Critical shortage of positions declared for WP Schools

A large number of positions were declared as part of a critical shortage during the West Plains Schools Board of Education meeting on February 25. The meeting, initially set for Feb. 18, was postponed due to snowfall. The board also heard policy and building updates, approved surplus property, discussed the light pole at Zizzer Stadium, and heard updates from the superintendent. Board member Reid Grigsby was absent from the meeting.

 

Matthew Orchard requested that the board declare multiple positions for critical shortage for the 2025-2026 school year. These include teachers for the following certified positions from seventh grade to twelfth: mathematics, English, science, social studies, physical education, and special education, and the non-certified positions of Parents as Teachers and paraprofessionals. This allows certain conditions to hire retirees, according to Orchard. “Whenever we hire retirees, they can work without limits on their hours or their salary and it does not impact their retirement, and they can work up to 48 months.” The board approved the request unanimously. 

 

“The oldest bus in the fleet,” has been declared as surplus property by the board. This is Bus #66, a 2003 bus with 156,000 miles and is not currently running, according to Orchard. He told the board it would cost more money to keep it up than it is worth. Anyone interested in purchasing the vehicle should contact the district office. 

 

Superintendent Dr. Wes Davis told the board that the district had opened bids to replace one of the light poles at Zizzer Stadium. This pole overheated and malfunctioned last fall and needs to be replaced. Dr. Davis asked the board to consider a special board meeting to accept a bid if one is received by Monday, March 3 at noon. 

 

Dr. Davis told the board the district has collected 23.6 million dollars, roughly 71 percent, year-to-date. Total expenditures total 21 million dollars, just over 61 percent. Tax collections were over 98 percent, with over 6.8 million dollars collected as of Feb. 20. Total tuition collections were at 1.6 million dollars as of Jan. 31. He also told the board he has closed the application process for Student Board Rep and will start interviews soon.

 

The next board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 18, with open session beginning at 6 pm in the West Plains High School Library.