001All right. Motion and a second. All those in favor? >> All right. Before we continue, please join us in the pledge of >> allegiance. I pledge allegiance 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. >> First tonight is the consent agenda. Do I have a motion to approve all the items on the consent agenda as presented? >> Right. Any questions, comments, or thoughts on consent agenda items? Any items? >> Okay, hearing none. All those in favor of approval of the consent agenda? None opposed? Motion carries. All right, we'll move into the associate superintendent report tonight. Thank you. I would like to begin by um acknowledging our school board here with us tonight. On behalf of
002the Hillsboro Arthur School District, I would like to take a moment to recognize and celebrate the dedicated individuals who serve on our board of education. March is Missouri School Board Recognition Month, providing us with an opportunity to publicly express our appreciation for the leadership, service, and commitment our board members demonstrate on behalf of our student, staff, and community. School board members are elected to represent the voice of the community. They provide leadership and support that guide the direction of our district and ensure that every student has access to highquality education. Under their leadership, our district continues to be a welcoming and supportive environment where students can grow, learn, and succeed. Please join me in recognizing and thanking Mr. John Lindhorst, Mrs. Beth Petri, Miss Angioshi, Mr. Eric Stevenson, Dr. Ryan Reed, Mrs. Stephanie Cage, and
003Mrs. Diane Skgo. We are grateful for your service and dedication to our community. Thank you. >> We we've received a number of cards and messages over this past month. So, thank you all and all of you that have sent those messages. That means a lot. >> Okay. I would uh next like to take a moment to acknowledge the several community members um who expressed interest publicly at last month's meeting in pursuing a district levy increase to support facility improvements across the district. Um in response to both community input and the district's ongoing facility needs, we have proactively issued a request for qualifications to identify a firm to assist in the development of a long range facility plan for our school district. and I will turn it over to Dr. Laroo who will provide a timeline
004and some addition. >> Yeah. So, so after that meeting we we put out an RFQ. We did that on March 9th. April 6, qualifications. So, next Friday are due back. April 16th, we'll give an update to the board of education um just how many have been turned in and where we're at. And then May 11th through May 15th, we'll interview the top three firms after they've been selected. We'll have a we have a facility committee facility committee uh uh group, but we'll take a subcommittee off that and then we'll give a final recommendation at the May 28th board meeting. I've already had two on-site meetings with two separate firms and I've got three tomorrow. So, we've had a lot of interest in that. So, hopefully we can have some projections and long-term numbers on um
005on some of the district uh facilities. questions. >> Okay, take a moment here to give you some legislative updates. Um, know that I gave some of this last month, but I'd like to review a couple of things. The Missouri legislature has entered the second half of their legislative season with most of the major work now shifting to the Senate. Um, Bill Fland was officially closed in both chambers. Uh the focus now shifts to advancing the uh existing legislation. Um the state budget and major policy policy issues like taxes, school choice, and literacy will dominate u the remainder of this session and at May 8th there is a deadline for the final passage of the state budget. So I'll draw your attention to a couple of different items. The first one being a house joint resolution
006173 and 174. I'm sure I know we've discussed it in this format before, however, I'm sure you've heard about it in other places. So, under these proposals, um consideration would begin a phased out elimination of state income tax, um which is projected to have an estimated $8.5 million fiscal impact on the budget of the state of Missouri. Um there has been some talk of potentially expanding sales tax. However, there is no clearly defined path forward that they have revealed. This will create impacts on on school districts long-term financial planning. So, that is something that we will watch very closely. Last month, I u mentioned the A throughF report card grading system that has now moved into the Senate and uh of course concerns remain about the grading system and the consequences for that. So, I'll
007keep you posted. a new um literacy accountability measure, Senate Bill 1442, um has just come down the pike. It focuses on early literacy requirements and I don't know um we do have some reading success plans and those types of things already in place. This takes it a step further. Beginning in 27 and 28 school year, this is proposed. Students who uh demonstrate a substantial reading deficiency and they do not what substantial is in third grade would be required by law to repeat the grade. >> Oh wow. Um unless they qualify for a limited number of uh exemptions and in my experience those are very limited. Um this bill would also require school districts to create intensive acceleration classrooms for retained students in early grades. um they are talking about um having very limited class sizes
008where reading instruction would be for those students for the majority of the school day and none of this is tied to any extra funding or anything like that. So for if it were to to pass as written we would be more than likely required to to hire additional staff to take care of this. there are no um details as far as if they're retained for one year then then what happens if they still don't meet that marker those details are are unclear at this time so I will be keeping an eye on that and see um now on to some good stuff we have several congratulations to give first I'll start with the high school archery team they are state champions in both bullseye and the 3D competition itions and the junior high archery team
009placed second in both of those divisions. So, that's quite an accomplishment for both of those teams. They put in long, long hours. Um, congratulations to our transportation department. Last Friday was their annual Department of Transportation bus inspection. The transportation department achieved a 98.1 pass rate. Only one bus did not meet inspection standards due to a faulty tailpipe bracket. So again, congratulations to Dr. Laroo and and his team. That is that is a excellent accomplishment. Next, we have the district teachers and support persons of the year. Our teacher of the year nominees from the primary was Miss Audrey Day, a kindergarten teacher. Elementary was Mrs. Christo Ray, a third grade teacher. The intermediate was Mrs. Bridget Wyel, a sixth grade teacher. Junior high was Mrs. Ashley McNell, an eighth grade English language arts teacher, and the
010high school um was Mr. Bobby Anderson, high school social studies teacher. Our support person of the year nominees and these are by building andor combined by departments was Melissa Wigger from the early childhood and primary, Laura Palmley from the elementary, Devin Whitley from the intermediate, Brandy Minky from the junior high, Patty Anderson from the high school, and Justin Lawson from uh technology maintenance, transportation, and central office. So, we will be announce officially announcing the district winners um in the coming days. We'll hope to do that early next week. So, stay tuned for that. >> Congratulations. >> That is all I have for that report. >> Any questions on the superintendent report tonight? >> Okay. Turn back over to you for the uh financial report. >> Perfect. So I will start here by saying that we
011um we heard this last month also that we are running exactly where we had anticipated and budgeted for in revenue and expenditures. This first slide is just a reminder of our fund balances of where we started on July 1st of 2025 with noting that uh healthy reserve balance of 23.76 million. Um the next slide you can see is a financial position through February. So through through this month um revenue at 40.25 million we have collected majority of our current taxes um and have spent 60% on planned expenditures of what we budgeted for. And if you'll notice that 3.9 surplus, I'm sorry. Yeah, the 3.9 surplus part of that the full part of that is due to that HBAC um revenue that has to be coded as such that we have received for the project at
012the high school. Um the next slide here is a revenue and expenditure summary. This is just a snapshot of what our book totals look like at this point. Um, this does include that purchase order as well as the loan proceeds for that HBAC project. And next side is a comparison of three years. Um, so this is a three-year comparison of the same information. Um, when the HBAC money is removed, our net position looks looks like it is a shortfall of $630,000. However, it is very important to understand and a note that this is a planned spend down of those um reserves to lower our fund mail was all and budgeted for um so basically we're spending the money that we have saved. Revenue by breakdown by source we have um almost received 100% of our
013budgeted revenue. I'd like to draw your attention to that other category that 5600 there. Um, this again is where that HBAC revenue is noted. Um, in summary, the district is operating within budget and expenditures that are aligned with expectations at at this time of year. Next slide is the expenditures by fund. I want to draw your attention to the special revenue that is at 54%. um it looks low because we still have five months of paychecks to issue. So again, this is directly in line with where we are at this time of the year. That debt service is at 90% because of the bond payments um that have been made and anything additional, we're waiting on invoices, I believe, correct, Jen, any of that would come out of there for bank fees associated with those
014payments. in the capital projects 49% those HBAC payments will not occur until later in this school year the majority of them and um maybe mature into next fiscal year. Next slide is a three-year comparison um fund utilization analysis. Um these numbers are in line with previous years with the exception of the special circumstances like the HVAC uh loan that we have that we discussed. And if you notice on the second to last line all the way over where it says 3.1 million is a change there at 60.45. that is a a great difference than in previous years because we now run our all of our health insurance payments through that activity account. So that's why that number is vastly different than previous two years. Um the next slide is a synopsis of our monthly investments.
015If you notice from January to February the total earnings increased and the total investments increased and that is for a variety of reasons. three or three reasons. There are less days in February than there are in um there are less days in February than there are in March to earn that interest. Um the bond debt payoff came from an account that had a higher yield and the money that is currently positioned in a lower is currently positioned in a lower yield account. So that's the way they do. The next slide is again just it's a different format but it does total out um investment earnings at 77,43386 86 cents year to date. Just a little format with the with the total there at the bottom. And then the last two slides are just to draw
016attention that all of this information is updated both on our website and in the nest quarterly. It's updated on our website every month. You can find this information Any questions on the financial report? >> Okay. >> All right. We will move on. Next item on the agenda is items of public comment. Any items of public comment this evening? >> All right. We've got two individuals who have signed up to address the board. And so, um, as I transition here, I just want to share some information with those in the audience this evening. So, uh, in accordance with our board policy, BDDH, individuals are invited to address the board for no more than 3 minutes on the topic of their choice, the board president, my role, may interrupt the comment session if the topic is one
017that we can't legally discuss here in open session or if it strays uh from the topic topic itself. And as a general reminder to those in attendance tonight, board members, those of us here uh are prohibited from comment and discussion of any items that aren't on this this evening's posted agenda. So, so with that, um, our first, uh, individual to address the board is Miss Christy Man, and our topic is on the Hawk Awards. So, I'm going to push a few buttons here. Set a timer. First off, I'd like to say happy board appreciation week. Thank you for all your service and your dedication. Tonight, I'm here to talk about one specific board member being her last official board meeting, Miss Beth Petri. Um, I made a Hawk nomination. >> What? >> Um, it's all
018good. I promise. Um, and I would like to say in my second sentence, I talked about how her selfless service. Well, when she got her nomination, she told the committee because she's the head of the committee. >> I was >> to withdraw her nomination. So, I'm here to read her nomination. So, she gets that. It is an honor to nominate board member Beth Petri for the Hawk Award. As she nears the conclusion of her final term, I would like to reflect on her selfless service for over a decade, unwavering advocacy, and a deep-seated commitment to our educational committee community. Drawing on her invaluable experience as a former educator, Beth brought a unique and empathetic perspective to the board. She was never content to simply lead from a distance. Instead, she was a constant, supportive presence
019in our buildings. By frequently visiting classrooms and checking in on the daily atmosphere of our schools, she ensured that the voices of teachers and staff were heard at every level of district leadership. Before casting a vote on major initiatives, Beth sought out the opinions of those the decisions would affect most. Her leadership was defined by this collaborative spirit and her genuine desire to take staff input into account. Beth's dedication extended far beyond her official duties. She was instrumental in helping get the primary PTO established, serving as both a leader and a volunteer. Whether she was donating items for events, personally cooking for teacher appreciation lunches, or participating in our spring fundraisers, her hands-on approach was inspiring. Her personable nature and vibrant energy made every event more enjoyable for everyone involved. Even when faced with the
020most challenging decisions, Beth remained a pillar of positivity. She possessed the rare ability to weigh diverse pers perspectives and complex suggestions, always filtering them through a single lens, what is best for our students and our staff. As Beth prepares for her well-deserved retirement from the board, jet setting across the world, I want to express my deepest gratitude for the years of dedication she has poured into this district. While I will miss her frequent pop-ins and her warm presence in our hallways, the work she has done will be felt for years to come. Beth deserves a big thank you and deserved the Physical Hawk Award for her heart, her service, and her commitment to our schools. We love you and we'll miss you. >> Yeah. I did it all because I was retired and I had
021time and I liked it, you know, >> and I keep saying it. I started my farewell tour as Mark Groner said this week in the buildings because I won't be popping in. But I have said that if you have an event that you need help, I'm still where I am. You still got my number. >> I know where you live. >> I know you do. Right behind you. You do. So, thank you. Thank you for sharing that. >> All right. Our next community member to address the board is Miss Noel her. Uh her topic is with regards to the MSTA. Come on down. >> Mine is very um first I would like to thank the board and our administration for supporting teachers who go to the capital to talk with our legislators. Uh MSTA sponsors
022capital days through January or fe February, March and into April. Um Jefferson County, Greater St. Louis shared the first one March 3rd and I am Hillsboro sent two representatives. Fox sent one St. Louis sent since Zebra. So it was very nice to have that support from our administration, our district to allow us to go and speak with our legislators. Um we met with Representative Cesley Williams who represents Hillsboro. We met with Representative Renee Rutder who is in the Fox area but she's still Jefferson County. It impacts everything we have in our district. And we also met with Representative Brad Banderman who serves on the education committee in the House. We were able to listen in on session when they were debating the grading scale which was very good conversation listening to both sides and it
023also gives us information to come back to our colleagues and share they need to pay attention to what's going on the capital because there's a lot coming down the pipeline that affects our kids >> and we need to protect them. >> Yeah. >> My second one is every year Jefferson County region awards classroom project awards to teachers who apply for them. When they apply for these classroom project awards, there's no name, there's no district listed. >> Hillsboro took home seven of the classroom project awards, which is the majority. So, we got the bigger piece of the pie. Uh Tyler Davis, myself, Madison Gearhart, Bridget Widel, Amanda Fischer, Carolyn Pittz, and Tabitha Moore. So, we have teachers that are putting in great project awards and they are now being funded by the region. So, I just
024want to share. >> Thank you both for addressing the board this evening. Appreciate you being here. All right. We are going to uh take care of some new business. Next on the list, our first item tonight is the approval of the bill to Jefferson College. Do I have a motion to approve the bill to Jefferson College in the amount of $1138 $113,817 a little bit different? >> I'll take a motion. >> Yeah. >> What did we just say? >> Any questions on this particular >> All right. All those in favor of approval. One abstension in my seat. Motion carries. Thank you. Check that much. >> Yeah. Explain that. >> Next up is the approval of our prom venue for 2027. Do I have a motion to approve the proposal to host the 2027 prom at
025the Hilton St. Louis front in St. Louis? >> Second. >> Any questions on this venue? Post hearing. None. All those in favor of approval. None opposed. Motion carries. All right. Next up is the approval of overnight camps June through July. Do I have a motion to approve the overnight stays for teams participating in those camps in the summer months June and July of 2026? >> Motion second, >> questions, concerns, comments. All right, hearing none. All those in favor and none opposed. Motion carries. Next up is the approval of the career ladder program for 2627. Do I have a motion to approve the career letter handbook for the coming school year as presented? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Any questions, comments on the career letter and substantial changes to the >> No, anything that was
026changed in there is highlighted in your packet and is also required by Jessie. They make some minor tweaks. >> Questions or concerns? Thank you. >> Hearing none. All those in favor? None opposed. Motion carries as well. All right. We do have the approval of the district photography services. Do I have a motion to approve the administration recommendation of awarding that photography contract to Wagner Wagner Portrait Group? This is a one-year agreement and it's on an annual customer service eval um while continuing to use that three-year RFP process. >> Any questions on this? and that was tabled from last month to bring back. >> I I'm I'm really happy with that. I you know, my biggest concern was the customer service piece that has, you know, that I have dealt with personally, but then also I've
027heard from other community members. And I think that one-year agreement really, you know, really allows for that evaluation by us, but also, you know, it's not a, you know, here three years unless, you know, it kind of keeps keeps the vendor on on, you know, on their game, so to speak. So, I'm very happy with that. So, other thoughts, questions. Okay, hearing none. All those in favor of approval? Not opposed? Motion carries. >> All right. Next item on the agenda, the approval of the 2627 salary and benefits handbook. Do I have a motion to approve the handbook as presented? >> Motion. >> Second. Okay. >> Any questions there? All right. Hearing none. All those in favor of approval. Okay. None opposed. Motion carries. All right. Last item in new business tonight is approval of the
028temporary 4-day work week schedule for our 12 month staff for this coming summer. Do I have a motion to approve a temporary 4-day work week for the 12-mon staff from the July through a July 1 through August 7th calendar this summer? >> Yes. >> Any questions on this? >> I was excited to see it. I was >> at 12 months. >> No comments or concerns. >> So taking Fridays off or Mondays? Fridays >> Wednesday. >> All right. Hearing no concerns with this. All those in favor of approval. >> And Mr. It's my last. >> You didn't change your mind. >> I didn't change my mind. No. >> Okay. Okay. Well, that brings us to the end of new business. Last item on the agenda tonight is is important dates. We've got our calendar dates ahead
029of us there. We were talking in between um executive and just a few of us about the summer summit that's going to be coming up in June. Any of those any of us that are interested in attending that just to let you know and >> and one thing and I meant to mention it before and I got started talking about something else. Dr. Rub, thank you for the work you did on the photography piece reevaluating that. So, that's greatly appreciated as well. Thank you. All right, that brings us to the end of this evening's agenda. Do I have a motion to adjurnn at 7:26? >> Motion. >> Yeah. >> Okay.