New Madrid County R-1 School Board: Three seats will be filled by voters next April

NEW MADRID - Filing for three seats on the New Madrid County R-1 School Board will open in less than a month.

During the R-1 School District's November board meeting, filing for two regular three-year terms and a one-year unexpired term was set from Dec. 16 through Jan. 20. Those interested in serving on the board can file during school hours with Pam Riley at the District Office, located on the New Madrid County Central High School campus.

Dr. Cynthia Sharp-Amick, district superintendent, noted during the Christmas holiday, the District Office will be closed from 3 p.m. Dec. 19 until 8 a.m. Jan. 5.

Ralph Barnwell Jr. and Jonathan Maloyed are completing their three-year terms of office. Ryan Eddy was appointed to fill a vacancy on the board until the April when voters will elect someone to fill a one-year term.

Recently some Sikeston families residing in the New Madrid County School District but attending school in the Sikeston R-6 District were notified they would either have to move into the R-6 District or students should begin attending school in the R-1 District starting next semester.

During the November meeting, board members were informed of the Sikeston School District's opinion on the boundary line and the apartment complex on Lawrence Street, which is part of the R-1 District.

According to Amick, Sikeston school officials expressed interest in moving their boundary line to include the Lawrence Street apartment.

"At this time the Board wants to explore their options and think about it further," Amick said.

Approval was given by the Board of the 2014-15 bus routes, which sets in motion the means for the District to be reimbursed by the state for the transportation costs.

Currently the District has 24 regular bus routes, covering 1,474 miles per day. Also the District has 14 preschool bus routes, which travel 350 miles daily; eight special runs covering 241 miles a day and four buses routes, traveling 40 miles daily, for students at the Technical Skills Center.

The Superintendent said the bus routes total 366,270 miles per year in travel and an additional 60,000 miles are logged on the buses for extra-curricular activities for a total of 426,270 miles for this school year.

She noted the mileage is taking a toll on the District's buses and next year's budget will include the purchase of some new vehicles.

The District's property, fleet, and liability insurance with the Missouri United School Insurance Council was renewed by the board. The cost for the District to purchase insurance through the co-operative is $263,190 per year.

A single bid was offered at the house located at 1021 St. Christopher St. and constructed by students at the Technical Skills Center. A bid of $147,6000 by Deidra Ashley Freeman was accepted by the Board.

New Madrid City Administrator Chad Eggen addressed the Board about the Ride the Fault Line bicycle tour, scheduled for June 13-20. This year, Eggen said, 400 to 500 riders are expected to take part.

The Board granted his request to again use the facilities at the New Madrid Elementary School to host riders as the event kicks off and for participants to park their cars at the site.

BOARD ACTION IN BRIEF

District ASBR Balance Letter: The Board reviewed the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's Balance Letter indicating the Annual Secretary of the Board Report is complete and correct. The letter indicates DESE has reviewed 2013-14 school year data including ending balances of: general incidental funds of $5,257,494.56; debt service fund, $843,488.55; and capital projects fund, $3,387,879.47.

Policy Revisions: The Missouri School Board Association will provide full maintenance online policy services to the District. With the agreement, MSBA will take care of all policies for the District including monitoring any changes in the state and federal law as well as the Board's monthly minutes. Board policies are currently available on the District's website.

Attendance and Enrollment: With a total current enrollment of 1,412 students, the District's enrollment is down by 14 students compared to this time last year. Amick noted attendance continues to improve with the district currently showing average attendance of 91.8 percent compared to 88.23 percent at this time last year. The District's goal is to have 90 percent of the students in attendance 90 percent of the time.

LJ Hart & Company: The Continuation of the Municipalities Continuing Disclosure Cooperation Initiative with LJ Hart and Company was reviewed. The company assists the district with audit and financial information disclosures.

Visitors: The Beta Club described their projects and activities. Mykesha Jackson and members of the University of Missouri College Advising Corps offered information on their duties and responsibilities. The District counselors described their job responsibilities and duties.

District Updates: ACT Prep with "We Teach Solution" will work with the teachers and the junior class for ACT preparation. John Garner offered information about classes at the Technical Skills Center. Bridgette Masterson and Angie Hanlin showed the board examples of the new Smarter Balanced Test. Work is continuing to prepare the district for increased technology use, according to Pate Hogan, who received permission to work with MOREnet for network connectivity improvements.

Personnel: Megan Davidson was employed as a teacher at Matthews Elementary beginning Jan. 5.

Dates to Remember:

Girls Basketball Jamboree Nov. 21.

Matthews Elementary PTO Fall Festival will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 22.

New Madrid Elementary Christmas Program will begin at 1 p.m Dec. 10.

Lilbourn Elementary Christmas Program will begin at 1 p.m. Dec. 11.

Matthews Elementary Christmas Program will begin at 1:30 p.m. Dec. 12.

New Madrid Christmas Parade is set for 10 a.m. Dec. 13.

The High School Choir Concert will be at 7 p.m. Dec. 15.

The Middle School Choir Concert will be at 1:30 p.m. Dec. 16.

The Middle School Band Concert will be at 6 p.m. Dec. 18.