The Fairfax R-3 School District Board of Education held a regular meeting December 18, 2025. The meeting was called to order at 3:30 p.m. by President Miles Smith. Also present were: Stephanie Stevens, Crystal Woodring, Treyvor Umbarger, Courtney Grossman,  and Shelby Hurst board members; Dr. Jason McDowell, superintendent; Barbara Terry, principal; and Karen Burke, secretary. Board member Brett Johnson was absent.

The agenda was approved as presented with additions and deletions.

Superintendent’s Report

Dr. McDowell reported strong positive momentum districtwide as the 2025 calendar year concludes, with optimism for continued success in the second semester.

The board was informed that a surplus bus and van will be listed for sale on the district website and GovDeals after January 1.

Dr. McDowell reminded board members to complete the Missouri Ethics Commission financial disclosure form by January 30 upon receipt of email notification.

He acknowledged a $50 donation from the Class of 1979 in memory of Melvin Miles for playground needs, and a $4,200 donation from Citizens Bank & Trust, designated for classroom and counseling needs.

Beginning with the January Board of Education meeting, time will be allotted to review the district CSIP in preparation for revisions next school year.

A staff culture and climate survey was conducted this fall in partnership with the University of Missouri and DESE, with results expected in January.

The board was updated on ongoing state-level discussions regarding potential changes to school funding formulas and property tax structures.

Dr. McDowell noted the need for a 16-foot enclosed trailer for the band program and plans to investigate costs for future consideration.

Principal’s Report

Mrs. Terry reported November attendance rates of 89.8% for elementary and 92.8% for junior high/high school.

Mrs. Terry shared highlights of December activities, including holiday-themed school events, Grandparents’ Day, and the winter musical.

She also reported student and program recognitions, including band performances in the community, perfect attendance recognition, and FCCLA travel experiences.

The December Character Word is kindness. The Bulldog BEST and BARK Kindness Award recipients across grade levels were recognized.

Mrs. Terry reported December professional development focused on best grading practices and curriculum alignment with Missouri Learning Standards.

Athletic Director’s Report

Preparations for the Fairfax Tournament, to be held January 12-17, are underway. Seven will be participating.

Junior High Scholar Bowl practices began mid-December with 16 students participating. The first meet is scheduled for January 8.

The junior high basketball season is over, with the boys finishing third and girls finishing fourth in the conference tournament.

A report on the EA basketball teams’ performance at the Mound City Tournament was given, including an All-Tournament selection for Fairfax junior Carter Oswald.

Senior Tate Johnson will be added to the MSHSAA record book for tackles in a season.

New volleyball uniforms have been ordered for next season.

The Optimist basketball tournaments will be January 31 for grades 3/4 and 5/6.

There are four to six Fairfax students participating in junior high wrestling.

Consent Agenda

The board reviewed the minutes of the November regular and executive sessions, financial reports, payment of bills, superintendent’s report, principal’s report, and athletic director’s report.

There was a motion by Shelby Hurst to make the change of Courtney Grossman’s vote to abstain on Ashley Grossman for the PAT position and approve the consent agenda with the change. Crystal Woodring seconded and the motion carried 6-0.

New Business

Discussion on the gym floor bids was tabled.

The 2024-2025 financial audit was reviewed and discussed by the board. Board members voted to approve the audit as presented.

The first review of the 2026-2027 calendar was held. A survey was sent out to staff for viewing and input.

Executive Session

Board members voted to go into executive session as allowed by the Revised Statutes of Missouri, 610.021 subsections 3 and 6, at 4:09 p.m.

Board members voted to approve Nicole Avrett for ECSE Paraprofessional for the remainder of the 2025-2026 school year.

The meeting returned to open session at 4:37 p.m.

The next regular board meeting is scheduled for January 22, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the school library.