R-80 BOARD: Students recognized for artwork at Christmas show

Student recognition

For student recognition, Piatt presented art teacher Mrs. Halinar and students Aaron Taylor, Charlie Green, Jenovah Watson, LillieAnn White, and Noah Heithold. The students were only a handful who recently had their artwork selected to be in the Christmas art show. The students showed their works to the board to much applause, as Halinar explained how the art aligned with core art curriculum—she spoke of incorporating science into art with the use of both oil pastels and watercolors, and how students utilized key art fundamentals like patterns and cool and warm colors to create holiday themed works.

Communications

Two communications were received and read by Wills. The first was a thank you given by the Hayes family for the wreath gifted by the board in remembrance of Navaeh Hayes. The second was an email recognizing Green for an outstanding deed saving a woman’s life, written by Katrina Heitman to the board.

The correspondence is as follows:

“Later in the day, on Wednesday of last week, my mom took her trash can to the curb and somehow managed to trip and fall. It was after 5 p.m., and it was dark and very cold. She broke her hip when she fell. She said she laid in the dark for approximately 30 minutes while yelling for help.

Mrs. Rachel Green happened to be working late, and—when heading to her car—heard my mom’s cries for help. Mrs. Green found my mom, called 9-1-1, called my brother, and stayed with her until the paramedics arrived. She assured her several times that she had her and would not leave her.

I thank God for Mrs. Green and her effort to help my mom. She quite possibly saved her life that day—my mom suffered a possible heart attack, or some type of heart episode from the trauma of the fall or pain. It’s very possible that she could have laid in her driveway in the dark until the next day. I’ve known Rachel Green for many years, as she was a teacher for my daughter in the middle school in Rolla, as well as her cheer coach for years.

My entire family thanks Mrs. Green from the bottom of our hearts for her care and concern for my mom—what a difference she made that day.”

Superintendent’s report

Copeland reviewed Annual Performance Reports (APR) scores from the state. Copeland shared that scores were up from the previous year—the district is at 78.7 versus last year’s 74.4. This is also the first year that the state is giving composite scores which combine three years of scores together for an average—the composite score received was “a little over 76”, reported Copeland, which is above the state score.

The growth came primarily from math and continuous improvement for attendance, noted Copeland, which staff were recognized for doing remarkable work in; both the board and Wills commended the staff on doing great work in improving attendance.

Also in the report:

• The FEMA shelter contractors will be pouring the foundation soon. The next milestone will be steel being moved onto the roof. Wills shared that he plans a tour through the building with the board in February.

• Candidate filing has begun—two candidates have filed so far, both incumbents, Sammi Parker and Philip Mercer. Candidate filing closes on Dec. 31.

• Several principals attended the West Plains job fair to network for parties interested in coming to Salem and working in the district.

• Coffee Connections was the morning of Dec. 18, with Pyatt attending along with several principals and a member of the community. Constructive conversations took place, noted Wills.

Administration reports

William Lynch Elementary Principal Herman Blau

Blau shared that he couldn’t be prouder of the teachers at William Lynch and noted that, at this time of year, it’s been a lot of fun at the lower elementary. The attendance has been holding strong despite the cold weather sending some students home ill. The cumulative attendance was 94.37. The elementary school has been able to provide Christmas for 12 families and food baskets for 20.

Salem Upper Elementary Principal Branden Piatt

Various donors from the community have donated to help provide Christmas for eight families, consisting of 15 upper elementary students. Another fundraiser distributed over 700 candy cane and soda gifts on Dec. 19. Several parents and staff stayed until 7 p.m. to make the gifts for distribution.

Middle School Principal Rachel Green

Middle school guidance counselor Julie Dunn worked extra hard over the past few weeks, shared Green, to ensure that students that receive food program assistance on Fridays were able to receive extra goodies for the Christmas season. Meanwhile, the middle school dance earned a total of $300 in ticket sales—students voted overwhelmingly in favor of donating the money to the Scenic River Industries, Inc. (SRI). Green shared how proud she was of the students for making the decision.

High School Principal Jody Heavin

The high school is currently working on finals. If students have a 95% or better attendance and have not had an ISS/OSS, they can opt out of taking a final—this year, there were 400 students that were eligible for that opportunity. Several student organizations are also making donations to SRI.

A presentation was given regarding the Missouri Association of Student Council (MASC) districts from student council members Liberty Ross and Kaison Wilmont, who recently attended. Both members shared how the event encouraged valuable skill growth and connected the district to other student chapters across the state.

They were able to learn about leadership, teamwork, and event organization, along with strategies to promote community within the school. By attending, Ross and Wilmont were inspired to plan an event called the Winter Olympics, designed to build school spirit and bonds. The event will split the school into teams divided by strive times.

“We firmly believe that school events like this can strengthen connections between both staff and students and help build a more positive school,” the student council shared.

New business

Wills updated the board on the tuition calculation for the 2025-26 school year. The calculation is based off the 2024-25 ASBR and was sent to the Missouri School Board Association as well as to the finance office at DESE. There was a minor difference in numbers reported, differing only by the summer school portion of average daily attendance, stated Wills.

The calculation for the 2025-26 school year tuition came to $9,775.77. The tuition is currently $9,700. Wills further explained that he spoke with all surrounding rural school superintendents on the newly calculated tuition.

Wills recommended the board approve the newly calculated tuition of $9,775, with Wynn making the motion to approve and Pyatt seconding. The motion passed, 6-0.

Resignations/Retirements/Hires/Transfers

Jodie Parker and Jasmine Parker, both nurses, have resigned. Debbie Baird, nurse, has been hired as head nurse at William Lynch.

In closed session, the board discussed student issues and personnel issues. Attendance appeals recommended by administration were approved by the board, 6-0.