001Everyone, we will start our meeting off with the Pledge of Allegiance. Those who wish to participate are invited to stand, face the flag, remove any hats, and place your right hand over your heart. >> 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. >> [clears throat] >> Thank you. >> [clears throat] >> Hey, before we get started, I'd just like to uh recognize that we accepted a retirement from Rebecca Story this evening. Her 25 years of uh service at Rolla Public Schools. So, we'd like to uh like to wish her the best in her retirement. And now, we'll start with recognitions. >> So, Mark Lewis >> Would you like to start with the
002state wrestlers? >> [clears throat] >> Uh we're going to recognize the state wrestlers. They want to come down. Is Can I have you come down when I call your name? >> And the girls >> Kiara Cedarburg, 100 lbs, uh 34 and 9, program's first four-time state qualifier, and MWA Academic All-State. RJ Winn, 106 lbs, 34 and 7, two-time state qualifier, and MWA Academic All-State. Baron Phillips, 113 lb weight class, 22 and 16, state qualifier as a freshman. Carter Libhart, 126, 21 and 8, two-time state qualifier. Stacy Carr, 150 lb weight class, 21 and 25, state qualifier as a freshman. Um MWA Academic All-State. Kimmie Brevet, 155 lb, 29 and 12, state qualifier in her first year of wrestling, MWA All-Academic All-State. >> [clears throat] >> Bailey Ray Morris, 190 lb weight class, 22 and 16,
003state qualifier, MWA Academic All-State. Congratulations. >> [applause] [applause] [clears throat] >> Coach wants to say something. >> Parents, you can come down and take pictures if you want. >> Go and take a picture. You're okay. >> Hey Tyler, one more parent coming down. Hold on, Tyler. >> Oh, one picture. >> [applause] >> Congratulations. >> [clears throat] >> Congratulations. >> Good job. >> Congratulations. Aren't they awesome? Congrats. >> Congratulations. >> That [clears throat] is awesome. >> Uh I just want to take time and say thank you to you guys and for what you do. Uh because of you guys we're able to do what we get to do. Uh last time, about this year, right? Uh a year ago this time, I think we were talking like tornadoes and that stuff, right? And we were on
004a Dr. Dare and I were watching a play trying to and and things kind of erupted our world, but uh since then the program, the wrestling program has taken off. Uh we obviously got a lot of community service, which is part of our reps uh through that. Uh uh So that that was kind of a blessing in disguise where we got to go out and pour into the community a little bit and give back to those who give to us. We have went to Japan since then. We took several of our kids to Japan. We hit several different states as well. So we've competed nationally and internationally again. Our junior high program continues to take off. We've got we had 80 in that this year. I think we finished with 77 somewhere right around there.
005So it's great to see those this last weekend we finished youth club state. We had people in the in the championship match. We had people in third place and they're all coming through the system. So it's really really exciting. We had over 500 kids kindergarten through 12th grade this year to give you an idea number wise. So the high school team we finished 21 and 9. The women were champs of the Branson and the Nixa invite. We also finished second in the Hillsboro tournament and we won the JV classic for Pacific. We had several that had several accolades. Obviously you get to see all of our state qualifiers there. We also had a few hit their 100th win which is a good milestone in in our program as well. So super excited to see where
006it's going to go. We are very very young. I think we had 11 out of our 14 starters were freshman sophomores this year. So so the program is really growing and getting ready to take off I think in great numbers. So thank you guys for what you do every day. We appreciate it truly and yeah, thank you. >> Thank you. >> [applause] >> Coach before you all go, coach I want to say thank you because this fall your team stepped up and helped us move back into Wyman and I don't think we've ever said that publicly. So thank you very much. >> [applause] >> So the the board of education is proud to recognize the students of Rolla robotics who have officially advanced beyond the state level to the first world championship in Houston, Texas.
007This achievement marks them as some of the top competitors in the region. Team 4964, the Rowlett Patriots, earned this spot at the world championship and received the judges choice award. Team 58, do you want to >> Do you want to eat something? >> me to start to stop there and let everybody come down? >> Let's do >> Yeah. >> So, team 4964, Rowlett Patriots, coach Daniel Carpenter and Shane Stanley. >> [applause] >> Amber. >> How? >> Do you want to say a few words? >> If you do, you have to be at the mic. >> Amber, I'm going to recognize the other teams as well. Do you want to wait until >> to wait. >> Okay, so let me recognize the other teams. >> Yes. >> So, team 5893 the Direct Currents was honored with
008the Think Award. And the coaches for that are Andrew and Jill Bodenhammer. >> [applause] [applause] >> And then finally team 6168 the Maniacal Mechanics. And those coaches are John Tombrello and Hunter Brooks. >> [applause] [clears throat] [applause] >> There's a lot of people here. Um I'm just going to read my speech cuz I don't know that I can just live um So, thank you for allowing us a moment to share our season with all of you. Today, I wanted to share an incredible story of achievement, teamwork, technological innovation from the Rolla Robotics uh team during their 15th FIRST Tech Challenge season. Um our journey began with incredible support from major organizations like Brewer Science, Boeing, the US Army, and Missouri S&T. These sponsors believed in our potential and helped us pursue excellence in robotics. Uh
009this season we stepped up our game by competing in the St. Louis Mid-League against 25 highly competitive teams from public and private schools. Our performance was nothing short of remarkable. Their team 4964 Rolla Patriots took fourth place as Alliance Captain. Team 5893 Direct Current took fifth place as Alliance Captain as well, and team 6168 took fifth place as Alliance uh partner. Our hard work paid off. All three teams advanced to the East Missouri Qualifiers Super Qualifiers, which uh we competed among the top 36 out of 90 regional teams. Uh team 5893 won the prestigious Think Award for outstanding engineering design process and analysis, and team 4964 became the winning captain and advanced to the state tournament. Furthermore, our success extends beyond robotics. For the fourth consecutive year, a Rolla Robotics student has been a FIRST
010Leadership Award finalist. In the past 4 years, six out of 16 awardees have been from our high school, more than all of St. Louis and Kansas City metro time teams combined. This year, junior Mona Lafatschie was selected for one of our four awards in the combined Missouri and Kansas region. >> [applause] >> At the state level, we competed among the top 36 teams from Missouri and Kansas, and team 49 4964 finished as the sixth place Alliance Captain, and received the Judges Choice Award, earning a coveted slot at the World Championship ship Houston, Texas. At the global level, out of 8,000 teams worldwide, we will represent our community among the top 366 teams from approximately six different countries. This is an extraordinary achievement that showcases our dedication and our skill. This journey represents more than just
011a robotics competition. It's a testament to innovation, to teamwork, and the incredible potential of young scientists, engineers, marketers, public speakers, etc. We are proud to represent Raleigh and inspire future generations of technological pioneers. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> [applause] >> I was also going to have coach Andrew talk about kind of what we do with our teams if you have a moment. >> And coach Andrew, before you start, uh Ms. DeFascia, I apologize. I skipped the paragraph um because I was flipping from page to page cuz the board was uh going to recognize you uh for that honor of of becoming uh for the first leadership award. And so, uh wonderful job. Congratulations. I'm sorry I missed that. >> [applause] >> All right, I'll be quick. Amber did a fantastic job. Um I'm I'm
012her backup today representing the uh external to the school district community partnership. One of the great things about this program that I love um is that it brings in professionals from all walks of life, from engineers to uh people who work logistics, to education advocates, to alumni from our public schools and university students to help work with these kids uh week in and week out throughout their season and advance their knowledge of robotics and and improve their ability to to work as a team. Um you know, this year's game was a very fast-paced two and a half minute I'm going to call it a brawl to shoot uh balls into uh to goals in the corners. It's one of the most fun games I think these kids have ever participated in, but also one of
013the most challenging. So, they did an amazing job uh working the last 6 months or so to design, iterate their robots, test them. Each of these teams competed in about 30 different matches or more. 40, maybe be 50 for 4964 head-to-head with with other teams in the league. Um you know, they they they developed their skills in coding. Their robots operate both fully autonomous and with driver controls. And and really it's just a joy as a you know, as an engineer and professional to to watch these kids grow and and seek out knowledge. They they looked at using trigonometry and physics. I saw a lot of equations on the board to how to shoot these balls consistently and accurately from all positions in the field. They were 3D printing dozens of parts trying out different
014iterations to to see what worked on their robots. They uh they tackled some what I would say college level motor control strategies that I really didn't foresee us getting into this year, but their their appetite for knowledge was super impressive. And aside from the STEM skills, they tackled graphic design tasks, they tackled marketing tasks, public speaking and judging and they just overall displayed incredible teamwork both on and off the field. You might have seen our teams out in the community doing outreach, teaching kids about circuits in after school programs, helping scouts earn merit badges for robotics, building Christmas displays for the Lions Club Park program assisting a robotics team in Libya getting off the ground and and started by sending them parts and and mentoring them. And even reaching out to professional other professionals who
015aren't mentors on our community professors, other experts have learned about manufacturing humanoid robots, using brain activity feedback to control robots. I think that was a popular popular lesson and supporting neurodiversity at robotics events and more. So, they do a lot in the 6 months. You know, if you catch one on the street with the robotics shirt ask them about all the great things they've done and couldn't be prouder of them and just want to say thanks again to all the parents for getting your kids long hours and and getting them to the programs and and helping encourage them and again thanks students you did a fantastic job this season. >> [applause] >> Thank you so much for coming. >> Thank you guys. Congratulations. >> Good job. >> I figured that was the bulk of the
016the crowd. >> Not all of it though. [clears throat] >> Yep. Was I correct? >> No. >> What did I say? >> Who said >> Maniac. Oh, I said maniacal. >> Well, it's okay. >> I have been out of school for a long time. >> But it's [laughter] okay. >> You should have come and I should have had it phonetically spelled out for me. >> It's okay. They have humor. >> [laughter] >> Oh, no. >> They're not being rude. >> I just thought they were I thought it was a funny name. Thank you though. I That is a word I don't think I've ever said. >> I don't know. I don't know that I would have ever said it right without knowing that that's what >> Somebody needs it phonetically spelled out for me. Are
017we ready? All right. Uh Shannon Snitker. Where are you? There he is. The Rolla Board of Education is proud to recognize Shannon Snitker for officially earning the national designation of certified athletic administrator for the NIAAA. This prestigious certification reflects his high-level expertise in athletic leadership, legal compliance, and organizational management. We congratulate Mr. Mr. Snitker on this significant professional milestone as he prepares to transition to his new role as activities director for Rolla Public Schools on July 1st, 2026. >> [applause] >> That's your buddy. >> I just want to thank you guys for the opportunity. I'm really looking forward to it. I'm excited to continue to grow our activities and athletics department. I'm super honored. All right, I appreciate it. Thank you. >> [applause] >> All right. Now, Mr. Mark Sells. Oh, yeah, shoot. >> [laughter]
018>> The Rolla Board of Education extends its deepest gratitude to Mark Sells as he concludes this distinguished service at on the board. A dedicated Bulldog for over three decades, Mr. Sells transitioned from a 31-year career as a classroom teacher and a coach to vital leadership role as a board member in 2020. Throughout his tenure, Mark has been a steadfast advocate for students and staff alike from his decades teaching high school biology and human anatomy to his years spent coaching wrestling and volleyball and my younger brother. His His passion for education and student development has been the hallmark of his career. His unique perspective as both a former educator and a committed community volunteer has provided invaluable insight to his district's district's governance. We thank Mark for his lifelong commitment to Rolla Public Schools and wish
019him a very happy, well-deserved retirement and lots of happy days with your grandson. Yeah, well, you got GRANDSON NOW, TOO. >> [applause] >> DID YOU GET IT, SUSAN? >> I DID. >> [applause] >> And where's my farewell speech? >> No speech for you. >> He's like, I've said it all. >> Yes. Yeah, you >> [laughter] [clears throat] >> I have thoroughly enjoyed my time on the board, and I I really want to thank, you know, first of all, the citizens that voted for me. I appreciate that. And my board mates, thank you all. It's been great time. We've had so much fun during board meetings and and going to Kansas City and eating at the Chop House and that was great. >> [laughter] >> But everybody's been great to work with. This this group is
020just so dedicated to education of our young people and um it's it's just been a a pleasure to work with you all. It really it really has. And um and the staff as well, Dr. Dare, um Dr. Welds, and Dr. Fulton. Um appreciate all that you do and um how much you um care about the students and do do for them. I appreciate everybody I've worked with. Um and I'm glad my wife allowed me to do it. >> [laughter] >> Supporting me as usual. Thank you. >> And what was your campaign slogan? Everybody needs cells. Something like that. >> you know, the most important cells are the most important things in the world. You cannot live without cells. >> Cannot live without cells. >> [applause] >> CAN'T TELL THAT HE TAUGHT SCIENCE. >> NOT AT
021ALL. >> NO, not at all. >> He didn't jump up on the desk this time though. >> On the desk? I usually get up on the desk at some point. >> We're good. All right. Moving on now to questions from the floor. At this time, any person wishing to speak on any question previously discussed through administrative channels and not on the agenda, they will be granted 3 minutes to make a presentation to the board. And this one? Okay. Um so for public comment, the board encourages comments from the district from members of the public. A person speaking during the public comment period may voice their thoughts and concerns including offering objective criticism of the district operations and programs. The board will not hear comments regarding any individual staff members or students in public comment. The
022board president will direct the participation the participant, [clears throat] excuse me, to be the published complaint procedure for consideration of legitimate complaints involving a staff member or student. Each participant is granted 3 minutes to address their topics. The board will hear the public comments but will not respond. Please remember that the board will may not discuss or act upon any issues that are not a posted on our agenda. The board directs that participants not use insults, abusive, or profane, or de- defamatory uh I can't say the word now, sorry. Defamatory language. Failure to comply with these with this request may cause the public comment to be terminated. The board has adopted policies to provide prompt and equitable resolution of complaints and concerns for employees, students, and uh their parents, and the general public. Copies of
023the district policies and procedures are available on the district website. >> And Amy, you will be the timekeeper, okay? Uh these cards are in the order that they were uh collected this evening. So, first up is Emily Mullen. >> [applause] [clears throat] >> If you could please Okay. And if you could please state your name for the record. >> Good evening. My name is Emily Mullen, m u l l e n, if anyone would like to post that anywhere. Teacher at Rolla High School. I hope you all already received a letter from me earlier today, but I'm here to speak tonight regarding the book challenge from the previous agenda. As a teacher, I make hundreds of decisions every day. Most of these happen in the moment, in a split second. Generally, I have felt trusted
024by RPS to make those decisions as a professional. However, last semester, I sat on a committee to review two books from our high school library, Lawn Boy by Jonathan Evison and Identical by Ellen Hopkins. I spent several hours reading those titles on my own time and considering their full context. I participated in a lengthy and thoughtful discussion with our committee, all of whom were invested in making the best possible decision together. Then I watched as you all overturned our decision, despite a majority of you having never even read the books. I find that decision incredibly disrespectful, and I'm here tonight to help you understand why. I was genuinely surprised to see that the board does not trust our decision. I have been trusted over the last 9 years at Rolla High School to create four
025curricula on my own. To make hundreds of pieces of content for student consumption, to write assessments, to curate authentic resources for classroom use, to organize and support a student organization, to lead social and cultural events with a student club, to take students on field trips, and assess hundreds of students. In addition, I'm trusted to talk with students about their problems, big and small. Look for signs of potential neglect or abuse and make official reports. Intervene in arguments and fights. Submit information for students seeking potential diagnoses for learning differences. Give feedback and input for students on individualized education plans. Recognize potential bullying or dyslexia, all while managing a classroom full of students. I'm trusted to know what to do when a student discloses a rape to me. I'm trusted to make it through the day after
026learning that one of my own beloved four-year students died the night before. I'm trusted to manage my classroom through days of grieving after the loss of yet another student. I'm trusted to know what to do when a student has a medical emergency in my classroom. I'm trusted to make decision decisions in an emergency and evacuate the building. And if it comes down to it, I'm trusted to put myself between students and a gun. So, I must ask, why am I not trusted as part of that committee? I encourage you to put this topic back on the agenda, and I ask that you revisit it. At the very least, you could provide us with some rationale for why you decided to overturn our well-thought-out decision. Thank you. >> [applause] [applause] >> Uh next we have Summer
027Thorpe Lancaster. >> Hi, my name is Summer Thorpe Lancaster. Tonight, I speak for another parent in the district. I want to share a perspective grounded in what students in this district are already navigating. My 12-year-old is already exposed to racism, sexism, homophobia, inappropriate relationships with students of very different ages, classmates connecting with older men through apps like Tinder and Snapchat, and peers expressing suicidal thoughts. I will remind you, these are sixth graders. None of this starts in the school library. Restricting books may create the appearance of protection, but it does nothing to address what they are already navigating every day. These books are often the ones that help young people understand differences, develop empathy, and realize they are not alone. I say this both as a parent and as someone who experienced abuse and abandonment
028as a child. I know what it's like to grow up in a home where love doesn't exist, and to go through life feeling like it isn't worth living. As children, we often believe our lives are normal until we encounter something different. Perhaps you visit a friend's house and see a bedroom filled with toys. Their mother brings in a freshly laundered pile of clothes to put away. The next morning, you wake up and you eat a bowl of cereal. But not every child has a bedroom, let alone one filled with toys. Not every child has a parent at home, let alone someone ensuring their clothes are clean. Sometimes the milk in the fridge has curdled, and sometimes the cereal box is full of ants. I cannot count how many times I read as a child a
029child called It. If that book had been banned or restricted, and the school required permission, it could have drawn attention in a way that wasn't safe. I related to that story in ways that helped me make sense of my own life. I needed that book so I would not feel so alone. That is the book. That is the power that books can hold in a young person's life. If we care about supporting students, we should trust the professionals that we've hired to make thoughtful decisions about library materials, and focus on real challenges our children face every day, rather than limiting access to books that may be helping a child survive the world they are living in. Because somewhere in this district right now, there is a child quietly going through something they do not yet
030have the words to describe. And sometimes a book is the first place they find those words. And I know that because once upon a time, I was that child. Thank you. >> [applause] >> UH NEXT IS LYNN REED. >> I JUST HAD SURGERY. Stairs really aren't my jam right now, so if I go down >> We hope that doesn't happen. >> There's a copy of the actual >> Okay. >> in the smaller font. >> My name is Lynn Reed. I am right I am reading an email from Ellen Hopkins, the author of Identical. To whom it may concern, I'm writing to you in support of keeping Identical available in the teen section with no restrictions. The book deals with the quite sensitive subject of sexual abuse at the hands of a parent, something young people
031suffer daily in this country, including here in Missouri. As we consider the fallout from sexual abuse via the powerful few, we must remember the victims, some of whom aren't even aware that incest is wrong. Over the years, the parents speaking out most forcefully against the book have often proven to in fact be perpetrating such abuse. If survivors can find a book that lets them understand someone hears them, someone believes them, someone supports and encourages them to speak up sooner rather than later, it can only be a very good thing. I'll finish with a message or two from readers who came to me after reading Identical. First reader or first message. Hello Ellen Hopkins, I just wanted to let you know that all of your books have touched me, especially Identical. I felt like you were
032writing about my life, down to the very, very last detail. Thank you so much for that book, it's my favorite. It made me cry, which that is the first book that has ever done that. I also want to thank you for not shutting the door to her room. People always assume nothing happens behind closed doors, but it does. I was also sexually abused till I was 16 by my father, and I have dissociative identity disorder like she did. It was amazing how many details I could just say, "Hey, that's me." But unlike her, I've not been able to come out about my father to my family and friends. I'm working at counseling though and hope someday soon I'll be able to tell them. Thank you again, Danny. And the second message, I think Identical was
033the most intense work of literature I've ever read. I've never felt so close to anything in my entire life. The only thing that's made life bearable this month was having the opportunity to read your books, relate to them, and realize that I'm not alone and I never have been. First of all, thanks a ton. You're such an inspiration to so many people. I was nervous to read about all of these intense topics, and at points I found myself in tears because everything is so real. I'm 15, almost 16, but since I was almost 10, I've had two different sexual abuse cases opened. It started with my uncle, moved to his friends. It was tough to live with for a while. It reminded me how scary it was to deal with. As I read the sections
034in Identical that talk about Caylee's fear when she counts her father's footsteps in the hall, scared of what's coming next. I don't know if I've ever cried that hard in my life, but it was okay because although it's fictional, these things really happen and I'm not going through it by myself. Physical abuse came next and it was scary. And from there I struggled with addiction to cutting and alcohol. Alcohol is finally gone, but cutting is still near and I still think about it a lot. It's been 26 days since I picked up a razor and used it against myself. Progress is progress. Suicide is very real, addiction is very real, abuse is very real. But hope and faith and love are also very real and they can often outweigh the struggles. Maybe I just want
035to tell you that you've given me hope and security. You're an amazing person and I look forward to reading your newest book. Thanks for listening. >> Thank you. >> [applause] >> UH BOWHEESE, I BELIEVE IT SAYS. Is that right? Hessey, I'm sorry. >> Good evening. My name is Bow Hessey. I'm a senior at Rolesville High School, so the choices you make directly affects my lives and the lives of most of my peers. So with that, I hope you'll listen to me earnestly when I tell you that I am deeply concerned with this board's decision to remove two books, Ellen Hopkins' Identical and John Iverson's Lawn Boy, from our school's library. I trust fully that this decision was made with the best interest of students at heart. I know that you have a noble intent to
036protect us from dark and mature themes. But listen to me now, you can't protect us forever from a dark and mature reality. I went to St. Patrick's Catholic school until I was in eighth grade, so I grew up in a safe and controlled environment. If you asked me 4 years ago, I probably would have agreed with your decision without reservations. But then I read Stephen Chbosky's The Perks of Being a Wallflower. And in 218 pages, this book changed the way I saw myself and the people around me. The main character, Charlie, enters high school in a state of relative isolation and has to battle themes of love, addiction, and friendship. I saw myself in Charlie in some ways, and through Chbosky's work, I learned how to look for love in rooms where it wasn't readily
037offered. And I may not have been able to form the strong and healthy relationships that I have today without being able to reflect on Charlie's story. I never would have been given that opportunity, however, had the book been denied to me because it explores sexual exploitation, self-harm, and substance abuse. This is why I urge you to reconsider your decision. I'm asking you to give students the same opportunities I was afforded. I know you want to keep us safe from dark and mature themes that both of these novels dive into, but we cannot be safe forever. Soon, all of us will be adults and forced to enter a world full of these dark themes and more. I know the ideas of self-harm and substance abuse are painful, but they're also very real and unavoidable. The best
038way to protect students is to allow us to confront these ideas while they're still just words on a page and not a friend who wears hoodies to cover up the scars on their wrists, or a partner who began drinking and was never really able to stop. Beyond that, the best way to protect students is to let them read the stories of people who have faced these struggles and healed, because that's what these books are really about. They are not stories about self-harm or substance abuse or sexual exploitation. They are books about healing from those struggles. In a few short months, myself and all of my classmates will be forced to enter a society that can be dark and dangerous, and one that for the first time will not have our parents to keep us safe.
039Keeping students safe does not mean hiding us from the danger that will never go away. It means giving us the tools to confront that danger and live on. So, I ask you, if you truly have our best interests at heart, let us read about the world that we are about to live in. Thank you for your time. >> [applause] >> Okay, I'm going to have a little trouble with this. It looks like Andrew Thimman? Thimgan? Thimgan, thank you. >> Andrew Thimgan regarding the book challenge. Members of the board, many students, teachers, and members of the community frown upon and are extremely disappointed by your decision to overturn the ruling made by not only the committee originally appointed to review the books, but the assistant superintendent as well. The turnout today is a testament to this
040assertion. The book should remain unrestricted to all students of Royal High School. Megan Johnson and her cohort belong to national organizations such as Moms for America and Moms for Liberty who maintain the values of traditional gender norms, family values, and constitutional rights. Oddly enough, the restrictions infringe on the students' First Amendment rights and their freedoms. Furthermore, the restrictions don't make sense as there are already systems in place for parents who wish to shelter their children from new ideas and different ways of thinking. Moms for Liberty and Moms for America want the books restricted because they can't handle the typical conversations and thought-provoking themes the stories carry. They like to cite the graphic detail and vulgar language. This, however, is used tastefully and carefully to craft characterization and shape the important events in each respective novel
041to really leave an imprint on the reader. Highlighted by the organizations as well as the subject matter of the books. This is also done tastefully as the way the events and themes conveyed in the books is deliberate and purposeful to not only challenge the readers' thinking, but to to challenge society society as a whole. These books shed the veneer these organizations love to pretend is covering up the issues that many face simply because they don't want to think about them. They fail to consider just how powerful of a tool these books can be to those who desperately need them. Megan Johnson does not have kids in Rolla High School. She does not speak for us. Vicky Gustavison does not have kids nor grandkids in Rolla High School. She actually pointed out herself on the March
0425th meeting, her grandkids don't even attend Rolla public schools altogether. She does not speak for us. They should not have voices in this hearing, period. I am a student at Rolla High School. I am a senior. Moreover, I am an adult. I know what's best for me, I know what's best for my school, and I know what's best for my classmates. Hear me when I say these books should remain unrestricted in our library and members of the board, I strongly urge you to make the right decision. >> [applause] [applause] >> All right, Wyatt McDonald. >> Good evening. My name is Wyatt McDonald and I'm a senior here at Rolla High School. I'm here tonight because I'm concerned about the recent restriction of books in our school library, as well as the additional titles that may
043soon face the same outcome. What concerns me most is the process. The district created a review committee to carefully evaluate these books, and that committee did exactly what it was asked to do. They read the books, discussed them thoughtfully, and ultimately concluded that it should they should remain accessible without restriction. When that decision is later to overturned, it sends a clear message that the process created to evaluate literature doesn't actually matter. If a board can disregard its own review system when it reaches a conclusion some people dislike, it undermines trust in how educational decisions are made. During the discussion, some of you even said that you personally believe these books should not be restricted, yet still voted with the majority. That's deeply concerning. Because leadership isn't about avoiding disagreement or simply going along with the
044room. Leadership requires the willingness to stand by your judgment, even when doing so may be unpopular. Beyond the process itself, there's also the impact this decision has had on the community. Students, parents, and educators trusted the review process that was created. And when the committee's recommendation is overridden, despite the time and care that went into it, that trust is damaged. Something that has also come up repeatedly in this conversation is the concern about explicit language or difficult themes. Parents absolutely have the right to decide what their own children read, which is already possible through the current setup. But if the concern is explicit language, I'd invite you to walk the halls of our school yourself, because I can promise you it's not the books you should be worried about. Stories like these exist because the
045experiences they describe exist. For some students, books like these help them understand trauma, recognize their own experiences, or simply realize they are not alone. Books are meant to challenge us and sometimes they do make us uncomfortable, but that discomfort is often where learning begins. By respecting the review process you established and restoring unrestricted access to these books, you would show this community that transparency matters, that trust matters, and that the education of the students you represent truly comes first. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> [applause] >> And Basmala Elgawady? >> Hi, I'm Basmala, a senior at Rolesville High School. And when I first heard of your decision to overturn the committee's decision and remove these from our library unless given parent permission, I knew I needed to speak up. I understand the claim that these
046books are graphic and explore difficult themes, but these books aren't graphic without purpose. They're graphic because these situations are graphic. They're exploring themes and situations that people struggle with every day. These are things that I could be dealing with, things that my peers could be and are dealing with actively, and you removing these books doesn't stop these situations from happening to us. It only removes our access to books that are educating us on these topics and how to deal with these situations. Not just so we can help ourselves, but so we can help our peers who are actively going through similar situations. Our school is supposed to be a safe space, a space for us to get educated, a space where we can turn to if we're struggling. But this overturning opens the doors to
047ban more books and remove more difficult themes from our library and take away resources from kids who need it and are going through these situations. Kids who are in a home where they could be going through these situations may not be in a place where their parents would allow them to check these books out to educate themselves on what they're going through so they can get the help they need. Yes, self-harm, sexual abuse, physical abuse, and eating disorders are difficult topics. Yes, there are moments in those situations that can get graphic, but I ask you guys as the school board who's supposed to have our best interest at heart, who's supposed to make sure that we are educated, who's supposed to prepare us for the real world, how long can you keep these difficult and
048graphic ideas away from us? How long can you keep us uneducated about certain topics, and how many students are you willing to see go through these situations and be unable to get educated on what to do before you realize that there's a reason these books are available in the school library? How many books are you willing to ban to appease community members who have no children in the school district without thinking about what's best for me and for my peers, without even reading the books that you're so quick to ban? These books aren't just fun reads that happen to be graphic. They might be fictional, but the situations that these characters are going through are not. Books are a way for us to educate ourselves. They're a way for us to be more empathetic, and
049taking that away from us without at least having all read the book and providing a real reason for decision is unfair not just to the committee whose decision you have overturned, or to our librarian whose decision on what books are in the library was undermined, but to me and my peers, the very students you're supposed to educate and prepare for life. And that is why I urge you to reconsider your decision. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> [applause] >> THAT IS ALL OF THE SPEAKER CARDS THAT I HAVE. WAS THERE anyone else wishing to speak tonight? Okay. >> All right. >> [clears throat] >> Moving on. Um and thank you for those that have um came up to speak to us. As stated before, we cannot make any comments. So, moving on, our agenda is
050presentations on agenda items. Any person wishing to speak on any items on the agenda will be granted 3 minutes to make a presentation. Seeing none, we'll move on to our consent agenda. A consent agenda is utilized by the Raleigh Board of Education as means of dealing with routine matters, which must be considered by the Board of Education but require minimum of discussion. All Board of Education members receive and review written information supporting the items listed on the consent agenda well in advance of the meeting. While any Board of Education member is welcome to remove any item from the consent agenda for separate consideration or discussion for any reason, normally all items on the consent agenda are approved in one motion with a minimum of discussion. Tonight we have items A through F. Dr. Dear, do
051you have anything you need to pull out? >> Uh, nothing specific. They're happy to answer any questions. Most of that's pretty straightforward, I think. >> The career ladder manual I will bring your attention to is an annual approval required by the state. There are some date changes in there. >> And reading aid is a 3-year contract. Do we pay the full price up front? Is that Correct. >> Mhm. >> Yes. >> And Dr. Dear, can I get I just um then Flexion Point Learning the Beast Academy? I'm not familiar with that. I don't know that I've >> Dr. Walsh, you want to talk about that one? >> So Yeah, it is a um accelerated math and advanced math curriculum um and we've been piloting some of those components this year for our gifted program. >>
052Okay. >> Um it utilizes characters um to be able to kind of dive deeper into grade level standards. Um so teachers are pretty excited about it. >> And what grade level and what grades does it uh encompass? >> Uh it will be for second through sixth grade. >> Okay. Good. Thank you. >> Welcome. Any other [clears throat] questions? If not, can I get a motion to accept the consent agenda items A through F? >> I'll make a motion that we accept the agenda items A through F. >> I'll second. >> All in favor say I. >> I. >> Those opposed say no. All right, moving on to old business. Looking at our long-range facility update with Dr. Bolton. >> Yeah, we reached our one-year, guys. >> We have. We have reached actually a year and
053three days to be exact. Um, I think a year ago we were all pretty numb from all everything that occurred. We have made a lot of recovery in the last year. And hopefully by the this time next year I will stand before you with all of us being all of the buildings being back complete. Um, we're looking for our last our last two projects, which is the softball field and Mark Twain um, to be done. I am hoping it is done before spring of next year, but spring is next year even though they keep telling me it's going to be um, November. I'm shooting for spring. We have a lot of summer to go and a lot of weather to go. So, just just know that up front. Trying to be conservative in all of
054those estimates and timelines. So, again, we'll start off with the early childhood center. Um, I know this picture looks a lot like last week. You have to understand that it seems like a little over a week ago we were here and we were. Um, so what you see now is I gave you a picture um, behind of a lot of plumbing. Now there's the restroom plumbing. I I don't know what else to pull. There's just not a lot of huge big progress going on there, but those are the restrooms near the gross motor skills room aka pups plaza. First floor where they are doing some uh, classroom rough-ins. So, you will see the walls going up there and on second floor as well. I showed you some priming last week. This is just a cleaned
055up picture of what they sent us this week. The athletic fields, if you've been by on 10th Street, you will see that the turf is up. There's just a little bit of Sabre Olé Bulldogs left over on the fields by the by the big scoreboard, by our jumbotron as everybody calls it. >> Mhm. >> Our wall is up. We've had some weather, so it we haven't made as much progress, but we're working with the company to start working in as soon as we get close enough to get all of the pipes in. So, you're looking at some 18-in pipes laying there, which are going in behind that wall. You'll notice that once that turf work starts, it will go pretty quickly cuz once it pulls up, we're going to go right back down. So, slow
056slow right now, but making progress. This is where you're seeing the most progress. This is the press box and concession stand for the softball field. A lot of work going on there. As you will see, they're getting ready to do some roofing on that building as well. As this work has gone on on the outside, on the inside, they're actually putting some plumbing and some electrical rough work in as well. So, if you're wondering what view you're looking at, this is this is the backside. Actually, this is facing the field with those two doors. And [clears throat] that right there is the concession stand right there on the side with the press box being up top. Not really sure what to show you about Mark Twain. The difference of this picture this week and what
057I showed you a couple weeks ago is that we now have staking to where, you know, the concrete's going to go. Sorry, again, we've had a little bit of weather. Not a lot of work going on there right now. Um, very excited with that. Um, you can tell that lot where the old caf- where the old cafeteria was, where the classrooms were, is going to go. They've got stakes out there and it's dug down for that foundation. What is going to occur starting Friday is they're going to go in the building and they are going to dig up some concrete in there um in in the area right here and in that classroom. They're going to dig some up, put some footings in for the new walls that are going in. >> [clears throat] >>
058So, again, it doesn't look like much, but I promise you there's a lot planned to move forward. >> have any effect on the classes that are like right inside there? The >> It does not. They're going to have to move during spring break to move things over and cover it up for the dust, but once schools comes back after spring break, they'll be able to go right back there as well. Yeah, we met over there last week, talked it all through, and we're thankful for Mr. Cross and the teachers and their willingness to work with us. So, >> Sorry, Larry. There There There will definitely be noise. Everybody along that wall >> I was more like Remember when the >> the wall >> when the wall came down that wall was unstable and we weren't
059sure if people could be in that classroom. Remember that? >> that is all fine and is secure, but we're actually going to put in They're going to do some outside work, so they're putting in some work to help deaden that noise and to put some more temporary walls back in there, as well as to dig some concrete in that hallway and that entryway, which is where we have title. So, we'll cover their stuff and move them up move them up. They'll be done on the inside. So, yes, there will be some noise and work there, but the immediate moving them out, working in the building while the kids are there is not happening. >> I was over at Mark Twain today during dismissal and uh kind of curious, you know, because we were a little
060concerned about how the car circle drive would work and moving all of that to one side of the building and if you've ever seen how long that car rider line is, it's it's remarkable. Um but the whatever that system is they have in place, they call it the child's name, go to blue what I mean, it's it's amazing. I couldn't believe how quickly they got it all all done. Yeah, I I think it's way more efficient than maybe it was before. Um I I don't know if that for sure, but >> No, I think you're right and I think um the thing that they've done there, Charlotte, is they've expanded that circle. So, there's I think if everybody cooperates and does what they're supposed to, there's about nine spots there. So, uh you load that
061many cars at once, it moves pretty quickly as compared to what we were doing before. >> Thank you. So, for the second time since all of this started, I am coming to you with a new language. So, you know, they shouldn't teach me new acronyms, but I have a new one. It's now a PCO, called potential change order instead of D change order COR that I've always presented to you. [laughter] I told K&S that was really not nice of them to change language midstream, but they seem to think that they need to change it. So, what I'm bringing to you today is at the football field. If you know it or not, the controller for all the lights is sitting on 10th Street. It's actually on the sidewalk on the electric pole. The new box
062we're putting in with all the lighting upgrades puts lots of things for people to push as they walk by. That needs to go back behind our fence. So, in order to move that behind our fence and behind the scoreboard, we need to move all of the electric. It's got to come in from the pole underneath, dig a trench all the way back. So, to do that, the cost of that is $15,000. And then to hook up all of the um all of the electric as it gets over there. That is something that needs to happen. We don't want someone walking down the sidewalk being able to press those buttons. That's a bigger deal. Yes, sir. >> Dr. Fulton, it's so it is going to go from the 10th Street side all the way behind the
063scoreboard at the far end of the or just behind the scoreboard completely? >> Right behind the scoreboard on 10th Street side. So, we're going to come back underneath that fence and just halfway down that field. I am asking them to look at this cost again. I they have not um they he has been texting me in the middle of this meeting and I have not answered, Josh. They will try to get that down. Keep in mind we have a contingency. It's not extra money out of our pocket, but I do need you to approve that work. With this, huh? >> For the potential change order. >> potential change order because once you approve it, then it becomes a change order, I'm learning. All new things. We are also looking at adding um the electrical replacement
064at the retaining wall. If we had put that electric in the retaining wall as it was before, it would um not for the structure of the wall, but for the um the um webbing behind it that will hold everything back, it would compromise that. So, we opted to lay that in the in the ground right there at the base of the wall, which is why we needed why we need to do that for $3,272.50. That's change order or potential change order three and four. That total at the high school football field is $18,639.50 all together. >> Do we need to approve these by project or >> We'll go for one. Yes, if we can, that would be great. Because I have more. >> Okay. For other projects. >> Uh-huh. For the softball field. >> Okay.
065So, this is all you have for the football field? >> This is all I have for the football field. If we could if we could have an action on this piece before we get totally confused with everything else. >> Okay. Does someone want to make a motion then for these two potential change orders? >> I'll make a motion to accept potential change order three and four for the Rolla High School Football Field project. >> I second. >> Oh. For $18,639.50. [laughter] >> I just sorry. >> Oh, I'm sorry. Go ahead and finish. >> If it's so it's potential, so it is likely >> No, it's going to happen. >> Okay. >> We just need you to approve it. So, they It's just a term. It won't be more than that. >> But so it's might
066be less. It would be worst case scenario. >> Correct. >> And when it is a change order, will it come back to us again? >> No. This is it. >> They just made this term. I'm telling I've never heard potential change order. >> potential change >> I have not either and then I'm like sitting there >> And and it's okay. It's >> You know, my accounting brain >> It's a change order. They're >> It's a change order. >> We can deny change orders, but >> We can't. If you deny it, the work doesn't get done, so. >> This one the both of them need to happen. So, we have electric on the field and we have we have that box off of 10th Street. >> your approval, what happens is the contractor goes back, writes
067all that up, it goes to the architects and the engineers for review and approval. They sign off on everything, then it'll come back to Dr. Fulton to sign off on, and then it becomes the actual change order. >> And actually, I do have I do have architect approval on all of this already. So, once I do it, the architect will go back and fulfill their part. The architects say yes to this. >> Okay. So, then you'll come back to us, at least let us know what the amount is. Not to approve it, >> Yes. Yes. Yes. I will let you know what the final amount is. >> amount is. >> I will. >> Okay. >> I don't like that. I have just been ignoring Mr. Quick in the middle of our meeting, so. >> making
068me feel better is the fact that I know it's not going to be more than the 18,000, because I feel like when you approve something that's a potential, >> Should I edit the as motion to >> No. >> We're good. >> Okay. >> We're good. Second. >> We had a vote on that. >> Second. >> Yep. Everybody good? >> Yep. >> Okay. All in favor, say I. >> I. >> Those opposed, say no. >> Great. Moving on. >> Okay. Now, I'm going to confuse your world a little bit more. So, >> [laughter] >> I have red up there this time. So, at the softball field, um we have made some changes. The first change we made was um potential change order to CMU split face block, which is a credit of $11,000. I'll be honest,
069we did that. We knew that that was in our favor. Insurance has approved all these, by the way, cuz they have to go through here. We um they only priced one netting system for the batting cages warm-up, and we need two. That's what that cost is for the $3,828. They have removed a stainless stainless steel base from the scope of work, which is to omit the base at the concession stands, as it's not required by the public works inspector. But, and then um PCO 12 will be the floor sink change. So, this is to change the type of floor sink that was in there, a credit of $400. And then the architects had written in that we were required to have P um cast iron above ground, but we are could get by with this
070one on on PVC. So, that's a credit of $1,333.10. Overall, it's a credit of $10,850.10. Our insurance company has already blessed these changes, but I need to bring them to you so you know what's going on. >> Okay. >> We do need that second batting cage net system. >> Okay. >> Absolutely, yeah. Definitely. >> I mean, I know when you have two We have two teams playing and only one team can warm up, so that makes sense. >> Right, yeah. We do need that. We had that before, so. >> Okay. >> I make a motion to accept the potential change orders at Rolla Middle School softball field totaling a credit of $10,850.10. >> Correct. >> I'll second. >> All right. >> How do you vote? >> Yes. >> Aye. >> I'm so sorry. All in
071favor. >> Aye. >> All right. Okay. >> All right. >> Now, for a review of the tornado update since it has been a year. So, that's what we're going to have now. Um we um work very closely with our insurance company. We are very grateful to them for all of the support they've given us through this process. Expenses to date in FY25, now keep in mind we're already in their second school year. So, we had a million $973,384. Expenses of FY26 to March 10th have equaled $3,280,600 $208,691.45 with total expenditures so far of being $5,254,065.45. That is to put everything back as it is to this date so far that we've been working on. We have an encumbered expense out there for 95,000 that is to pay off some of the HVAC things that we
072are still working on and some other amounts we know that we have encumbered yet to pay. So, with a total encumbered and actual expenses expenditures of 5.3 million. Total reimbursement so far from the insurance company is 4,944,034.66. We have we have as since asked them for another advance. Again, we are coming up to the close of a school year, so we have to be very careful. We don't want to show too much money on hand. So, we have asked them again. We'll get that amount in a couple weeks. I will tell you though that with with that amount they have no trouble handing it over. They're very good. They also know that we have upcoming expenses for our Mark Twain and softball field of 7.4 million as you see there. We have already spent 7,000
073um total cost of Mark Twain and softball of 7.5 million. We have already expended some of that in the expenses up above. So, just keep in mind that we do have those expenditures coming up. The insurance will make sure we get paid for all of those things. Any questions about that update with the with the expenses so far? And then I would like to point out that our insurance company was so gracious to reimburse our teachers for some of their personal items up to a thousand dollars. We have reimbursed all of our teachers for their personal items that they turned in up to a thousand dollars in the amount of 7,656.78. And we are also grateful for anything that wasn't covered by our insurance was covered by core and the donations. We are very grateful
074for that. So, we thank them as well. >> [clears throat] >> Any questions? Does anybody have any questions? Again, I just want to say thank you for your support. Thanks to our insurance company and thanks for our community for all that they have done in this time of restoration. We still have a bit of a bit of ways to go and hopefully within the next year we'll we'll have completed all of our projects, but I will tell you we are a much more fortunate than many school districts around to be as far as we are. So, thank thank you to you for your support. >> Thank you. >> At this point last year we were still probably without showers and power >> power >> I still find it >> We didn't have sleep. >> Yeah,
075I still find it amazing that all of that work can be done without >> I know. >> Yeah, I know. It just blows me away every time. >> Okay. Um C-SIP give an update. >> Yeah, um I'm going to ask you to do something that we normally don't ask you to do. Um working through this presentation and trying to build in the changes that we need to make for next year uh is a lot. And then Dr. Watson and I sat in on a webinar this morning um where we were uh we got a high-level presentation about some of the requirements for reporting for next year from DESE uh and a promise that we will have that documentation within the next week or two. Um it was very non-definitive, but um there's more coming. And
076so, what I'm actually going to ask if if is to uh table this um because I think we can do a better job of pulling all of that information together and presenting it at one time rather than piecemealing it over the next few meetings. So, if you'll table this, we'll come back to you either at the next meeting or the next and get you a full a full picture update of of what the next um uh transition from this year into next year looks like with the new DESE information. So, we'll just uh respectfully ask you to table that one. >> Do we need a motion to table? >> Yes, please. >> Okay. Will somebody make a motion? >> I make a motion to table the discussion for the request for additional positions. >> C-SIP
077>> No, C-SIP update. >> C-SIP C-SIP >> C-SIP, sorry. C-SIP >> I'll second. Okay. All right. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Those opposed say no. All right. New business for a staffing request, Dr. Bold. >> Okay. Sorry, they've already been tabled. >> [laughter] >> She was moving on. She's ready to get out of here tonight. >> That's right. >> Okay. So, tonight I come back to you to ask for additional positions at the Early Childhood Center. All of the screenings in have that we have completed so far show that we have the we have enough enrollment for the addition of two more Early Childhood teachers, making that four, five, six, seven all together. So. >> [snorts] >> Wait, it's eight total. >> Eight. >> seven additional? >> No, so all together. So,
078we have we've done we've done two. >> Additional. >> Tonight would be two. >> We've already done five. >> Okay. Yeah. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Yes. >> And if you'll just as a reminder, when we first projected this with full enrollment, we projected that we would need 10. >> Right. Yes. >> So, we're still well on >> We're still under that. >> well under that. >> But, just for um we are reimbursed for Early Childhood Education the next year after from the state. >> Childhood Special Education. >> Special Education. Okay. >> These will These will come This funding for these would come from the formula money. >> Okay. >> So, not fully reimbursed. >> Not fully reimbursed, but Okay. Special Ed is. Okay. >> That's right. All right. >> So, with that we have
079enough enrollment at this time to add two more positions. Again, this is the same numbers I have given you all along. Salary and benefits, we go for the middle of the road of the of the salary scale for two teachers. Again, 25, 26 salary schedule. Again, 80,000 210 for a full year with benefits, total of 160,420 dollars. Any questions there? With those >> I have a question. >> Yes, sir. >> Um So, people are signing up for that now for their child to get in, four-year-olds? >> Yes. >> So, what are they doing? And And how many Do we have a number on how many have already enrolled? >> Ah, we looked at that the other day. Bandy, do you remember that entire number? >> No, but I'll do a quick >> Okay. >> guesstimate
080>> here. I think we were showing roughly 18 across eight potential sections. So, it was like roughly 140. That's just in pre-K. That is not the early childhood special education students with um peers that would be partnered there. So. >> All right. Awesome. >> Okay. Yeah. >> That's great. >> Uh Laura Brown has shared as they've gone through screenings, she sent us a email the other day just thanking us for the opportunity that as they're screening, parents are very grateful to know that they're not getting put on a wait list or that they have a secured spot. So, she said it's been very just rewarding and people are very grateful and excited for the opportunity. >> Great. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> And if you have paid attention to our Facebook page, you will
081see some of those future future little bulldogs on there. So, one of the things they do is whenever they enroll and they screen, they take a picture and it is really cute. So, and that actually has She said helped our recruiting when people see that, "Oh, how do I get my child in there?" So, that's been exciting. So. With that, want to bring into you to ask for two early childhood paraprofessionals to go in those classrooms as well. Again, budget impact step three for a para um with 185 days and benefits, 32,796 dollars times two, 65,000 dollars. And with that, um we have we came to you and asked for one administrative assistant, one secretary for that building, but it is going to take two to run that building. So, we are coming back to
082you tonight to ask for a administrative assistant level one to go on that building. That is a 9-month position, um step step three with benefits, 35,000. >> I do want to call out on that. So, we had planned on uh possibly sharing a central office administrative assistant part-time. With the approvals that you did earlier in session, uh we're combining positions. So, combining positions here, we won't have the ability to send to someone over there. So, um we'll need someone to help cover lunches and and provide that extra support for the financial side over there, just like an elementary building, basically. >> Yes. >> Oh. Um we're actually this would be in place of a position here. >> Okay. That makes sense. >> So, it's not >> actually a a a lower pay scale. >> pay
083scale. >> [snorts] >> Because it's a not an executive administrative. >> Correct. >> So, there would be a cost savings >> Yes. Okay. >> So, tonight I need approval for two early childhood teachers, two paraprofessionals, and one early childhood administrative assistant level one. Please. >> I second that motion. >> I'd like to make that motion. >> need to do those separate? I recommend I move that we um have additional uh two early childhood teachers, four early childhood paraprofessionals, and an administrative assistant. >> It's two paraprofessionals. >> Yeah, so I was wrong. Two paraprofessionals. >> That was wrong. Oh, it's only two. >> It has to be two. It has to be two. >> Yeah, there you go. >> Okay. All right, approval for two early childhood teachers, two paraprofessionals, and one early childhood administrative assistant.
084>> Yes, I second that motion. >> All right. >> All in favor say I. >> I. >> Those opposed say no. Okay. >> Thank you. >> Okay, comments. Um looks like Justin's not here. >> Uh yeah, just a couple of quick things. Um Dr. Wells, Dr. Fulton, Gina, and I will be attending the MASA Mosier conference um tomorrow through Friday. Uh we were selected to present uh two different sessions. Um so, we're presenting actually tomorrow afternoon on our tornado recovery and lessons we learned through that process. Um and then uh the other one um is on the Citizens Academy and things that we've learned through that and the and the benefits we've saw in engaging the community uh through that process. So, um we're happy to be able to present twice at the sessions. That's
085unusual, so um but we're excited about that. So, we're doing one tomorrow and one on Thursday, and then uh we'll wrap up the conference Friday morning, so. Um we did have our pre-bid meeting for the food service management process yesterday. Um happy to report we had eight companies that attended. That was a mandatory meeting. That doesn't mean all eight will bid, but uh that means we have potential to get eight bids. Uh we provided a brief overview. Um kind of outlined some of the things that are unique to Rolla and some of our uh kitchen situations, such as Mark Twain not having one. Uh and the new early childhood building, those types of things. And then we toured most of the kitchens with those folks. So, um all of that was good. Um that process
086remains open. Um bids are due in May. Um they have another basically 3 weeks or so to submit questions, uh and then we reply and answer those for everyone. And then they'll finalize their bid their uh proposals uh through that RFP process, so. More to follow on that. Again, nothing decided, nothing predetermined, just seeing what options we have. And um but uh I think we're going to get some good response at least. And then I wanted to say just thank you to Mark for volunteering. It's okay. Thank you and I appreciate your heart for kids and all the things that you've done throughout your entire career and continue to serve and I wish you the very best and hope that you're able to spend some good time with your family. >> All right, thank you.
087Appreciate it. >> Yes, Mark, it's been a pleasure to work with you. >> Thank you. >> And you've been a great board member and we wish you all the best and hopefully we'll still see you around. >> I wish you all the best as well. And it's been great great working with all of you. It really has. >> All right, any other comments from board members? Anybody been out to >> Baseball starting, golf is supposed to be starting, >> tennis, >> track, >> all those fun things. >> All our spring sports. >> We'll be kicking off. Any spring plays? >> Oh. That was >> That was. That was the one the last in February. >> Yeah. >> That was it. >> Mhm. >> It was It was very cute. >> Is the variety show coming
088up? >> It was last Friday as well. Last Friday. I know. >> Yeah. >> Too many things to do. Sounds good. All right. Next is just our written reports. We have the super Excuse me, the substitute teacher list. And then looks like our next board meeting will actually be Thursday, April the 16th, which >> away. >> I know, that's a long time from now. Will that be our reorganization meeting as well? So, that'll be at regular time. All right, if we don't have any Oh, and then the general election is on April 7th. So, don't forget to go out and vote. Um okay. If we have nothing else, would you like to do the honors? >> I move we adjourn. >> I second that. >> All in favor say I. >> I.