Drivers ed. students speak to W.P. school board

The West Plains School District Board of Education met in regular session on Tuesday, Oct. 15. During this meeting, Dr. Janet Brewer brought two of her driver's education students she taught over the summer. The district has not had a driver's education class for many years, and sophomores Wyatt Battreal and William Lachance were among the return class. The boys described their travels, driving from West Plains to Springfield, Poplar Bluff, Ava, Elephant Rock, and many other locations. Dr. Brewer also told the board that SRO and West Plains Police Officer Conner Burns would pull the student drivers over so they would understand this process. Brewer noted these longer drives would help the students, citing a report ranking Missouri as second in the country for worst teen drivers. The vehicle used for the class was donated to the school by Southern Hills Auto Plaza. 

 

The board approved bids for three busses. The first two busses are 2026 IC/CE 77 passenger busses costing $159,969 each, and the third is a special needs bus that will cost $178,762. The first two busses are expected in July 2025 with the third expected early 2026. 

 

Filing dates were announced for qualified persons interested in running for a position on the West Plains School Board of Education. Filing will begin on December 10, 2024. There are two positions available with three-year terms currently held by Cindy Tyree and Sam Riggs. 

 

The school has launched a new district website with the goal of a modern, user-friendly, and visually appealing platform for students, parents, and the community. The website address remains the same, zizzers.org, and should be easier to navigate and provide a better user experience.

 

There were nine positions announced as job vacancies. The majority of the positions were district positions with single positions for most of the buildings. In the district, the vacancies include: paraprofessional, second shift custodian, full time and substitute bus driver, educational sign language interpreter, and special education teacher. South Fork and W.P. Elementary schools need a teacher each and the high school has an opening for a math teacher. The coaching staff is also looking for an assistant boys’ basketball coach.