West Plains Board of Education meets, presents check to Connor Lair Family

The West Plains Board of Education met on Tuesday, Sept. 19, at the West Plains High School Library.

The meeting began with a presentation of a check in the amount of $10,000 to the Connor Lair Family. Class of 2022 Zizzer alumnus and football standout Connor Lair has recently been diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. The support from students and alumni, including gate proceeds, helmet collections, donations, and sticker sales, demonstrates a great display of unity.

New hires were approved including:

Non-Certified Positions: Robert Kramer-Custodian, Harold White-Custodian, Darrell Milburn-Full Time Driver, Robert Broyles-Custodian, Brent Pitcock-Sub Custodian, Adiline Hicks-Substitute Nurse, Tyonna Nichols-WPE Part Time Secretary, Brian Tuohy-Tech. Specialist, Hailey Reid-Substitute Nurse, Sydney Colbert-WPHS FBLA Sponsor, and Robert Chaney-Paraprofessional.

Transfers included: Donnie Miller-WPMS Principal to District Transportation Director (2024-2025 school year), and Brad Tilley-Maintenance Employee to District Maintenance Director.

Resignations included: Jill Lawson-Paraprofessional, Crystal Burnett-WPES Part-Time Secretary, Justin Shannon-WPHS Custodian, Cody Davis-Maintenance, and Grayson Gordon-SFE Part-Time Music Teacher.

Retirements included: Kenneth Holstine-WPHS Assistant Principal, and Rebecca Conway-WPHS Math Teacher, both at the end of the 2023-2024 school year.

Terminations included: Abby Eldringhoff-WPMS Cross Country Coach, Dave Hensley-Maintenance Director, and Colin Boyd-Paraprofessional.

The MSBA Policy Update was discussed with MSBA recommending rescinding policy IGDJA-R since it cannot be reflected in the online manual. The policy code is no longer available due to its age and being unused. This was approved 6-0 to rescind.

The board approved the joining “BuyBoard” National Purchasing Cooperative 6-0. The BuyBoard National Purchasing Cooperative is a cooperative formed by governmental agencies to streamline the buying process for public schools and other government agencies. The City of West Plains is currently a partner in this program.

 

Other items on the include included:

New staff were recognized and the West Plains Middle School student spotlight was held before the consent agenda was approved. Other approvals for the meeting include board meeting minutes, monthly financial report, resignations, employment, transfers, program evaluations, payment of monthly bills, and payment of the BURO bill. A presentation of the CSIP Update, strategy 9, social-emotional from Mr. Orchard; SMTI equipment surplus declaration; adoption of Local Compliance Plan for Special Education; approval of OZH affiliation agreement-SWAT work experience; approval of Boys/Girls Club Memorandum of Understanding; approval of 2023-2024 bus routes; review and update of the district Wellness Program presented by Mr. Orchard; and approval of cash basis accounting method beginning July 1, 2024.

Other board items included hearing updates and reports from administrators on current events, projects, and plans in their respective buildings/departments. Lana Snodgras gave a public relations and communications report while Tiffany Young gave a teaching and learning report. Matthew Orchard spoke on facility, security, and capital projects and superintendent Dr. Wesley Davis spoke on federal programs and special education report.

The next board meeting will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 17. The school board meetings are held monthly on the third Tuesday of each month at the West Plains High School Library unless otherwise posted.