The Salem R-80 Board of Education met for its monthly meeting Thursday, Dec. 18, during which the board heard the recognition of the Middle School Student Leadership Team by Middle School Principal Rachel Green. In addition, the board discussed the APR summary and upcoming changes to the Foundation Formula.
In attendance included Superintendent Nathan Wills, Assistant Superintendent Dan Copeland, board members Dru Howard, Sammi Parker, Andrew Wynn, Jason Green, Marjorie Pyatt, and Chris Heavin.
Student recognition
Green recognized the Middle School Student Leadership Team – including teacher Lori Wilson and students Jermaine Watson, Zola Mendenhall, and Tayah Terrill. These students are key players, shared Green. The Middle School Student Leadership program brings together eighth graders from across the Dent County school district. The program has students from each school meeting monthly via Zoom to plan their transition to ninth grade. The students were able to bond through team-building activities in-person for the first time just recently, and the students have proposed anti-bullying campaigns, shared teacher Wilson.
Opaa Food Service Director Report
Meanwhile, Opaa Food Service Director, Chasity Boettcher, updated board members regarding food services. She shared that she’s been focusing on food presentation, staff training, and recipe improvements. Boattcher further noted that she’s focused on promoting the CACFP program, an after school supper program for kids in school after hours. She recommended to board members to spread the word about the program. Further, she noted that she is looking into summer month food programs and is checking into grants and programs for development.
Superintendent’s Report
Copeland updated board members on the Annual Performance Report (APR) summary, noting that it is down from last year. ELA showed gains in certain student groups, and science and social studies showed good performance. Attendance improved by one point, narrowly missing the next threshold.
Within his reports, Wills updated board members regarding the Missouri School Modernization Task Force’s work to revise the Foundation Formula, warning that Gov. Mike Kehoe has been informing there will be no more money provided from the state—interpreted to mean that schools must find a better way to allocate money currently received, warned Wills.
According to simulations and models reviewed, indications are strong that schools do not have enough funding—indicating they will need to fill the gap with tax increases at the local level.
In addition, Wills shared that the State Board of Education has included language that it does not oppose open enrollment.
Will’s updated board members:
• The Dent County Student Leadership Committee is going well and preparing eighth graders for transition as freshman, with Blau further reporting the collaboration is productive. Wills reported that he appreciates the support shown from all the rural schools.
• The Upper Elementary roof repairs are going well
• Four people showed up for the “So you want to be a board member?” workshop and training that took place Dec. 2. Two incumbents have signed up for three-year terms and one new filer for a three-year term.
• Gray Construction has extended the retaining wall on the track with hopes it has fixed the water shed issue.
• Wills thanked the Judson Young Foundation for their generous donations to the Salem R-80 construction trades program, the chamber choir, and the school district at large.
Administration reports
William Lynch Elementary Principal Herman Blau
The William Lynch Elementary was able to provide Christmas for nine families, and teachers and staff are looking forward to a well-deserved break.
Upper Elementary Principal Branden Piatt
Enrollment numbers are holding strong with an influx of students in December. Several new students have enrolled. Piatt further shared that the involvement from the community in regards to providing food baskets, coats, and other support toward the kids for Thanksgiving and Christmas has been appreciated and beneficial.
The Christmas Program at Upper Elementary has been going well. Adjustments are going to be made next year.
Middle School Principal Rachel Green
The Middle School has been doing middle of the year diagnostic testing with i-Ready. Staff are ready for a good finish to the semester.
High School Principal Jody Heavin
Heavin shared several student recognitions, including students in the FFA speech contest and an honorable mention for the Missouri All-State Band. The Chamber Choir won a CA, and multiple students placed in the recent Rolla High School art competition.
Representative John Hewkin came and toured the High School, asking questions and seeing the impact of policies.
Meanwhile, students are doing finals and exploring rewards for final exemption, with half of the students meeting the eligibility requirements.
New business
The board approved the following:
• MSBA policy updates, including not allowing pocket knives within the building
• School Resource Officer Memorandum of Understanding
• FFA trips to the Washington Leadership Conference and Industry Leadership Tour
• 2026-2027 Tuition Rate
Staff changes
One staff member was hired, Janine Edwards as a High School Paraprofessional. Resignations and retirements shared included: Ron Light (custodian), Chastity McConnell (UE paraprofessional), and Rowdy Mackley (Maintenance.)
Closed session
A closed session was held in which the board discussed student and personnel issues.
The following was approved in closed session:
• Resignation of Rowdy Mackley and Madison Satterly
• Faith Jasper as Middle School Band and High School Assistant Band Director
• Qualified student attendance appeals
• Denial of unqualified student attendance appeals
