The Salem R-80 School District Board of Directors met for its monthly meeting Thursday, April 17, during which board members were able to tour the Salem Upper Elementary FEMA building with Cahills Construction and were able to hear from Shannon Phelps and Upper Elementary cast members on the upcoming “Newsies” production.
Present for the meeting were president Dru Howard, vice president Sammi Parker, secretary Andrew Wynn, Jason Green, Marjorie Pyatt, and Steven Patterson. Not in attendance was treasurer Phillip Mercer.
Also in attendance were superintendent Nathan Wills, assistant superintendent Dan Copeland, high school principal Jody Heavin, middle school principal Rachel Green, William Lynch Elementary principal Herman Blau, and Upper Elementary principal Branden Piatt.
Phelps introduced the board to “Newsies” cast members Aubrey Jones, Peter Culp, Isaac Hinderliter, and Josha Culp, with each member informing the board of their favorite line and parts of the upcoming show. This year, the production will be held April 24-26 (this weekend) with two productions on Saturday, April 26. Phelps informed this year’s production features a huge cast of 40 kids—and they’ve been phenomenal, despite missing 11 rehearsals with the snow days.
FEMA building tour
Meanwhile, board members were given a tour of the newly added FEMA building, being completed by Cahill’s Construction. The FEMA building is scheduled to be completed by the first part of July, board members were informed. Workers further relayed that, within the next 30 days, a transformation will take place where flooring will be installed, paint will be completed, and doors will be put in, and the building will take its fully realized shape.
Wills also took board members into Phelps’ classroom to show them water damage that will need repaired at a later date. The water damage was caused by last month’s severe weather events.
Reorganization
Prior to the board meeting, Parker and Mercer were sworn in by board president Howard; following, the board held reorganization, approving Howard as president; Parker, vice-president; Wynn, secretary; Green, treasurer; Pyatt, MSBA delegate; and Mercer, MSBA delegate alternate.
Superintendent’s report
• The most recent tornado warning was initiated right at dismissal. As a result, it caused a number of issues, including confusion for staff and parents. An administrative meeting was held with a focus on establishing procedures for a tornado warning or lockdown to help ensure clarity for parents, staff, and students. MSBA has been asked to draft language for board members to review, shared Wills.
• Insurance rates for the year did not increase. The same plans will be offered to employees this year, said Wills.
• Wills has been working through the budget diligently over the past few weeks, with several meetings underway with MSBA. Several salary schedules are no longer in use and in need of elimination or simplification, indicated Wills. A facility needs list has been compiled where roofs, parking lots, and other needs are listed for board members to review in the future and recommend prioritization in the coming academic year.
• There has been roof damage on the Upper Elementary from recent storms. It was initially determined that there were no punctures where water could leak in; however, in subsequent months, air was able to get underneath and caused bubbling, due to a possible puncture. The roof is being closely examined, and a report will be provided later.
• Three bids were received for the Construction Trades Building HVAC system, with Brown’s Heating and Cooling receiving the award.
• Wills, Copeland, and Moody have been looking at busses to improve the fleet. One bus is coming off of a lease and is likely to be purchased next year, said Wills. Wills further shared a search is underway for a bus from a reputable company.
• Student surveys will close this week.
Administration reports
William Lynch Elementary Principal Herman Blau
A bingo parent involvement night was held recently, with Blau reporting it was a fun time. He thanked Piatt for hosting it at the Upper Elementary, as incoming kindergarten and first graders were able to come and see the building. Blau invited board members to view the kindergarten graduation that will be on the last day of school in City Hall.
Salem Upper Elementary Principal Branden Piatt
Piatt and other staff are excited about the upcoming “Newsies” play, with Piatt informing that it’s been fun listening to them rehearse in the evenings. MAP testing is underway.
Middle School Principal Rachel Green
Song & Stage Theater club finished its final showings of “The Complete History of Theater (Abridged)” at the high school gym. Preparation is underway for MAP testing. The middle school talent show is coming up on May 15, with auditions planned at the end of April.
High School Principal Jody Heavin
Freshman orientation was recently held with Blau doing an amazing job, complimented Heavin, with him and Sarah Sanders helping to ensure communication with parents, staff, and students. There are bigger and better ideas being formulated for next year. Service Day has recently been completed with Heather Johnson organizing and helping students complete service around the community.
New business
The board held a first reading of the MSBA Board policy updates, with many associated with federal government mandates, informed Wills.
Meanwhile, the board reviewed and approved the following:
• 2025-2026 Career Ladder Plan
• Bus #12 was declared as surplus property, as it has had electrical issues
• Declared choir attire as surplus property
• Alcorn Therapy and Consulting for OT/PT Services
• Health insurance renewal without increase
• IReady agreement through Curriculum Associates. Wills explained that IReady will be replacing Evaluate, as it is an approved vendor.
• Final Forms, as requested by the athletic director and assistant athletic director. It is $5 per student and will allow coaches electronic access to physicals for athletes, reducing the need for scanned or physical documentation. It will also enable coaches to take attendance electronically.
Resignations/Retirements/Hires/Transfers
Transfer, Tammy Herpich, WL Title to MS Sped
Resignation, Madison King (custodian)
Closed session
The board approved the following:
• Jim Moore, High School Assistant Principal, Director of Operations, Head Softball Coach, JV Boys Basketball Coach
• Joe Burmeister, MS/HS Art teacher
• Bailee Pace, 6th Grade Math teacher
• Jessica Wood, HS Social Studies teacher
• Lonnie Lee, 7th Grade Boys Basketball Coach
• Wes Hampton, Freshman Boys Basketball Coach
The following resignations were approved: Bella Jadwin, Whitney Frank, Meg Swords, Rich Parks, and Stacey Hall
