The Rock Port R-II School Board of Education held a regular meeting February 10, 2022. President Jeremy Davis called the regular meeting to order at 12:00 p.m. in the board room. Others in attendance were Regan Griffin, Reven Herron, Dan Lucas, Jared Meyerkorth, and Afton Schomburg. Member Joanna Burke was present via FaceTime. Also present were Elementary Principal Steve Waigand, High School Principal Donnie Parsons, Superintendent Ethan Sickels, Secretary Debbie Young and the following guests: Kayla Sierks, Devon Sons, Rachel Stanton, Lisa Weber, Ciara Hunter and Dylan Dittman.

The agenda was adopted and the minutes of the regular meeting of January 13, 2022, were approved. Mr. Sickels reviewed the financial information for the month ending January 2022. The transfer of funds, January final check register, the February check register to date and the activity account checks were approved. During Communications the board heard reports from Mrs. Stanton, Mrs. Hunter, and Mrs. Weber on the grades fourth – sixth science curriculum, Mr. Sickels presented a certificate from MSBA to Jared Meyerkorth for completing the required new board member training, Mr. Sickels read a letter from Phyllis Ottmann and he read a letter from the faculty both regarding the proposed four-day week calendar for the 2022-2023 school year.

Mr. Waigand reported elementary attendance for January was 92.8% (201 students). The Energy Bus Rally was held January 31 and students who were fueling their rides with positive energy were recognized. This month they will be learning more about Principle #5: Transform Negativity. They are working on changing from an “I have to…” to an “I get to…” mindset. Students earned 749.1 Accelerated Reader points in January. Currently they are at 4,953.4 points through the end of January. The schoolwide goal for the elementary is 9,000 AR points. A day of fun with bounce houses is planned when that goal is reached. Global School Play day was February 2. Students got the opportunity to participate in free play throughout the day with the goals of strengthening their ability to collaborate, work in a team, problem solve, think critically, and use positive communication skills. The Maradi Mifflin Spelling Bee was held February 2 for students in grades 5-8. Congratulations to Emma Teten (1st), Brylea Shrader (2nd), Mya Welch (tie 3rd), Logan Ellis (tie 3rd), and John Gillem (alternate). A special thank you to Mrs. Skillen for announcing and to Mrs. Shrader, Mrs. Sierks, and Mrs. Farmer for judging the competition. Several upcoming dates were noted along with staff professional development.

Mr. Parsons reported high school attendance through February 4, 2022, is 96.74% (143 students). Classroom teachers have been able to integrate some outdoor activities into lesson plans to enjoy some of the spring-like weather. The special education department has the high school vending machine up and running and it has been a huge hit. Mr. Parsons reviewed MSHSAA’s plan to offer school districts the option to include sixth grade students in junior high extra-curricular activities beginning next year. Discussion of the pros and cons followed, and Mr. Parsons noted a district decision is required next month. Several upcoming dates and activities were highlighted.

Mr. Sickels reviewed the monthly program evaluation reports on Project Lead the Way and Talented & Gifted. He discussed salary schedule considerations for the certificated staff and reviewed the total cost across the salary schedule of an increase to the base salary. Scenarios for the administration and non-certified staff for next year were also reviewed, and Mr. Sickels noted the 2022-2023 salary schedule would be presented next month. Mr. Sickels reported on information he received regarding implementation of a district sick leave pool and/or donated sick leave and stated, for legal reasons, MSBA and the school’s attorney do not recommend the practice. The additional mowing of the baseball field and football practice field was discussed.

The board proceeded to address several items of new business.

Consideration was given to three versions of the 2022-2023 school calendar with action taken to approve a four-day week calendar with 152 student days for the 2022-2023 school year. Consideration was given to bids for the greenhouse concrete foundation with action taken to approve a bid of $18,698.00 from Gary Davis. Bids for removal of the slab on the east side were reviewed with no action taken at this time. Consideration was given to bids for concession stand equipment with action taken to approve the purchase of a new hot dog grill at a price not to exceed $2,243.00 from Index Restaurant Supply. Action was taken to authorize the superintendent and bookkeeper to establish view only online access to the district accounts at Citizens Bank & Trust. Following a brief discussion of future business items, the board adjourned to executive session for personnel matters (principal evaluations). Upon returning to open session, the board reported action was taken in executive session to approve a contract extension of one additional year through the 2023-2024 school year for Elementary Principal Steve Waigand and for High School Principal Donnie Parsons. The meeting was then adjourned.