The Rock Port R-II Board of Education held a regular meeting January 10, 2019. President Jeremy Davis called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Other members present were Afton Schomburg, Ken Miller, Rich Dew-hirst, Dan Lucas, and Clay Vogler. Harold Lawrence was absent. Also present were Elementary Principal Steve Waigand, Superintendent Ethan Sickels, Board Secretary Debbie Young, Jill Gilson, Rachel Stanton, Tawni Ellis, Crystal Goins, and Jennifer Geib.

The agenda was adopted and the minutes of the regular meeting of December 13, 2018, were approved. Mr. Sickels reviewed the financial information for the month ending December 2018. Approval was given to the transfer of funds, the December final check register, January check register to date, and the activity account checks.

Mr. Sickels read a thank you note from the Waigand family.

During scheduled audience the calendar committee presented the first draft of the proposed calendar for the 2019-2020 school year.

Mr. Waigand reported December attendance in the elementary was 94.57% (191 students). Fifth grade was tops this month with 97.2%. January’s character trait is tolerance. Second quarter accelerated reader classroom top readers (based on AR points) were recognized. A special thank you to the Elementary PTO for purchasing a new refrigerator for the staff work room for all to enjoy. Blue Jay Shop was once again a big hit over the Christmas season. The proceeds from the event will help purchase an interactive TV display for elementary news, pictures, and current and former class pictures. They celebrated with a Reading Incentive Party on December 19. All students were given a choice between four different movies and were given a “movie ticket” to enter the theater. Students had a PJ Day and popcorn to enhance the experience. After the movies a drawing was held for all students meeting their second quarter reading goals. Many students walked away with some nice prizes. A special thanks to the Reading Incentive Committee (Mrs. Lawrence, Mrs. Garst, Mrs. Weber, Mrs. Mertens, Mrs. Simmons, Ms. Armstrong, and Mrs. Skillen) on planning the day. “Kindness is Warm” door decorating contest winners were Mrs. Weber’s 6th grade (1st), Ms. Armstrong’s 5th grade (2nd), and Mrs. Garst’s 2nd grade (3rd). A total of 21 doors were decorated and added a festive flair to the hallways over the Christmas season. The STEM Showcase and Preschool-6th grade elementary music program were held December 17. There was a great turnout for both events and a wide array of student talents were on display. A group of community volunteers led by Kim Brake met with the K-2 teachers on December 12 on reading to students starting the second semester. Two volunteers each day will come in to read with students. Rock Port R-II is very blessed with the support they receive from the community. Fifth and sixth grade band students were on display as part of the Winter Band & Choir Concert December 10. Mr. Waigand complimented Mrs. Palmer, as the students always amaze him on their growth from the beginning of the year to concert time. Several dates and upcoming events were noted. Staff reports were received from Mrs. Gilson and Mrs. Stanton.

It was noted that Mr. Parsons was attending the Junior High Scholar Bowl match. His report was reviewed in his absence. Several upcoming dates and activities were noted. December attendance for the junior high and high school was 96.16%, and enrollment for grades 7 – 12 is 153. The end-of-semester fun day was held the last day before winter break. Sports were offered in the gym, board games in the library, and a showing of “The Grinch” in Auburn which was attended by 70 students and five teachers. Plans are being made for the 2017-18 MAP incentive rewards. Rock Port has their first official enrollees in the LAUNCH program. Students are enrolled in Japanese I, Health, and Personal Finance. Updates on the basketball and wrestling season records and schedules were given. Band/Choir will have five students representing Rock Port at Four-State Honor Band/Choir at Northwest Missouri State University.

Mr. Sickels gave an update on the EDF Renewables wind farm and the potential sale to Ameren Electric. The Atchison County Clerk informed the district there is to be a public hearing regarding the matter on January 14 at the Velma Houts Building, and the County Commissioners have requested district representatives to be in attendance. Mr. Sickels reported on the negative balances in the district food service program. He stated there has been no additional information on MAP/EOC scores. The preliminary APR scores are available, but have been embargoed until February 1. Mr. Sickels informed the board that he has distributed the bid information for a vehicle to replace the district’s oldest van. He updated the board on potential legislation regarding the foundation formula and how the Rock Port R-II School District may be affected if the bill advances. He will keep the board informed if any updates are received. The monthly program evaluation report on the library was reviewed.

The December TABS meeting report was given by Rich Dewhirst.

The board proceeded to address several items of new business. Action was taken to approve May 12, 2019, at 1:30 p.m. as the time and date for this year’s graduation and to approve amendments to the 2018-2019 budget. Following a brief discussion, the date of the next regular meeting was changed to Monday, February 11, 2019, at 12:00 p.m. to coincide with the board of education classroom visits. Action was also taken to extend the contract of Superintendent Ethan Sickels for one additional year. The meeting was then adjourned.