The Fairfax R-3 School District Board of Education held a regular meeting February 17, 2026, in the school library.

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Miles Smith, president. Also present were: Stephanie Stevens, Crystal Woodring, Treyvor Umbarger, Courtney Grossman, Brett Johnson, and Shelby Hurst, board members; Jason McDowell, superintendent; Barbara Terry, principal; Karen Burke, secretary; and Debra Wyatt, CTA representative.

Board members voted to approve the agenda as presented with additions and deletions.

Superintendent Highlights

Dr. Jason McDowell reported on the following:

• The state denied the district’s request to move next year’s (2026-27) start date earlier. Calendar approval for the current proposed date is pending.

• The governor announced the upcoming A-F school grading system. Details will be forthcoming.

• Funding for the new gym sound system has been received.

• Emergency plumbing repair is needed near the old gym fountain; currently being scheduled while school is out.

• MEHUP (health insurance provider) is experiencing financial challenges. Dr. McDowell is meeting with an alternative provider for preliminary information. More updates are expected soon.

Principal Highlights

Barbara Terry, principal, reported on the following:

January attendance was 93.7% in the elementary and 88.1% for the junior high/high school.

Donuts with Dad and Muffins with Mom were a success.

The District Spelling Bee winners advancing to Atchison County competition on February 17 are: Braleigh Stoner, 5th; Stella Terry, 6th; Zailynn Cook, 7th; and Lela Wright, 8th.

Optimist Club Students of the  Month  are  Taylor  Long,  elementary (recognized for perseverance and positive attitude), and Zach Koop, junior high/high school (recognized for positivity, effort, and determination).

The Character Word for January was perseverance. Bulldog B.E.S.T. Perseverance Awards went to the following students: Jericho Wilson, preschool; Stella Mercer, kindergarten; Memo Chavez, first grade; Charlie White, second grade; Taylor Long, third grade; Jese’ Aguilar, fourth grade; Presley Knight, fifth grade; and6th: Aspyn Fast, sixth grade. BARK Awards were presented to Parker Woodring, junior high; and Elsie Rogers, high school.

The February focus of Professional Development was redirection strategies.

The February 11 PD Day covered next year’s schedule, student concerns, curriculum, and assessments.

AMI Days had strong participation. Students effectively reviewed and reinforced previous learning.

Athletic Director Highlights

Cal Nichols reported on the following:

• The Fairfax Tournament was highly successful. Technical issues quickly resolved. Plans are underway to add an eighth team for next year’s tournament (January 11-16, 2027).

• The Junior High Scholar Bowl season concluded successfully with strong participation.

• Craig added varsity golf and will join EA, Rock Port, and Mound City in 275 Conference golf events.

• Spring Sports Dead Week is February 23-27.

• Spring practices begin March 2. Good participation expected in baseball, golf, and track.

• The boys’ basketball team has a 17-5 record and is 5th seed in districts. They play Albany on February 24 at 7:30 p.m.

• The girls’ basketball team has an 8-14 record. They are 4th seed in districts and play Nodaway Valley on February 23 at 7:30 p.m.

Consent Agenda

The board reviewed the minutes of January 2026 (regular and executive sessions), financial reports, and payment of bills, superintendent report, principal report, and athletic report. Board members voted unanimously to approve the consent agenda.

New Business

Dr. McDowell talked about the CSIP with the board. Fairfax R-3 has a highly qualified staff, and they are working towards getting all staff certified, retention, and getting open positions filled.

The 2026-27 school calendar was presented and ready for approval. Board members voted unanimously to approve the district calendar as presented.

Board members voted to approve the revision of Board Policy R4320 – Personnel Leave as presented. The revision concerns the order in which bereavement days are charged.

There is a leak in the ceiling in the old gym. Perry Plumbing will do the work on Saturday, February 21. Crystal Woodring made a motion to approve a 40% down payment of $2,894 to Perry Plumbing. Treyvor Umbarger seconded the motion. The motion carried 7-0.

The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 16, at 6:00 p.m. in the school library.