001Thank you for joining. Um, we're going to call this meeting to order with the pledge of 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. [Music] I would like a motion to approve the agenda for April 15th, 2025 as presented. Second motion. All those in favor say I. I. All those post say no. Eyes have it. Florida. First we have some old business. We have a motion to approve the K five K through five literacy resource adoption as presented. Director Ponder. Any discussion or questions board? Seeing none. All those in favor say I. I. All those in favor say no. Eyes have it. Dr. Ross. Thank you, President Bertrand. Um, our first item tonight as
002we begin the reorganization meeting is to share the and verify the unofficial election results. Um, they have been provided in board docs for you. Um, these are still unofficial at this time, but the election results from the April 8th, 2025 election. On election day, voters in the Francis Hall School District decided upon candidates for two open seats on the board of education. The unofficial election results show that Amy Grider and Sarah Oki received the most votes. [Applause] I'm now going to move over here. Um, very few times that I speak to the board from the podium. Um, but it's my honor at this point in the evening as part of reorganization to recognize and to thank our outgoing board members. And tonight that is President Adam Bertrand and Vice President Brandy Cook. Um, we want
003to thank you for your leadership, your dedication and service to the Francis South School District over the past three years. I want to take a moment to remind everyone what board service truly means. The public only sees our monthly meetings. Several hours, sometimes three, four, five, usually once a month, but the votes, the presentations, the discussions, but those are really only the tip of the iceberg of what it means to be a board member. The work of a board member extends far beyond what happens in this room. It's the hours spent reviewing meeting packets, reading policies, studying financial reports, researching legislation, responding to community members, and preparing for difficult decisions. It's the committee meetings, school visits, community events, the late night texts, and early morning calls that all come with serving a district of our
004size and complexity. This is unpaid work for the seven of you. I can never say that enough. It's unpaid, it's voluntary, and it's often thankless work. Yet, it's some of the most important work there is governing a public school system that serves more than 16,500 students and employs thousands of staff. Last year, we calculated that there were close to a 100 hours of meetings between business meetings, close session meetings, special meetings, workshops, strategic planning, and retreats. Our board members serve out of commitment. a commitment to this district and a belief that all students deserve a highquality education, one that Francis Howell is uniquely situated to deliver. I'd be remiss not to thank your families as well. Every hour that you're here working on board initiatives or doing that at home is time away from your
005spouses, your children, and that's not lost on us. Adam, during your two years as board president, you've led during a time of progress and planning for the district's future. You've helped launch and guide the development of our next strategic plan, helping to reinvision the process, focusing on fewer goals, but goals that have a greater impact on the entire district. You've kept a focus on student learning and particularly literacy, something that's especially important to you and your family. And you've asked thoughtful, data-driven questions that have pushed our leadership team to think differently. As board president, you've carried an extra load, working closely with our administrative team to prepare for meetings, collaborating with fellow board members to keep communication flowing, and often being my first call or last text of the day. And you balance this with
006the added respons added you balance this added responsibility while also navigating your own career growth. You would frequently check in on me personally and were always reflective on how you could be a better board president or support me in the work. Randy, your legacy on this board may very well be your unmatched knowledge and interest in policy. You quite possibly have a better understanding of our policy and regulation than anyone else on this staff currently or in the past. I I looked up the word policy wonk to see if it was positive or negative because that's what kept coming to my mind. Um, this interest carries over to state law where you actually advocate often for changes in statute that would benefit public education or provide clarity or guidance for us. People may not know
007that you are a researcher and a learner. Every decision that you made was based on a significant review of documents and any information that we would provide you. You were always willing to read anything that we would send. You've also challenged us to be more clear in our communication and thorough in the information that we provide. You've championed protecting data and information, asking questions, ensuring fiscal responsibility, and being open to reaching compromise more than people may know. You worked personally to be more present involved at public events from trunk or treat to sporting events and that hasn't gone unnoticed. Together you were the two last members of the board that removed the interim title and named me superintendent. So I can't say that I've disagreed with every decision that you have made. You've been incredibly
008supportive of me personally and in this role. You've offered grace when necessary and you pushed me to be a better leader. Whether or not people have taken you up on it. You have offered to meet and hear different perspectives, to dialogue, and to debate. While we've not always agreed, I know that you both believe that each decision you've made was in the best interest of the district. You have voted to support many more motions than not. Motions that have increased teacher and staff salaries, added important additional positions, restored steps that needed to be restored, and approved pivotal remaining bond work with continued fiscal responsibility. Your election and time on this board have shown that is important for a district to listen to the different voices represented in the community and I hope that that is
009something that future boards and future administrative teams learn from. On behalf of our students, our staff and our community, I thank you both for your service to the Francis Hall School District. I would ask everybody to join me in also thanking [Applause] you. There are small tokens of appreciation that were at your seats when you came in tonight. Um, and I now would first like to turn things over and ask if any of our continuing board members who are here tonight would like to share any remarks or thanks. I just would like to say uh best wishes to Randy and Adam and thank you for your service and I'm hope you get to spend a lot more time with your families. I know that you have, you know, spent a lot of time away from
010that. So, I hope that'll happen for you. I wish to thank both Ra I always say Ratom and R and Andy, but anyway, I would would really like to thank both Adam and Randy for the amount of time and guidance that they spent in teaching me about this role and what to expect in this role. They had a year jump on me and I really truly appreciate all um them being patient with my questions and with trying to figure out exactly what we were what what we were supposed to do. So, I really appreciate it. I'd like to say the same thing really. I mean, I've learned a lot the last two years from both of you, uh, that I hope to, you know, continue to work on throughout the district. Um, I know what
011it's like to have little kids at home, spending time away from them, spending time away from your your wives and and the rest of your family juggling this with sports and other things. It's it's it's mind-numbing for sure. Um, Dr. Rum is right when said that that there's it it takes so much more time than anybody really fathoms and I commend both of you for the work that you did. So I and I appreciate everything that you've helped me learn and I'm going to add on with that. I appreciate Adam um meeting me for a meal and for Randy for meeting me for two meals. Um, I've seen Randy um in a number of events, whether it was a first responder meal, um, play, um, other different events and I appreciate uh, those conversations where
012you guys helped myself and I know Carol Lee learn what it means to be a board member. So, I want to say thank you to that and I appreciate that time and the welcoming and hope nothing but the best for your next chapter. So, at this time, we will turn it over to our outgoing president and vice president to see if either of you have any words you'd like to share with the group before we take a brief recess. And so, Randy, we'll start with you. No long speech here. I know everyone's excited to uh to move on to the new chapter here. So, I'll just say uh thank you to all the all the people who have supported me and uh and us over the years. It is a lot of work. I hope
013that uh the future board members um are able to to to balance the the family and the work here and and your and your day jobs, which a lot of people forget about as well. So, um when I when I was coming into this role, one of the outgoing board members um Mike Hayne told me he said, "This this role uh will take as much time as you want to give it." And I think that's probably the advice I would give to any future board member as well. So, good luck. I hope the district continues to prosper and I'm sure we'll do fine over the next uh however many years. So that was really short uncharacteristic. Um I have a maybe a little bit longer. Dr. I really appreciate appreciate the kind words over the
014past three years. I say it's been a really wonderful learning experience uh filled with a lot of nuance of public education. I want to thank Dr. Rumpus, the administrative team for all the long discussions that happen in the background that people may not be aware of and all their hard work for the district. Um, also want to take take some time to thank the staff, the teachers and patrons who have reached out over the years to share their thoughts and ideas and for those who have sat down to have more in-depth conversations. Um, to my fellow board members, uh, both past past, I see some past and present, um, I thank you for all your hard work to make this district what it is, and I wait to see what comes tomorrow. Um, as an
015alumni, soon to be former board member and a parent, if there's ever anything you might need or any way I can help, please let me know. Um, while I look forward to the added time, I also look forward to connecting with those in the future. Um, so it's all good. Really appreciate it. And now I believe we will have a fivem minute recess. We were talking about If I could have your attention, I'm going to ask that the two newly elected board come up so we can do the oath of office. [Music] Okay, I'm going to ask that you raise your right hand and repeat after me. I do solemnly swear I do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Missouri. that I
016will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Missouri. and that I will faithfully and impartially discharge the duties And that I will faithfully and impartially discharge the duties of school board director in and for the Francis House School District of school board director in and for the Francis House School District in the county of St. Charles in the state of Missouri in the county of St. Charles in the state of Missouri to the best of my ability according to law. to the best of my ability according to law. Congratulations. [Applause] Who's here? [Music] So, for the next period of time, while we are without board officers, I have about 20 pages of things I'd like to read and say to to the community. Um, as part of the
017reorganization of the board, as superintendent, I will conduct the election for the president of the board. I will begin by requesting nominations for board president. Once a person is nominated, they will be asked if they accept the nomination. Their acceptance will be considered the second. We will repeat the acceptance process until there are no other nominations. Do we have a nomination for board president? Yes. I'd like to nominate Steven Blair. Mr. Blair, do you accept? Yes. We have other nominations for board president board. I would entertain a motion to close nominations for president of the board. I'll need a first and a second then roll call. So first go ahead. OP first. All first. Pushkar second by roll call. One moment please. Caroli Owens. Hi. Um, Mark Ponder, hi Jane Pushkar. Hi. And we have
018Sarah Oli. Hi. And oh my gosh, Grider. I'm so sorry. It's all right. Hi. Yes, Steven Blair. I And with six votes, congratulations to President Blair. And as soon as he's situated, I will now turn nominations over to President Blair for nominations for vice president. Do we have a nomination for board vice president? I would like to nominate Amy Grider for vice president of the board. I accept. Thank you. Are there any other nominations? [Music] I would entertain a motion to close nominations for the vice president of the board. Need a first and a second. So moved. Second. I roll call. Do this better this time. Go ahead. Director Owens I. Director Ponder. Treasure Pushkar. Hi. Or Director Pushkar. I. President Blair. I. We have Sarah Oli. I. And Amy Grider. I. Should [Music] we
019move on to treasure now? You you can announce her as I now down at the down at the very bottom, President Blair. Congratulations to Vice President Amy Grinder. [Music] that I need to make a motion to call those nominations. This is why I'm superintendent and not the board treasurer secretary. Um, so I believe when we were doing the nominations for president, we voted to close nominations. We did not vote for the president position. Actually, two separate votes. Is that correct, Miss Heer? I believe so. So, we're going to take a step back. So, now correct. We had the motion to close. So, now board, I would like to entertain a motion to elect Steven Blair for the president of the board of education. We will need a first and a second and then by roll
020call. I first miss first. Now this is by roll call to elect Mr. Blair as president of the board. That is correct. That is correct. Director Ponder. Hi. Jane Pushkar. I want to change my vote, but I President Blair. Director Blair says I mean director. Was that an I? I. Amy Grider. I Sarah Oli. I am Caroli Owens. Hi. Now, do we have to do vice president over? We just closed the nominations for that. So yes, we will doing that as well. Appreciate. So now we move forward for Now we move forward for the actual vote for vice president. Motion tootion. Okay. So a motion for Yeah. A motion for vice president. Amy Grer as the vice president. Motion to elect Amy Grider as vice president. Well, first then second. Who was the second? I'm
021sorry. I roll call. Amy Grider. Hi. Sarah Oli. Hi. Carly Owens. Hi. Mark Ponder. Hi. Jane Kushkar. Hi. And President Blair. Hi. Congratulations to Vice President Amy [Music] Greger. Do we have a nomination for treasurer? I nominate Caroli Owens for treasurer. I'll second you. Do we have other nominations for treasurer? Right. So, a motion to close nominations by roll call. We need a first and second. Motion to close nominations. We a first and a second. Second. By roll call. K. Lee, were you the second? Sarah Oki I Owens I Mark Ponder Jane Push Connor President Blair I Vice President Grider I closed. So we've closed nominations. Now we are going to vote to elect a vote to elect Kolie Owens as treasurer. Need a first and a second. First and second. I first. I'll second.
022Say that again. I'm sorry. I'm writing. Sorry. You were the first. I'll be the first. Thank you. Who's second? Who was the second? I said something. I said so. And then said at some point you said I said something. What? Whatever it is. Okay. I will call. Okay. President Blair. Hi, Vice President Grder. Hi, Sarah Bulki. Hi, Caroli Owens. Hi, Mark Ponder. Hi, Jane Pushkar. Hi. So, congratulations to Treasurer Caroli Owens. [Applause] Now, we have election of board secretary I'm following the pink highlighted sections here and a motion to appoint Jane Heppler, secretary of the board and district custodian of records who shall enter upon her respective duties immediately. So move need a first from Mark and a second by second Jane. All those in favor say I. I. All those opposed say no. Motion
023carries. Jane Hepler. Congratulations. will welcome Jane Hler as our board secretary. And now I'd like to make a motion to approve Michelle Jones as the alternate custodian of records and alternate board secretary as presented. First by Mark, uh second by Director Pushkar. All those in favor say I. I. All those opposed say no. Motion passes. What was Oh, the white. Motion passes. We Yeah. All right. And so the next one is the code of ethics. A motion that board members reaffirm their commitment to the code of ethics. Uh this is a board policy 0340. Need a first and a second. So move second. A first from Director Ponder and a second from Director Pushkar. All those in favor say I. I. All those opposed say no. Motion carries. Motion to authorize the district to continue
024to use the current signature plates until new plates bearing the signature of the 2025 2026 president, vice president, and treasurer are received. Uh, I need a motion and a second. Second. A motion by director Ponder and a second by Director Pushkar. Um, all those in favor say I. I. All those opposed say no. Motion carries. And now for MSBA delegates. Um, do we have nominations for two MSBA delegates? I nominate um Amy Grider. Do these have to be made in pairs and can the vice president be a delegate from SBA? So, does this have to be in a pair? That could only be two, right? There's two nominee two nominees. Okay. Then I'll nominate Amy Grider and Sarah Oli. Thanks, J. Yeah. Are there any other nominations? Let's do a motion to close nominations. Second.
025Motion by director Ponder, seconded by Director Pushkar. Roll call. Vice President Grder. I. President Blair. I. Treasurer Owens. I. Director Pushkar. I. Director Ponder. Hi. Director Oki. I. And now the vote to elect Amy Grider and Sarah Oki as MSBA delegates. You have first and a second. Second. Second. Director Ponder. Motion first and then a second by Director Pushkar. Okay. By roll call. Director Ponder. I. Director Pushkar. I. Treasure Owens. I. President Blair. I. Vice President Grder. Hi. reperi I will work on that. I know it's okay. I I motion carries. Congratulations to MSBA delegates Amy Grider and Sarah Oli. And now for the MSBA alternate delegate election. Uh, do we have nominations for the MSBA alternate delegates? I nominate Kirley Owens. There's one nomination for Koli Owens. It kind of the last part. Do
026you accept? Yes. Nominating Steven Blair. We just need one alternate. I nominate Stephen anyway. I I I decline. Thank you. Okay. All right. Any other nominations? Okay. A motion to close nominations. Second. Motion by Director Pushkar. Seconded by Director Ponder. Roll call. Director Oli. I. Vice President Grder. I. President Blair. I. Treasurer Owens. I. Director Kushkar. Hi. Director Ponder. Hi. With nominations being closed, now a motion to elect Ki Owens as the alternate delegate to MSBA. Need a motion in a second. So I have a motion by Director Ponder and a second by Vice President Crater. Roll call. President Blair. I. Treasure Owens. I. Director Pushkar. Hi. Director Oki. I Vice President Grder. I Director Ponder. Hi. Election has passed. Congratulations to Kirley Owens for being the MSBA alternate delegate. Wow, that's awesome. Now, at
027the end of this meeting, u there's time for board members for any comments. Does anybody have a comment you'd like to share? I do. You know, I always do. Right. Okay. Um, I am thrilled to welcome a fellow teacher, Sarah Oli, and a community leader, Amy Grider, to the Francis House School Board. I know they are anxious to do the work to move this district forward. They are ready to lift up and support our teachers, staff, and families so we can provide an outstanding education for all of our students. My first year serving on the Francis House School Board of Education has not been easy, but it has been worth it. I am proud to stand up for the democratic values of public education, and to stand up for teachers and students as they navigate
028these troubling times. It is in times like these that we decide who we are, what we believe, and how far we will go to protect the ideals of public education. Tonight we recited the pledge of allegiance and specifically liberty and justice for all. I will not forget these words and I hope you will not either. And I will do all I can to make this pledge a reality in the Francis House School District. Thank you. I just want to welcome you guys to the uh DAS. Um it's nice to have so few bald men up here, so that's great. Um the light behind me was really probably great. It's blindness out there. Um but yeah, welcome. I look forward to working with you and and uh making sure that we provide everything that we need
029need to for the kids and why we're all here. Working with these folks, these fine folks over here for the next year is going to be great. So hope we do wonders. Thank you. did know what he said. And and thankfully now we have more than just uh two young young women on the board. We have the majority. We got Oh, the women have the majority. What? No more. I'm not going to say but welcome. We look forward to working with you. Thank you. Um this election um was eyeopening and um one of the things I wanted to say is thank you to everyone who stepped up and supported us. Um, we could not be here if it weren't for so many of our community members, so many of our teachers, so many of our
030um, amazing friends and family who took the time to really support us and lift us up and say, "Yeah, you can do this." Um, and I'm grateful. I'm absolutely grateful to be up here and I'm looking forward to um I'm looking forward to making a difference for Francis How. Thank you. I just want to say thank you also to everyone who has supported me and who so fiercely and bravely came out in um advocacy for our public schools, for our teachers, for our kids, for all the great stuff that that we know this district has done and will continue to do. I'm excited to work with everyone up here. I think we've got a great mix of expertise. Um we'll have a great mix of ideas, I think. Um, and I think we're all ready
031to aim higher. Thank you. I just wanted to u echo what everybody else has already said. I'm looking forward to having us work together as a set of person team including director Harmon who couldn't be here. Uh, but I think there's some really good things that we've already been discussing, things we agree with one another, and there'll be things we disagree with, and our hope is to be able to disagree with each other in ways that's civil and shows respect in those ways as well. U, I think our district is better when people are engaged. Our district is better when people are looking at details, when we're looking and asking questions. And I just invite all of you to continue to do that. Whether it's a question directed towards myself, any other person here, we
032will listen and we will respond. uh we will serve you and the community because that's what a board member exists to do is serve the community by providing the best public education for all of our 16,500 plus students. So um hold us accountable. Um give us a occasional email uh let us know what you're thinking from your angle. Give us a chance to serve you in those ways. So with that I want to welcome again Amy and Sarah onto the board and just want to celebrate one more time. So one more time for Amy and Sarah. And with that, we have a motion to adjurnn. So second moved by director Pushkar and seconded by director Hond. All in favor? I I. All opposed. Okay. Meeting is adjourned. Thank you.