Funding agreement for school buses OK'd

NEW MADRID, Mo. -- Despite budget concerns, the New Madrid County R-1 School District will start the 2016-17 school year with 20 new buses.

During the regular March School Board meeting, the R-1 School Board approved the bus lease finance agreement with US Bank. The agreement which will provide $1,685,805 for the purchase of the 20 buses at a 2.1 percent interest rate, will be repaid over a seven-year period, according to Dr. Cynthia Sharp Amick, superintendent.

"We had to commit to the buses last November because they had to start work on them," Amick said. "Once we found about our (property tax shortfall) issue, we tried to cancel the order but it was too late."

Contracts of district office and building level administration were approved for 2016-17 school year.

All contracts were renewed except for Amick's who is retiring at the end of the school year. Also the board decided not to employ assistant principals in either the high school or middle school for the coming school year, Amick said.

The board accepted the resignation of Kay Nance, a part-time teacher at Matthews Elementary.

Hired for the coming year were Brad Brock as night watchman/custodian for Central High School and Middle School; Karen Lively as part-time custodian at Central High School and Sharon Young who will now be a full-time custodian at Lilbourn Elementary instead of a part-time custodian.

The following transfers were approved for 2016-2017 school year: Kim Ash from 10-month secretary to 12-month secretary at the Middle School; Melanie Smith from secretary Middle School to secretary at Matthews Elementary; Joe Ross from custodian to maintenance at New Madrid Elementary; Kenny Yates from custodian at Lilbourn Elementary to custodian at New Madrid Elementary; and Sylvetri Ray from part-time at Central High School to part-time at Lilbourn Elementary.

An updated "New Madrid County R-1 Board of Education Policy Manual" from the Missouri State Board of Education was adopted. While the board has worked to update its policies over the last several years, this manual ensures all policies are up-to-date with current procedures, information and laws as of March 15, Amick explained.

The name of Judy Broughton was approved for addition to the district's memorial plaque.

In presenting a report on enrollment and attendance, Amick stated the District is meeting its goal of 90 percent of the students in attendance 90 percent of the time.

"We are still working diligently on our attendance and to impress on our students and their families of the importance of attendance," Amick said.

From this time last year, enrollment is down by 27 students. In March the district's enrollment was 1,393.

The board set April 14 as the date for its reorganizational meeting following the April school board election.

Other upcoming dates include: high school prom, April 16; FFA ceremony, 6 p.m. April 26; honor's ceremony, 6:30 p.m. April 25; High School band concert, 7 p.m. May 3; Middle School NJHS induction, 2 p.m. April 27; Middle School band concert, 6 p.m. May 5; athletic awards program, 6 p.m. May 5; NMCC graduation, 6 p.m. May 10; Middle School choir concert, 1:30 p.m. May 3; 6th and 7th awards ceremony, 9 a.m. May 11; and 8th grade graduation, 9 a.m. May 17.