Willow School Board Approved Contracts at March Meeting

An unusually high number of guests attended the March School Board meeting in Willow Springs on March 14. The minutes of the meeting record the presence of Mary Roberts, Emma Roberts, Andy Roberts, Kyle Wake, Kim Wake, Libby Wake, Kameron Thomas, Shakara Woodley, Jeff Cunningham, Jeff Lovan, Josh Henry, Joel Overton, Chad Watson, Terri Elmore, Stacey Johnson, Cassie Rutledge, Miranda Brotherton, Tobie Brotherton, Derek Fredrick, and Philip Chafin. 

Chad Watson and Derek Fredrick were present to discuss a new YMCA facility at the Willow Springs Y. The board heard the information without taking any action. 

After reviewing administrators’ reports, the Board reviewed the Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services Plan. No changes were made to the plan.

The Board reviewed bids for bank services, and voted unanimously to approve West Plains Bank as the official bank depository for the district beginning July 1, 2022. 

Elementary and Middle School Admins Resign

A Motion from Brent Colley, seconded by Matt Hobson, to adjourn into executive session passed with a unanimous roll call vote. 

RSMo. 610.021 (3) specifically defines the reasons a public entity should enter a closed session as “hiring, firing, disciplining, or promoting employees.” However, during this meeting, the school board both discussed and voted on all personnel matters at hand, including items not specifically defined by statute. 

School Board President Tony Friga told Howell County News the board retreated into closed session “to discuss personnel changes and records.”

The superintendent’s office released the minutes of the closed session with the minutes of the open session. According to these minutes, the board accepted resignations from: Joel Wyatt as conditioning/head football coach, Letha Stamper in middle school Special Education, Annette Chaney as elementary school librarian, Karley Good as kindergarten teacher, Shawn Hines as middle school teacher, Bobby Cottengim as elementary principal, and Dr. Tina Spencer as middle school principal.

The board offered contracts to the following administrators for the 2022-2023 school year: Chris Rodgers as assistant elementary school principal, Tracy Cottengim as assistant middle school principal, Marlenia Barker as special education director, Robert James as athletic director, and Chris Waggoner as curriculum director. 

Two transfers in the district were approved. Brittany Capeder transferred from FACS to school/community liaison and Nick Schmitt was transferred from assistant high school principal to high school principal. 

Hires in the district included Dustin Forrest as assistant high school principal, Tanner Barnes for eighth grade science, Charla Story for elementary school education, and Lindsey Osborn as the high school FACS teacher. 

Three members of the support staff were hired. Janalee Boldt is joining the staff as custodian, and Jaci Morris and Joey Barbrow were approved as substitutes. 

A group of probationary and part-time teachers, excluding Quencie Thompson, were offered contracts by unanimous vote. Brent Colley abstained from a vote offering a contract to Thompson, which also passed.