R-7 braces for state board decisions

Representatives of West Plains’ R-VII school district attended the Missouri State School Board meeting in Jefferson City, and reported concerns back to the district’s school board that evening. Superintendent Dr. Wes Davis told the board the visit was to show solidarity with other public schools concerning the A-F Grading Framework. The state board was scheduled to vote on the framework that day, September 16. 

 

Assistant Superintendent Matthew Orchard also touched on the framework during his update to the board, reporting that the new A–F school grading framework was, in fact approved, records the meeting’s minutes. Prompted by an executive order from Governor Mike Kehoe, the new scale is intended to provide families and community members with an easy-to-understand measure of school performance by assigning a letter grade to each school and district. Orchard emphasized to the board that the district supports accountability but noted that many of the technical details of the new framework are still being developed.

 

Davis added that, after representatives of R-7 left the state meeting early, they learned that Missouri State School Board, “had not supported the department in DESE’s request for full funding of the Foundation Formula for the upcoming school year,” read the minutes. Calling it an “unprecedented move,” Davis plans a full update to the board in the October meeting.  

 

Orchard’s presentation included information on the district’s declining enrollment. The district is down 78 students compared to last year, and 46.2% qualify for free and reduced-price meals. 

 

In the elementary school, new administrator Sarah Land’s presentation focused on reading levels. At the end of last school year, 49% of students were reading on grade level, record the meeting minutes, and the school has set a goal of increasing that percentage by 5% each year. Students began this school year at 33%, with a goal of reaching 54% by the end of the school year. If they achieve the goal, the students will be rewarded with planetarium experience in the gym. A banner hanging in the lobby is tracking progress, focusing on class-wide and grade level accomplishments as well as individual growth. 

 

During this meeting, the board approved transportation routes, and Virginia Uphaus shared that the district’s new buses have arrived and are now on the road. 

 

The board approved a change of date for the next meeting to Monday, October 12. 

 

Volunteers approved by the board this month are: Brandon Hunter, Ramona Talburt, Timothy Temple, Alanna Temple, Emma Schrock, Vanae Emerick, and Faith Long.

 

Seth Bryant and Erica Reid were approved substitute bus drivers. 

 

Sarah Mayfield transferred from WPE office manager to activities administrative assistant. 

 

Resigning this month were Kristy Miran, paraprofessional, and William Miller, full-time route driver.