The Fairfax R-3 School District Board of Education met October 22, 2025, in the school library. Miles Smith, board president, called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Also present were: Brett Johnson, Shelby Hurst, Stephanie Stevens, Crystal Woodring, and Treyvor Umbarger, board members; Jason McDowell, superintendent; Barbara Terry, principal; and Karen Burke, secretary.
The agenda was approved as presented.
The following items were reviewed and approved as part of the consent agenda:
• Minutes of September 18, 2025, regular and executive sessions.
• Financial report including balance sheet, revenue summary report, and activity fund balance.
• Payment of Bills – check cycle reviewed for approval.
• Superintendent’s Report – first quarter completed positively, vehicle updates, insurance walk-through, community support at homecoming and senior night, state budget updates, and upcoming events.
• Principal’s Report – highlights included homecoming success, student recognitions, professional development, and safety training.
• Athletic Director’s Report – updates on football, volleyball, state golf qualification, and potential new softball program.
Board members voted unanimously to approve the consent agenda as presented.
New Business
The prom venue was approved as presented.
Board members also voted to approve the FCCLA national trip and the FFA national trip.
The following items were also approved: the ACES agreement, bus routes for 2025-2026, and the Balance HQ Budgeting software agreement.
Board members voted to remove all prior access holders to the district lock box at Farmers State Bank and allow access to Karen Burke and Jason McDowell.
The Local Special Education Compliance Plan was unanimously approved as presented.
The board voted to authorize debit cards in the names of Karen Burke, Miles Smith, and Crystal Woodring on account #300527 with Farmers State Bank while transitioning credit card providers.
The board discussed the need to strip and refinish the gym floor, including addressing dead spots. Consensus was given for Dr. McDowell to begin the bidding process. The Atchison County Sheriff’s Office will hold a joint meeting with Fairfax, Rock Port, and Tarkio Schools on October 29. Shelby Hurst and Crystal Woodring volunteered to attend.
The meeting entered executive session at 6:51 p.m. to discuss personnel matters as allowed by RSMo 610.021(3) and (6). The executive session adjourned at 6:54 p.m. No votes were taken.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:54 p.m.
The next regular board meeting will be Thursday, November 20, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the school art room.
