and guardians are doing. We have a little bit more control over what our employees are doing. So we would like to see that rate 100% obviously. So we'll continue to work toward that. [snorts] Um some of our measurements with this uh specific tool u again mentioning the percentage of our families who are engaged. Um so we're at 72% again moving to to 80%. We are tracking the volume of our one-on-one messages from staff and families. Last
018year, about this time, we were at around 30,000 messages. We're just under that this year. Um, and I believe that probably the decrease in that is that our staff is getting more um comfortable with the product and they're learning now the difference between announcements and messages. So, I'm not necessarily sending out one-on-one messages to families. if I'm a classroom teacher, I'm sitting and out as an announcement. So, I believe [music] that's probably the reason for us to see a decrease there. We'll continue to seek feedback from our guardians and our teachers. Um, this company has made a lot of adjustments based on feedback from our school district. And so, so we're thankful to see kind of some of the things that our teachers asked for and some of the things that our families asked for
019um to see improvements [music] there. One of our big goals is to get our students now at the secondary level on board with using the product because that's going to drive kind of our secondary teachers to utilize it a lot more. Any questions over that? Okay. So, we'll move into um kind of the second part of Elevate 3 which is on promoting um kind of some of our marketing efforts. So basically out of our family engagement committee, they stated that they really wanted to see us make a more concerted effort to promote things outside of athletics. Um even though we do a great job with our media partners um and telling those stories that a lot of times, you know, people maybe don't see the newspaper, they don't see the stories on KFBS or KBSI.
020So looking at ways where we could promote some of these things to our families and make sure that they see them. Um so one of the um key strategies that we did over the last year, you guys might have noticed that we have the billboards. Um so that was something that we did. And then also with commercials, I hope that you guys got the chance to see our latest commercial featuring Goliath Morang. Um, and so that's, you know, one of the ways that we really wanted to promote all of the things that our district has [music] has to offer. We're going to be working on then a new commercial um with KBSI after the new year. We just haven't figured out um that yet. Um, another thing that we've we've been able to do hopefully
021that you guys have seen our podcast and our CT Friday Fab 3. Um, the Fab 3 is something that we do every Friday where we feature things going on, you know, throughout the district and and highlight it via video. One thing that I love about these two things specifically, these are things we were able to implement with interns, students who were not only Cape Central [clears throat] graduates, but also products of our Cape Career and Tech Center. um which is a great way to highlight, you know, the work um that our kids are learning right here on on our campuses. And so the good thing is we will be able to continue those two things. We did increase our our marketing budget this year, but partly so we can continue to have FAB 3 and
022the podcast because those students are no longer my interns and they no longer will work for free, which we understand. Um so with that um increased media coverage will be something that we continue to look for um as we measure kind of growth in this area. We had over two million Facebook views last year. We'll we'll continue to hope to grow our our Facebook views. Um I just want to point out that the new commercial did have great uh traction on on Facebook and also Dr. Bingan, your Thanksgiving little report with our students had some good traction over the last month too. >> [clears throat] >> Um, and again, positive feedback. Hopefully, you guys have heard positive feedback from the Fab 3. Um, I know I have our intern who actually has been the one
023um, producing these segments each week. She was very proud because even at a dentist office the other week, her dentist brought up the fab. She was like, I am the one who created. >> Um, so that was really, really cool for her. So with all this, I rate us above average in this effort because, you know, I feel like we're really doing a good job of streamlining our communications. That's something that when I go to my St. Louis MOSRA meetings that the St. Louis schools are really kind of blown away that we're kind of a step ahead of them with pushing everybody into one app. Um, and so so I feel like that's something that we should really be proud of because our job is to make things easier for our families. For sure. Any
024questions? Okay, >> good job. >> We will move on then to um Elevate 4. This focuses more on community engagement and collaboration among our uh supporter groups. Miss Keys mentioned this a little bit in some of her um CIP reviews over uh last month. Um, but this basically is a chance for all of the kind of bigger fundraising arms of our district to come together um, and really share kind of goals for the year with each group and then also share progress. And so it really what we were hoping to do is reduce stress on our community supporters. We know that we ask our community a lot, right? Um and so in the areas that we can if we can then maybe reduce some of those asks or at least not um overlap sometimes when
025we're asking our community partners is specifically when it comes to money. So some [clears throat] of our key strategies and accomplishments standardized resource uh protocol for our request basically that is just looking at making sure that people are educated on what does each group do. For example, we know that Care to Learn does health, hunger, hygiene. We know that the foundation does a number of things, but really when we're looking at expanding opportunities for teachers beyond what um maybe the district is able to provide as it relates to funding certain things in their um classroom, then that would be something the foundation would cover. Booster Club obviously will be looking more at providing more opportunities for students to support in um in athletics. So just making sure that people are aware of what these groups
026do and where the appropriate request should be going. Um and so with that then kind of designating our point of contact uh within that like Mandy is our point of contact for care to learn. Then sharing a a reference guide for our um for basically our school staff. We do this with our principles very well. They're aware of who their community partners are. ABC Today Network is um another organization that's one of our big funders um and just basically big supporters. If we have an ask, if we have a need, they really help us fill it. Each school has a designated list of partners and so the schools are supposed to stick with their list if they have a need- before going out and asking anyone off their list. So again, that's just kind of
027keeping everybody, you know, organized and making sure that our resources um are going where they need to go. And so within this group, we've been able to really share kind of internally what are the big fundraisers they're working on, what are the big projects, kind of goals that they have for the year, and um just lastly then clarifying kind of like what's acceptable as it relates to when organizations are wanting to help us. But then also, I feel like empowering our people to be a little more assertive um in advocating like what you need as a school um versus people coming and saying, "Well, I'm going to tell you what you need." Um that's something that can be really tough because when somebody wants to give you something, you want to, you know, you want
028to accept it, but sometimes it may not fit within our strategic plan. we need to make sure that we um are sharing that and and letting people know the appropriate way to help us. So key performance indicators as I wrap up here um just with our efficiency again eliminating duplicate asks we do not need to be asking the foundation to do something that maybe the booster clubs you know would the booster club would be more appropriate in filling that need. Um then looking at are we able to re to fill um any of the asks that are coming in. Um which again I feel that we are very fortunate because when we have a need that pops up um within our school district we are able to fill it which is not the case everywhere.
029Making sure that we're utilizing our partners properly. And then lastly, making sure that we're including them um in the process and receiving their feedback and then making changes if if there are needs. So with this, I also rate us above average because we [clears throat] really are I believe making strides. I wouldn't rate us to excellent yet because I don't think we've really had any outside the box like thinking or ideas yet, but I believe [clears throat] that with the group that we have, we'll we'll take care. Any questions on that? >> Thank you very much. You're welcome. >> So, up next, academic services report, a Yonder program update. >> So, this is our annual survey that we send out to our certified staff. This is actually year um two for the junior high for
030full implementation of the Yonder program, and it's two and a half years for the high school because they did a mid-year implementation the first round. Before we jump into the survey results, timing wise, it was a really big year for junior high and high school because it was the first time that the eighth grade inventory of yonder pouches actually transition to the high school for freshman orientation to be checked back out and they handled that very well. It was also the first round of senior inventory cycling out of the building. So, there was some learning curves along the way, just mainly how to best organize everything and get it out efficiently to kids. Um, I'm not going to read all of this summary. The survey is basically just to get feedback on the program and
031we as ask very specific questions to all of our certified staff at the junior high and high school. Just um a week of collecting responses before the for the board meeting, we missed just one shot of getting 50 certified responses for the survey. Experience ranged anywhere from one to 29 years of teaching in the building. And then without reading all of the questions, um the the ones that really stuck out to me was just reduce distractions and improve focus, increase student engagement, positive interaction on social interaction between teachers and students, and just overall positive impact on instruction, which were all 80 and above across the board. Um in the past, we had talked about getting the qualitative feedback, focusing a little more with the teachers on that. That's what that next section is. Uh many
032of the teachers explicitly called the program a gamecher. I [snorts] know this is one of the most talked about things when we actively engage with staff across the building is just not having to manage cell phones anymore either in class and hallways, restroom transitions, things like that. Um they noted the programs reduced just overall cell phone related disruptions and student confrontations making negative behavior redirection less frequent which takes stress off our staff. and then noted that the face-to-face conversations happening in the hallways and cafeteria are just enhancing the overall school climate and culture. And then one of the biggest things, especially from a policy standpoint, is there's clear expectations for what students and staff are expected to do as it relates to cell phone usage in the building. So overwhelming positive feedback again from staff
033for the third year. Happy to answer any questions or concerns you guys may have. with the law changes in the state. Have you guys been getting reached out to a lot by other schools about how this is working here? >> Yeah, so we were actually kind of the model district. Um I actually facilitated Mass's webinar for the statewide webinar for the law changes coming in. We worked with Yonder because I'm part of their partner advisory board and um we actually shared all of our policy resources, our implementation presentations we used with parents, the guidelines, everything. We just pushed those out. statewide for anybody to use that wanted to >> we've had tons of people actually do site visits as well to the high school questions. >> Thank you very much. Up next, community teachers association
034report. We sprung it on you earlier in a little. You'll have to forgive me. I forgot to print off one of the pages. So, I will be reading from my cell phone. No yonder pouch here. >> Okay. >> Uh, do you want me to start with the member shout out or about our convention that we went to just a month ago? >> Your choice. >> My choice. Okay. Well, let's uh just start with the presentation first because that'll be easier and I'll talk slower, I promise. Um, so this past November, we were able to take was it 11? I do have a little slideshow. I don't know if that can be put up or not. I don't know. I sent it. It's okay. I'll just go off the cuffs here. Um, we were able to
035send uh >> Jamie Russell question. [laughter] >> They said your name when the emails went out. I don't know. Um, but we had, I believe, 12 members that got to go uh of our local CTA. And so this ranged from veteran members to first years. And uh we were able to see almost every level or almost every school actually even we had members from the CTA or CTC come join us. And so the big purpose to go is to um be ready for Capitol Day. So we as an a CTA and MSA have days set aside where we go visit with our legislators, our senators, and our representatives to talk about what's important to teachers and what's important to educators here. Uh a lot of all of our ideas are always aligned up with our
036superintendents as well. And what's nice is they'll actually um go the day before us. So they'll get a double whammy in one week of that same information. But that's the the first part is we as a group, it's so cool. [clears throat] There's like 500 educators across the state of Missouri where they um sit and they've have these lists of things that we believe in, we oppose, we approve, and we talk about them as a group of 500 people. It's very um very regimented and it it works out great, but it gets heated at times. Uh the big ticket item this year was just talking about teacher safety in the classroom. >> Um and that's an emotionally charged item. So that became kind of difficult to debate. Uh so that is going back to the
037um committee that handles that area. And so um we look forward to talking more about that in the future. But it's just really neat to be able to compare stories across the state sharing um well my school's doing this. Oh, that's really cool. my my school does this and there's PD that's given as well and so to have the ability and um Cape Public Schools does fund some of that for us which is just amazing. We're incredibly blessed and thank you for that. But it's just allowing us to collaborate as a whole to make sure that um our teachers feel supported and well heard like things that have come out of this is now we have virtual coaching. So our school uh has academic interventionists and behavior interventionists. A lot of schools across the state
038do not. So now we're able to spread that knowledge through virtual opportunities to those smaller schools who are handling those behaviors or the academic needs uh that don't necessarily have that expertise for it. So it's just a really really cool um thing to go to. And so we have fun too and um there's a big ballroom bash where we celebrate the president leaving and joining having a new one. But I just wanted to take a moment and say thank you for making that um such a wonderful opportunity for us and thank you for supporting us in that as well because through that you don't really it's hard to explain what MSTA and CTA and SERTA are until you live it. And so when we have new members or members who have never been involved before
039go to that, it sparks this excitement and we start to see people come with ideas to our meetings about how can we make it better here and then we get to bring that to our our cabinet and share that and we get to see our um whole district just work hand inand to make it a better experience for our educators and for our members here. So I just want to say thank you for that. Um and and now for the best part, right? Uh, so the staff member shout out for December 2025 from Alma Shrddder. Miss Amber Price and Miss Elizabeth Gonzalez go above and beyond to make the book fair fun and accessible to all our students. They put in many, many hours moving the book fair to the gym to make it an
040enjoyable experience on a very full grandparents day. Thank you to Mrs. Shelley and our cafe team. They go above and beyond every day to make our students feel loved and wellfed. Heather Randall is always a phone call away and willing to help in any way she can. from Blanchard. Miss Arenss is working hard to keep her fourth graders engaged in reading books by hosting book clubs. Coach Schmidt is always using PE to not only work on physical exercise, but also to teach kids the importance of taking turns, being kind, and listening well. Mrs. Martin has gone above and beyond for her students all semester, and we are so lucky to have her here. She truly gives her all every single day. from CAO. Thanks to the human resources department who have been working diligently with
041staff to ease the stress of transitioning to a new platform. From Central Academy, shout out to vice principal McMullen for shoveling the ramp to positive pathways. We appreciate you. From Clippard, Clippard custodians are the best. The building looks amazing all the time. Our cafeteria workers do a great job of keeping us fed. They engage with the students by building relationships with them. Our sunshine committee is awesome. The ways they come up with to boost morale is fun and just the thing to keep us smiling. We have a sunshine board that Miss Sullen fills out with scripture, trivia, and fun questions. That too keeps us smiling, thinking, and laughing. Thanks, Sue. Ellen, bus monitors are a huge asset to our school and improve student behavior even after school has ended. Thanks for taking extra time out
042of your days to shape our students. From the CTC, big shout out to Chef Y and her culinary arts students. Over the last week, they not only prepared a fantastic Thanksgiving meal for Jefferson Elementary, but also provided multiple meals for community meetings, staying late into the afternoons to make it all happen. Their hard work and dedication are appreciated. A big thank you to Mrs. Clayton and Mrs. Pal for the tremendous effort of work or tremendous amount of work that went into making this year's college and career fair another outstanding success for our students, our business and industry partners, and the entire CTC community. I also want to thank our staff for ensuring students were wellprepared and ready to make the most of the experience regardless of the weather cha challenges. Your dedication truly makes a
043difference. Shout out to our custodial team who have been working with a short crew. Covering four buildings on our campus with the in with instruction that starts early in the morning and goes late goes till late into the evening is challenging on a good day. We appreciate everything each of you does to keep our building clean and make a positive impression for the many visitors and events we host here almost daily. Shout out to all of our school counselors for stepping in while I was on medical leave for five weeks. I am blessed to work with such an incredible group of women. Just so you know, I don't work at the high school, so that wasn't for me. Um, shout out to our admin who worked to make working in our building fun. From the
044early childhood center, shout out to our social committee from planning a fun Christmas season at ECC. from Franklin. We are so very thankful for our administrative assistant, Miss Cararissa. We are incredibly grateful for the compassion, professionalism, and warmth she has shown to our students, staff, and families. Her impact on Franklin cannot be measured or put into words. She's an absolute gem. Shout out to Officer Matt for always being on call and ready to assist whenever he is needed. We're lucky to have him. From the high school, shout out to Jacqueline Haynes who stepped in for the central studies class and doing a great job. Shout out to Miss Jen Perez and Mr. Walker for pouring into the theater department and the amazing performance this weekend of Little Women. They have spent the last four months
045helping their students prepare for this show and their dedication showed. Shout out to Miss Miss Kribbus, Miss Haidider, and Miss Wac who were selected to present their poster at the National Social Studies Conference in Washington DC this past week. And Jefferson, shout out to Miss Carrie. She is such a great addition to our prek team and has been working so hard. Miss Austin, Miss Bell, Miss Razer, Coach Landoi for testing kindergarteners for their PBLJ goalgetters. Miss Dawkins, Miss Maxville, Miss Cahill, Miss Craman for diligently working with students to meet their academic goals while also striving to help students with executive functioning and social skills. You are the best. PreK TAs for working alongside our Little Tigers to help with their success and independence. From the junior high, Miss Haley Russell has been the absolute best
046support system. She is always working hard to meet the needs of both students and staff. At any given time, you can see her hustling around the office and making sure she gives the time to everyone who needs her. She is so loved and appreciated by all of our building. Our counselors, Mrs. Bright and Miss Carter, are working so hard to get schedules shifted and straightened out for the second semester, making sure every student's needs are met. They are amazing. From the middle school, Mr. Brian is the absolute best. The upstairs fifth grade hallway always looks amazing. He goes the extra mile for us teachers up here and is always offering to help with anything and everything we may need. Thank you so much, Mr. Brian. Shout out to the Sunshine Committee, CMS Kindness and Service
047Leadership Club for hosting Socktober. With the help of our wonderful students at CMS, they collected 447 pairs of socks for Foster Adopt Connect. Shout out to our amazing nurse, Angie Stone, for always helping, giving, and supporting not only our students, but our staff and community. Shout out to the fifth grade team. You all have been rocking the spirit days and bringing smiles to our students faces. Shout out to Miss Bergoff and Miss Heck for all the work they do. It does not go unnoticed and I know our staff is so appreciative of everything you do to help our students. You guys are big blessings to CMS to all the staff that made afterchool programming so engaging and fun. And those are the shout outs for December. >> Hey, and we have your >> my presentation
048with all the wonderful pictures if those are the people who went. [laughter] Those are the goals I talked about. I think I got them all. And you don't get to see the fun pictures. I'm sorry. I don't know what occurred. Um I probably didn't share you the editing rights. So, this is just a quick Oh, it's the video. Yeah. Um that's just a a quarter of the amount of people in that room. So, it's a big deal. Um so, these are a mixture of our people who went and the people we've also collaborated with. And there's just our cute picture at the end. >> I saw Tyler out there. Absolutely. So, we definitely have fun, but it's uh it's also a big learning experience, too. So, yeah. Thank you very much. I think you >>
049Oh, wait. Miss Dudak, have you stretched? Are you ready? [laughter] >> Treasurer and finance report. >> She'd say this report is for November. [laughter] teasing you as fast as the beginning 14.7 million. We received revenues of 1.4 million and 1.6 transferred to special fund balance of 12.5 million cash investment detail and we have started receiving some of our tax already. >> Thank you very much. Okay, up next, board reports. We shall start with just blank MSBA delegate report. Um, the only thing I have is to remind you guys to take a look at the advocacy positions. Um, you can find it on the MSBA website. You don't even have to have log in. You just click on advocacy. It'll take you to another page and it said there's a link to the MSBA advocacy positions.
050So that informs you about a lot of the stuff that Crystal talks about and what the MSBA stance is on the different on different legislation. >> That's all I have. >> Thank you very much. Next legislative report. >> So pre-filing has begun. Um there were two education bills that I have seen getting a lot of attention. One was um it's kind of been a national conversation honestly focused on reducing digital instruction like iPads and Chromebooks, increasing the use of physical textbooks and work completed on paper. Um the second was a move to make breakfast and lunch free for all Missouri public schools. That's something that we already provide through grants, but that would be implemented statewide. Um, like I said, both of those things have gotten a lot of press, but we it kind of
051remains to be seen if they have any teeth when it comes to actually passing the House or the Senate. Um, the bigger news is DESIE released their legislative priorities for 2026. Um, a lot of it was good news in the sense that it really aligns with what we already say are our priorities. So things like continued funding and expansion of early childhood education, continued support for science of reading, expanded support of workforce development like Votech, CTC type things. Um recruitment and retention of educators was a big priority for them. One of one way they talked about doing that is fully funding the foundation formula and continued funding for the career ladder programs. um full funding of school transportation formula, updating the current formula um foundation formula to ensure that it is adequately funding the schools
052the way they need to be. So those were all positive things. Um the bad news is this is probably not a surprise, but Desi supports legislation for public school open enrollment. Um that will just continue to be a fight for the foreseeable future. Yes, >> we were actually at the meeting in Springfield. >> Oh, you were? Okay. >> And so, >> and you didn't tell me >> the reason why they were supporting open enrollment because they want to be there >> as a discussion. Yep. >> And making things specifically agree. >> They did not agree with >> Yeah. >> They did not disagree. They did not agree. They could not come to an agreement at that time. >> They really didn't. So they they they want to be part of the conversation moving forward >>
053on how that is >> how it's implemented. >> Well, we've talked about it numerous times before. We know it's not going away. We know it's something that is continually going to be brought up and and that makes sense. So, >> um the reality is those priorities are the things that we will probably see actually have some weight going [clears throat] forward. what they prioritize is likely what is going to have the most conversation happening in the House and Senate. So those are the and like I said a lot of those things are really great and things that you know we want to see moving forward. So uh that's all I got. >> Thank you very much. >> Ask a question. You were in Springfield and I know this is a different thing but is there
054has there been any talk about budget and how money is going to be allocated? Because I've been hearing that. So, so what they're doing is is is they're redoing the foundation formula. There's committees, there's three different committees that are working on that on three different parts of of the foundation formula. We had a little bit of an update today at this point. There's nothing really set in stone. So, that's part of the reason why we really haven't had any conversations. >> Um, this is a a year-long process, so it's going to take a little bit before they work through all of how they're going to fund things. uh they're looking at how they weight uh special education, how they wait uh free and reduced lunch, uh small school grants, they're looking at how that's going
055to be funded. So, there's lots of different components uh uh that they're working on, but they haven't settled on anything. They're just kind of working through those committees and just updating everybody what the conversations that are have that they're having in those committees. >> Okay. >> Thank you. Also, I know Do you mean budget type specifically for schools or just overall the entire Missouri budget being tight? >> Oh, I'm sorry. You're talking about the found I thought you were talking about the foundation, >> but this was when we talked about that airport meeting that we went to. It was one of the things that the legislators brought up is that it is very tight and they have to be very particular about how they ask, what information they have when they're asking for certain funds.
056And so we were also getting that same information from them saying that yes, it's tight. Okay, >> there's only so much of the >> right. Yeah, >> that's a Lindsay saying. [laughter] >> She s stole it from someone else. I always thought it was you, Lindsay. >> Any other question? Thank you very much. Up next, Cape Public Schools Foundation. Good evening. >> Um, starting with January 8th, the foundation will host a chamber ribbon cutting celebrating 31 years of service and supporting Cape Gerardo Public School students and staff. So, we're 31 years old. Um, January 9th, the foundation will host a mix and mingle at Roost. Appetizers are generously sponsored by Joseph Johnson. The event begins at 5:00 p. a.m. That's a Friday night with the DJ and music starting at 700 p.m. This gathering provides
057an opportunity to connect with supporters, alumni, and community partners. And then on February 14th, we will be hosting our penguin party gayla. This is a foundation signature fundraising event. We are starting at 6:00 pm and we will go to midnight. This event plays a critical role in funding programs that directly support our students and staff. Um, our band will be awkward timing and then our dance band party band is the remedies. Our auctioneers are the same that have been there in the past and they're they bring [clears throat] great energy and so we are extending the cocktail hour, shortening the live port live auction time and um so we can provide more time for music. We'll be trying to do more online bidding. So, we're kind of excited to see how that goes along with
058our appetizers that we will have. I have to talk to the Southerner. We had originally talked about um appetizer stations trying to elevate the meal since it is Valentine's Day. Um 2025 programs and investment impact. In 2025, the foundation invested significant funds back into the district. We helped support the food program. We provided about 36,000 for that. We bought a new score table for basketball. So that was 28,000. We paid score vision 12,000. Our innovative teaching grants were 20,000 this year. So in the spring semester of 25 that um 2025, we put in over $80,000 impacting 4,359 students and 1,272 students or staff. So we overlapped a little bit on students and staff, but with that was the spring semester. And then the fall semester, we put already probably about 45,000 back, impacting 3,84 students
059and 433 staff members. Some of my highlighted things that I think are really exciting is we just bought a baritone sac saxophone um for one of Josh Lamar's students. He's received it in 8th grade. It'll follow him through high school and then it'll impact another school or another student when when he's graduated. But um I did not realize how expensive those instruments are. And um >> yeah, it he Josh had a little bit in his budget, but we had an anonymous donor give us $5,000 for something for marching band. So that was what Josh >> picked to do. So um that that was a that was a great purchase. And we've been um helping our staff members that have are like I guess TAs that are going to Simo that have had struggle with paying
060a little portion of their tuition. They pay a big portion but there's a little bit and so we've helped pick up the slack there and I think that's so important. [clears throat] We are continuing to push and we are so excited like today we received a donation for food support for our middle school and we are going to do a food closet there. I am writing a grant with Community Foundation of the Ozarks for 25,000 for food to help our families during the crisis and when they they need it. And I've been working with Mandy and I hope that we receive that grant where we can do food at like um parent teacher events or maybe a play day, you know, so we can hit them enough during the year, but they can also shop
061and take home a bag of food from an event and they're make them attend the school. You know, they'll be at the school, so then they'll just get food or something to help their family at that time. So anyway, that's really all I have. The penguin party, I'm so excited. It's coming. If you um haven't gotten a table, let me know. Um if you might have a business or something that you know of an auction item, let me know there. We're collecting all those things. We're getting sponsorships and um Simo is um an Emperor Penguin sponsor, which is awesome. EPM Real Estate, and I'm sure there's several other businesses that I have not heard from yet, but we are gearing up on that and working hard to um support our students and staff. I'm seeing
062more tigers around the other >> Oh, yeah. I forgot about that. Yeah, we bought four ti We bought four tigers this year. So, we um >> Not real tigers. >> No, they're not. >> Not real tigers. >> Not yet. >> Tigers you can ride. >> They can all roll in. >> I I do want one for this building. How cute would it be for one of the terrific tigers to ride in on it? >> He would be riding it all the time. He wouldn't even walk to the >> Yeah. Well, it would be amazing. It will be amazing. But anyway, Central Middle School was the only one that I didn't buy and they wanted one as well, so I they now have one. So, all the buildings have them. And um >> Yeah, it's awesome.
063Yeah. Big thanks. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. >> Yes. >> I'm just picturing you using that as your desk chair. >> That's what you sit on. >> Those things are fast. >> They are. >> I rode [snorts] them at Alma Roder. They're really fast. >> For those you don't know, they are powered. I think everybody knows. Everybody's seen them, haven't they? >> On the terms. >> Okay. Up next, approval of consent agenda items. So, you guys looked over these already. We've got minutes from November 24th, 2025 meeting and payment of bills. Can we get a motion? >> So, moved. >> Second. >> Okay. All those in favor? Anybody saying I? >> I. >> Okay. The consent agenda items carry. Up next is our business. So, what up first is authorizing renewal of contract
064stop-loss carrier for group health plan. Recommendation is to authorize the superintendent or his designate to renew the existing contract to the district for stop-loss coverage for the employee growth healthcare plan beginning January 1st, 2026 in amount not to exceed $1 million in annual premium costs. Do we have a motion? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Any discussions or questions on that? >> Basically, the stop-loss plan is so that it protects the district. >> Oh, sorry. It just protects the district for uh high claims uh that we have within our district. Once you hit $150,000, it goes into your stop loss and they take over the payments for those high claims. It's very costly to the district, just so everyone knows and it's going to continue to go up because health insurance always seems to to
065raise each year. So, >> any questions? Okay. All those in favor indicate by saying I. >> I. >> Okay. The recommendation to renew the contract stop-loss carrier for group healthcare plan carries. Up next, approval of ballot resolution. So this is for our upcoming bond. So the recommendation is to adopt a resolution calling a bond election in Cape Jord school district 63 for Tuesday, April 7th, 2026. Now just read the rationale here. So, a bond election is necessary to implement the long range facilities plan, which was adopted by the board on June 23rd, 2025. Proposed bond issue in the amount of $30 million would address acquiring, constructing, renovating, expanding, improving, furnishing, and equipping school sites, buildings, and related facilities for school purposes, including the expansion or renovation of Central Middle School. Phase 2 building renovations for
066Elmrader and Jefferson Elementary and district-wide energy efficiency upgrades. Um, so with that, can we get a motion? >> So, move. Second. >> Okay. Any discussions on that? Again, this will approve the actual bond language that will go on the ballot in April. >> Question to actually approve the ballot. >> Picture the ballot language right there. I won't read that whole ballot language, but it's there right there. So we just um the long range facilities [snorts] the first phase of it includes projects for all buildings but we just felt that we start working and on this And currently the debt service levy is 6647. We feel comfortable longterm that we can keep the levy at least to that. So the intent is that it will be a no tax increase bond issue for the community. So
067hopefully our voters will approve and it's going to be called Proposition Tigers. >> Yeah. So Proposition Tigers and no tax increase just for our fellow friends over there. >> [laughter] >> Okay. Uh, so if you are in favor, please indicate by saying I. >> I. >> Okay. So, back over here. So, the motion to adopt the resolution calling a bond election in Cape Gerardo School District 63 for April 7th, Tuesday, 2026. It carries. Okay. Up next, information and proposals from board members. Anybody have anything? >> Everybody. >> Thank you. >> We appreciate it. >> Yes. Thank you very much, sir. >> Thank you. [applause] You guys have been wonderful. >> It's been a pleasure. Thank you. >> Reinvigorated my love and appreciation for education. So, thank you. >> Without you guys helping like kind of,
068you know, being as cool as you are, I don't know that I'd be seeking this job that I ended up getting. So, I do appreciate it. >> Thank you. >> I don't know if we should apologize. [laughter] >> Ask him that question. >> He will be missed. >> Oh, yes, you will. >> Yes. >> All right. Hey, can we get a motion to adjurnn? >> So moved. >> Second. >> All those in favor? >> Not too fast. >> Okay. Thank you guys very much. >> Merry Christmas everyone. >> Merry Christmas everybody.