Class rankings policy moved to June meeting; salary schedule/protocol approved

After hearing from four parents regarding the Policy IKC-Class Rankings, the Mountain View-Birch Tree School Board of Education postponed the approval to the June meeting. According to Superintendent Lanna Tharp, after hearing the comments from parents, the board also heard from the district's Student Board Representative, who provided feedback and perspective regarding the proposed changes.

 

During the Thursday, May 14 meeting, the board approved the 2026-2027 School Year Salary Schedule Protocol. The approval moves the minimum teacher salary from $25,000 to $40,000. After speaking with Superintendent Tharp on clarification of the salary schedule she explained that the increase of the minimum teacher salary was not a new action. Missouri law required public school districts to increase their minimum teacher salary to $40,000 beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, and Mountain View-Birch Tree implemented a salary schedule reflecting that requirement last year. Superintendent Tharp went on to explain that all certified and support staff members advance on the salary schedule based on years of experience and degrees earned.

 

Superintendent Tharp explained, "Missouri law requires school districts to establish a minimum salary of $47,000 for teachers holding a master's degree with at least ten years of teaching experience beginning in the 2026-2027 school year. The district's salary schedule was adjusted to ensure compliance with this state mandate."

 

Annual cost-of-living adjustments starting in the 2028-2029 school year, adjusted annually based on the January Consumer Price Index report capped at 3 percent; and the teacher baseline salary grant program establishing a grant fund to assist school districts in meeting the new salary requirements. It was noted that there is no guarantee that this grant will be available every year.

 

The changes from the 2025-2026 protocol are as follows: district cafeteria plan non-reimbursable maximum went from $3,300 to $3,400; payment of employee health coverage went from $500 to $525; stipend added for girl's cross country; stipend added for School Safety Coordinator with a special certification required for this position; stipend for communications involving social media/website; stipend for Facilities and Transportation Director; adjusted administrators multiplier to reflect a 1% increase (it should be noted that unlike teachers and many other employees, administrators do not advance annually on a salary schedule based on years of service. Superintendent Tharp explained, "Any increase to administrator salaries requires approval from the board. The adjustment to the administrator salary reflected a 1% increase approved by the Board and did not include an annual step increase."

Bus driver salary adjusted to be in compliance with recent bus negotiations; IT salary adjusted $1,000 for a 2-year degree and $3,000 for a 4-year tech degree; and added a daycare salary schedule.

 

The approved salary schedule protocol also included several updates to employee compensation and stipends. These adjustments were made to address district needs, comply with state requirements, recognize additional responsibilities, and remain competitive in recruiting and retaining quality staff.

 

In other items on the agenda:

- Approved minutes of the April 16 special election and regular meeting

- Approved payment of bills in the amount of $724,142.18

- Approved payment to Brown's Lawn & Garden for supply in the amount of $3,848.15 with Mikael Orchard abstaining

- Approved payment to Tonie Noble for supply in the amount of $100 with Gaylon Noble abstaining

- Superintendent Tharp presented the April 2026 financial report with a balance in all funds of $11,870,564.35

- Approved contract with MARE for superintendent search

- Approved contract renewal for Raptor Technology emergency management services

- Approved bid from Alton Bank Birch Tree Branch for school's bank depository after hearing bids from Alton Bank Birch Tree Branch, West Plains Bank Liberty Branch and Simmons Bank

 

In Closed Session:

- Resignations were accepted from Kelsey Owens, MV Teacher; Shelly Russell, Bus Driver; Jansen Acklin, HS Teacher; and Kelsey Woolsey, MV Teacher.

- Approved to employ Abigail Orchard-Jester, Trina Frazier, Amanda Thompson and Jessica Abbey for summer school 2026.

- Approved payment to Holly Smith, Janiece Wilbanks, Jessica Abbey, Kristy Reese, and Trina Frazier for Career Ladder.

- Approved Bill Altermatt to the bus driver substitute list and summer school list; Paul Campbell and Meranda Benton to the certified substitute list; and Melissa Simpson, BT Nurse; Shelly Richison, Daycare Director; and Kristy Osborn, MS Para for the 2026-2027 school year.

- Approved to employ Rachel Wiggs, Elementary Teacher and Heather Grandstaff, SE MS Teacher for the 2026-2027 school year.