The Tarkio R-I Board of Education met September 15, 2021, at Tarkio High School. The meeting was called to order by president Garrett Wood at 7:00 p.m. Board members who were in attendance were: Jamie Barnett, Ann Schlueter, Chris Yates, Josh Wright, Heather Olson and Sam Hannah. Others in attendance included: board secretary Lanette Hogue, Tarkio R-I Superintendent Carrie Livengood, Tarkio Elementary School Principal/Tarkio R-I Special Education Director Kari Taylor, Tarkio High School Principal Nick Kemerling, Nikki Parshall, Erica Taylor, Brandon Peregrine, Bo Peregrine, Jax Peregrine, Gabe Gebhards, Melissa Crawford, Cyle Gilpin, Issac Vette, Tim Vette, Teahen Hannah, Blu Dow and Joe Unternahrer.

The consent agenda and district obligations were approved.

CTA Reports – Erica Taylor reported that the school year is off to a great start.

TAC Report – Nikki Parshall presented on the happenings of the TAC. There have been several windfarm safety meetings held at the TAC. The volleyball teams have been holding practices at the TAC and the EA junior high cheerleaders have held practices there as well. County Commissioners will be touring the TAC on September 16, 2021, Nikki thanked the board for the opportunity to run the TAC.

Elementary Principal Taylor reported that the elementary has 177 students enrolled preschool through 5th grade. The August attendance rate was 96%. They held their first Golden Ticket ceremony for PBIS. Mrs. Hull has started dyslexia screenings. The 1st-5th grades have completed their STAR Reading Tests and AR reading has begun. Mrs. Taylor also shared the building climate is very positive. The teachers are really enjoying learning and implementing the new ELA Resources and Curriculum.

For Special Education, Mrs. Taylor reported that they continue to work on transfer paperwork and referrals.

High School Principal Kem-erling reported there are 173 children enrolled 6th-12th grades. The attendance rate for August was 96%. He reported golf, cross country, football and volleyball are all underway. Mr. Kemerling reported that the building climate is very positive.  The ELA Teachers are learning the new curriculum.

Superintendent Livengood gave a financial report. The district ended August with $1.8 million more than last year at the end of August. Mrs. Livengood shared with the board the link to their annual training. She reported that there are currently three students attending Northwest Tech School and 11 students attending Tarkio Tech. Mrs. Livengood reported that Opaa! is having trouble getting food because of shortages and they have lost their distributor.

Softball Survey – Mrs. Livengood and Mr. Kemerling surveyed the female students to see who would be interested in playing softball if the district was to offer it in the future. A total of 13 students selected softball and 36 selected volleyball.

Cameras – Ann Schlueter moved and Sam Hannah seconded to approve the bid from Midwest Data Center to install the security cameras at the TAC and football field. The motion passed 7-0.

Hot Water System – The hot water system is up and running.  The district has not received the invoice yet.

Early Graduation Policy – Mrs. Livengood has surveyed area superintendents to get their policies on early graduation. Tarkio R-I School District’s policy is very comparable to all the area schools.

Hiring – Chris Yates moved and Ann Schlueter seconded to approve the hiring of Nikki Parshall as TAC Director. The motion carried 7-0. Chris Yates moved and Josh Wright seconded to approve the hiring of Josh Taylor for ISS/At-Risk Coordinator. The motion carried 7-0. Chris Yates moved and Heather Olson seconded to approve Jodie Dorrel as a Special Education Para. The motion carried 7-0.

National FFA Convention – The board voted to approve Mr. Lambertsen to take an overnight trip to National FFA Convention.

2021-22 Budget – The board approved the updated 20-21 Budget.

Policy Updates – The board voted to adopt the following policies and regulations: Policy 0320, Policy 0324, Policy 2420, Policy 2710, Policy 2770, Policy 4120, Policy and Regulation 4320, Policy 4322 and Policy 4867.

EA Co-op Agreement – Discussion was held on the EA Co-op Agreement. The discussion was tabled until next month.

Dance Team – Mrs. Dow reported that the dance team has been selected and they will perform at homecoming.

The meeting moved into closed session pursuant to RSMo § 610.001, record and vote at 8:40 p.m.

The meeting moved out of closed session and adjourned at 8:54 p.m.