The Rock Port R-II School District recognized its outgoing board members at the March 11 school board meeting. Harold Lawrence, above, has served on the school board for 21 years, and Rich Dewhirst, below, has served for nine years. Their dedicated service as Board of Education members and support of the Rock Port Blue Jays has led to many improvements and opportunities for students and the district.

The Rock Port R-II School Board of Education held a regular meeting March 11, 2021. President Jeremy Davis called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Other members present were Joanna Burke, Rich Dewhirst, Regan Griffin, Harold Lawrence, Dan Lucas, and Afton Schomburg. Also in attendance were Superintendent Ethan Sickels, High School Principal Donnie Parsons, Elementary Principal Steve Waigand, Board Secretary Debbie Young, Reven Herron, Jared Meyerkorth, and Pam Henderson, representing the Atchison County Health Department.

The agenda was adopted, and the minutes of the regular meeting of February 11, 2021, were approved. Mr. Sickels reviewed the financial information for the month ending February 2021. The transfer of funds, the February final check register, the March check register to date, and the activity account checks were approved.

Mr. Sickels presented plaques to outgoing board members Rich Dewhirst and Harold Lawrence in appreciation for their service to the district.

Pam Henderson presented information regarding the health department’s proposed 5¢ tax levy increase on the April 6, 2021, municipal election ballot.

Mr. Waigand reported February attendance was 96.23% (181 students). The next Energy Bus Rally video will be on March 15 recognizing Energy Bus Principle #5 – Transform Negativity. March’s Energy Bus Principle is “Love Your Passengers.” Read Across America Week was celebrated March 1-5. In honor of Dr. Seuss’ birthday, several different “Reading Spirit Days” were planned for the week. March 5 marked the end of the third quarter. Parent-teacher conferences were scheduled for Thursday, March 11.

Preschool registration was held on March 3. The school currently has 13 four-year-olds signed up for full day preschool with the potential for a few more in the coming weeks. Elementary class pictures were on February 18. Mr. Waigand expressed thanks to the Shandy Trust for the recent donations. Many teachers were able to get additional materials to enhance the classroom environment and experience for students. AMI Day 1 and 2 packets were utilized in February for inclement weather. Teachers have sent home AMI Day 3 and 4 packets with students for safekeeping in the event of future need. Mr. Waigand congratulated the spelling bee winners who will represent Rock Port at the 275 Conference Spelling Bee in April. They are Leah Meyerkorth (grades 3-4) and Lily Wilroy (grades 5-6). Alternates are Archer Meyerkorth (grades 3-4) and Westyn Amthor (grades 5-6). Summative evaluations with teachers took place the weeks of February 22 through March 5. Mr. Waigand enjoys these opportunities to visit with them as they reflect on talents they bring to our school community. He also extended a special thank you to Mr. Palmer and the FFA members for hosting the petting zoo on February 24. A lot of time and effort went into making it a great day at the Atchison County Fairgrounds. Thank you also to Mark for driving students out to the fairgrounds. Several upcoming dates and activities were reviewed as well as staff professional development.

Mr. Parsons reported high school enrollment and attendance through March 5, 2021 is 94.05% (146 students). Winter sports and activity updates were available for wrestling and basketball. Colten Stevens qualified for state wrestling. Alivia Baucom, Holden Farmer, and Trey Peshek received All-275 Conference basketball honors, and Alivia and Holden were also selected for All-District basketball honors. Spring sports numbers were reported for junior high and high school track, high school boys’ golf, and high school scholar bowl. Updates to MSHSAA and 275 Conference rules were noted, and the spring MAP testing schedule was available. Several upcoming dates and events were reviewed.

Mr. Sickels stated the monthly program evaluation report is compensation and benefits, which will be discussed during new business. The rates for the MEUHP group medical plans were received at a recent meeting. The group will see an increase of approximately 7.5% for the new plan year starting July 1, 2021, with the Rock Port district remaining at tier 3. The new plans and district contribution will be approved at the April meeting. The annual MSHP bus inspections were performed last week with three of the district busses requiring re-inspection next week. Mr. Sickels reported the Atchison County Health Department is sponsoring two vaccination clinics next week with appointments available for district staff members. Mr. Sickels stated the district plans to loosen the mask protocols in the coming week making them required only during passing periods and in classrooms where proper social distancing is not possible. They will continue to re-evaluate and return to stricter measures if it becomes necessary. Weight room access was discussed, and it will remain closed with hopes to grant public access at the end of the school year. Mr. Sickels updated the board on the progress of the CSIP committee, and reported on pending state legislation discussed at the last NWMASA meeting. It was noted the next TABS meeting is scheduled for April. There were no board member reports.

The board proceeded to address several items of new business. Action was taken to approve the 2021 – 2022 calendar; to approve the purchase of new elementary classroom doors from Pioneer Materials with installation at the end of the school year; to approve the purchase of high school English/Language Arts textbooks from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt; to approve the purchase of high school American Government textbooks from SAVVAS Learning; to approve the purchase of promethean boards from Haddock; to approve the 2021 – 2022 OPAA! Food Service management agreement; to approve 2020 – 2021 budget amendments; to approve the 2021 – 2022 preliminary budget; and to approve the certified salary schedule, administrator and non-certified minimum salary schedule, and the work calendar for the 2021 – 2022 school year.

Following a brief discussion of future business items, the board moved to executive session for the purpose of certified staff evaluations. Upon returning to open session, the board reported action was taken to extend contracts for the 2021 – 2022 school year to all tenured teachers; to the following non-tenured teachers: Jacob Erdman, Shelby Garst, Kaitlea Hastert, Alec Hendrickson, Michelle Hogue, Kelli Holstine, Ciara Hunter, Jeremy Palmer, Sidney Raines, Sheena Roup, Jenny Rueckert, Molly Spiegel, Rachel Stanton, and Jennifer Vogler; and the following part-time retirees: Jackie Miller, Wayne Moore, and Sue Owen. The meeting was then adjourned.