The Tarkio R-I Board of Education met February 17, 2021, at Tarkio High School. The meeting was called to order by board president Garrett Wood at 7:00 p.m. Board members in attendance were: Jamie Barnett, Chris Yates, Josh Wright, Sam Hannah, Heather Olson, and Ann Schlueter. Others in attendance were Tarkio R-I Superintendent Karma Coleman, board secretary Lanette Hogue, Tarkio Elementary Principal/Special Education Director Kari Taylor, Tarkio High School Principal Carrie Livengood, and Rachel Meyer.

The board voted to approve the consent agenda and district obligations.

TAC Report – Rachel Meyer reported that memberships were up in January at the Tarkio Activity Center. The TAC has been busy with wrestling and basketball. The boosters are holding the elementary basketball tournament February 27 and 28 at the TAC. The wind farms held their monthly meeting there as well. Dance and gymnastics students have been busy.

Elementary Principal Taylor reported that the elementary had 94% attendance for January. Two students are currently using Launch for virtual education. Tarkio hosted the Atchison County Spelling Bee February 3. Jayden Scott represented the fifth grade, Danika Agnew represented the sixth grade, Rainy Nordhausen represented the seventh grade and Abbie Harms represented the eighth grade. Rainy won and will move on to the Regional Spelling Bee in St. Joseph on March 13, 2021. On February 11, the elementary celebrated the 100th day of school and Valentine’s Day. Parent/Teachers Conferences were also held February 11.

As Special Education Director, Mrs. Taylor reported that they continue to work on referrals and evaluations.

High School Principal Livengood reported that the high school has had 18 students in quarantine. They were all outside of school contacts. Junior high wrestling has started. Eight out of 11 high school wrestlers are moving on to sectionals on February 27, 2021. Both basketball teams will compete in districts next week. Mrs. Livengood reported they only had seven parents attend Parent/Teacher Conferences in the high school. Winter Homecoming was held Friday, February 5, 2021.

Superintendent Coleman gave a financial report. January ending balances look great considering the obstacles this last year has delivered. Mrs. Coleman shared a legislative report. Mrs. Coleman reported that the school has received $56,225 from federal funds due to COVID and will receive another $217,381. These funds will need to be used by 2023. CSIP committees are taking February to meet to prepare a list of strengths and weaknesses. All committees will meet March 15, 2021, to share these lists. Mrs. Coleman shared a list of certified staff with the board. Mrs. Coleman shared newsletters from Tarkio Tech and Opaa!. She also told the board that she is still waiting on Martin Mechanical to provide options on the HVAC system at the high school. The system has been down several times this year. Mrs. Coleman has contacted CTS and they are also looking into options to improve the heat system at the high school. She shared that as of right now the school is planning on hosting graduation and prom.

Chris Yates moved and Ann Schlueter seconded to approve the second reading of the calendar for 2021-2022. The motion carried 7-0.

Mrs. Coleman shared a bid from Grounds Control for grounds maintenance.

Ann Schlueter moved and Jamie Barnett seconded to approve the resignation of Megan Calfee. The motion carried 7-0. Ann Schlueter moved and Jamie Barnett seconded to approve the resignation of Amy Haddock. The motion carried 7-0.

Jamie Barnett moved and Chris Yates seconded to approve the hiring of Nick Kemerling as Tarkio High School Principal for 2021-22. The motion passed 7-0.

Jamie Barnett moved and Sam Hannah seconded to hire Maddie Clement as a substitute. The motion carried 7-0.

Discussion on purchasing a shooting machine was tabled until the next board meeting.

The board meeting moved into closed session pursuant to RSMo§. Record and Vote at 8:30 p.m. The meeting moved out of closed session at 8:55 p.m.

Ann Schlueter moved and Chris Yates seconded to extend Kari Taylor’s principal contract through the 2022-2023 school year. The motion carried 7-0.

The meeting adjourned at 8:58 p.m.