The Rock Port R-II School Board of Education held a regular meeting October 15, 2020. President Jeremy Davis called the regular meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the cafeteria of the elementary building. Other board members present were Joanna Burke, Regan Griffin, Harold Lawrence, Afton Schomburg, Rich Dewhirst, and Dan Lucas. Others in attendance were Superintendent Ethan Sickels, High School Principal Donnie Parsons, and Board Secretary Debbie Young.

The agenda was adopted and the minutes of the regular meeting of September 10, 2020, were approved. Mr. Sickels reviewed the financial information for the month ending September 2020. The transfer of funds, the September final check register, the October check register to date, and the activity account checks were approved. Mr. Sickels read a thank you note from the family of Steve Scamman.

It was noted that Mr. Waigand was supervising at the volleyball match. His report was reviewed in his absence. September attendance was 95.11% (177 students). Students took the NWEA Fall Benchmark assessments the week of September 14-18. The information provides a baseline with the capability of growth and trend line data for classrooms and individual students on future reports. The summary of results by grade level was available for review. The elementary had its first virtual Energy Bus Rally for Principle #1 “You’re the Driver.” The video link was posted on the website along with the monthly parent newsletter. Students were recognized for meeting the monthly challenge. A special thanks to Student Council members for reading the nominations and to Michelle for notifying parents of the honor. Fire Prevention Week is October 5-9. Members of the Rock Port Volunteer Fire Department spoke to individual grade levels (Preschool to second grade) on fire safety and provided a virtual tour of the fire department. A live stream of one of the assemblies was uploaded for the upper elementary grade levels to watch. After school tutoring has started on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:00-4:00 p.m. STARS classes resumed on October 1 with 27 students from grades K-4 receiving additional reading services.

The 2020-21 Elementary Student Council members are Brylea Shrader and Westyn Amthor, 6th grade; Audrie Meyerkorth and Cooper Daugherty, 5th grade; Leah Meyerkorth and Stevie Gaines, 4th grade; and Maeve Roup and Zeke Gebhards, 3rd grade. Talented and Gifted (TAG) has started meeting after school on Mondays from 3:00-4:00 p.m. The school has three TAG members this year, and the sponsor is Mrs. Mertens. The Title I parent meeting was held on September 15. A special thanks to Mrs. Mertens for organizing and leading the presentation. Staff reports were received from the librarian, Mrs. Skillen. Upcoming dates were reviewed as well as staff professional development.

Mr. Parsons reported high school attendance through October 9, 2020, is 93.4% (155 students). He stated September and October have been very busy for students and teachers alike. Everyone has been doing a fantastic job remaining flexible with schedules as things change. Students and staff continue to implement COVID procedures and expectations. They are excited to push on through to second quarter. Three students are taking the virtual education route, and there are currently 26 students participating in blended learning. Core teachers trained to administer the NWEA testing and 7-12 student results were reviewed. The results of a student survey on interest in a baseball and softball program were reported. Several upcoming dates and activities were noted and staff reports were received from Mrs. Miller, Mrs. Herron, Mrs. Skillen, Mrs. Rueckert, Mrs. Palmer, and Mr. Herron.

Mr. Sickels reviewed the monthly program evaluation reports on Speech and Title I. He reported the governor has announced the release of additional CARES funding to the K-12 school districts, and he will keep the board updated as more information becomes available. Mr. Sickels noted the Seamless Summer Option has officially been extended allowing Rock Port R-II to serve free meals to students through June 30, 2020. DESE has announced MAP and EOC testing will be administered this spring. A brief discussion was held regarding participation in the state program to distribute free COVID-19 antigen testing to Missouri public schools. Mr. Sickels reviewed the progress on his growth plan, and discussed the timeline for completion of the district CSIP. He reviewed financial and preliminary participation information for implementing a baseball and softball program at the district. Following a brief discussion it was determined that it should be included as an agenda item for the November regular meeting. There were no board member reports.

The board proceeded to address several items of new business. Action was taken to approve the final state and federal program reports, to approve the technology purchase of a Microsoft Surface laptop for Mr. Waigand, and to approve board policy ACA with associated forms. Copier bids were reviewed with action taken to approve the bid from Xerox. Action was taken to approve amendments to the 2020-2021 budget as presented by Mr. Sickels.

The board adjourned to executive session for personnel matters. Upon returning to open session the board reported action was taken in closed session to approve the minutes of the executive session of August 13, 2020.

Following a brief discussion of future business items the meeting was adjourned.