The Fairfax R-3 School District Board of Education held a regular meeting November 20, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by President Miles Smith. Also present were: Stephanie Stevens, Crystal Woodring, Treyvor Umbarger, and Courtney Grossman, board members; Dr. Jason McDowell, superintendent; and Barbara Terry, principal. Board members Shelby Hurst and Brett Johnson were absent.
The agenda was approved as presented with additions and deletions.
The consent agenda, which included the minutes of the October regular and executive sessions, financial reports, and payment of bills, was approved.
Superintendent’s Report
Dr. McDowell reported on the following:
• It has been a busy month with many activities. The FCCLA is returning from their trip.
• Thanksgiving lunch will be November 20 with 75-80 family members expected.
• AMI procedures are being reviewed for winter weather.
• Beginning in January, board meetings will include brief CSIP updates.
• The Balance HQ budgeting system implementation is nearly complete; first-year cost reduced by $1,300.
• There is an ongoing mole issue on the football field.
• Follow-up lead test on a school faucet is pending.
• The boiler system is functioning well; a minor repair was completed.
• The calendar committee will plan the 2026-27 school year and PD schedule.
• Flooring bid extensions: RNF on December 3; Meyer pending; Hillyard follow-up.
Principal’s Report
Mrs. Terry reported that September attendance for the elementary was 95.2%, and 91.4% for the junior high/high school.
Parent/teacher conferences were held. Grade cards for the end of the quarter were distributed at conferences and mailed to absentees.
Other events included a cyber safety assembly for grades 6-12, Halloween parade and classroom parties, Veterans Day assembly organized by elementary teachers, and elementary enrichment classes for STAR Reading 2+ levels above. A schoolwide tornado drill was completed. The safety team is reviewing procedures.
October Student Character Awards were presented to the following students:
• Bulldog BEST Courage Award – Audrey Zumbrunnen, preschool; Ella Smith, kindergarten; Harper Smith, first grade; Charlie White, second grade; Brentley Stevens, third grade; Paisleigh Daugherty, fourth grade; Marlowe Murphy, fifth grade; Liam Powell, sixth grade; and Jo Hurst, overall elementary.
• BARK Courage Award – Wendy Hurst, junior high; Joaquin Hill, high school.
Mrs. Terry also reported on Professional Development.
Grandparents Day will be December 4 from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m.
Athletic Director’s Report
Cal Nichols reported on the following:
Fairfax hosted two junior high games in November; both ran smoothly.
Internet has been fixed at the football field and the HUDL camera working.
They are reviewing van vs. bus transportation weekly.
Winter sports participation: 10 boys basketball, 3 girls basketball, and no wrestlers.
Winter eligibility rosters have been updated.
Preparations for the 94th annual Fairfax Tournament are underway; seeding will be done in December.
All winter coaches completed annual training.
New Business
Dr. McDowell reviewed APR scores and noted improvement.
Board members voted to approve the policies and regulations as presented, including: Policies: 1210, 1450, 2200, 2210, 2600, 2656, 2662, 2920, 4150, 4412, 4506, 4825, 5205, 5215, 5218, 5240, 5260, 5270, 5520, 5610, 6215, and 7115; and Regulations: 2200, 2240, 2662, 2673, 2920, 4221, 4411, and 5240.
Insurance Walk-Through – The board discussed correction items and timelines. No action was taken.
Board members voted to approve Jason McDowell as school safety coordinator and Barbara Terry as back-up school safety coordinator.
Board members approved the baseline salary grant item as written.
There was an update on the homecoming court. It was approved as presented.
Board members voted to allow the Methodist Church access to and use of the locker room.
The price of adult lunches was raised to $4.00 to meet state guidelines.
Board members voted to sell the surplus items (Bus #6 and grey Dodge van).
Board members voted to approve junior high scholar bowl beginning this year and add $200 to the stipend.
The bid submitted by WBN Lawn Care of $550 for total lawn care in 2026 was approved.
Treyvor Umbarger made a motion to approve the SRO agreement with the Atchison County Sheriff’s Office. It was seconded by Stephanie Stevens. The vote was 0 yes, four no., and one abstain. The motion failed.
The next regular board meeting is scheduled for December 18, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. in the school library.
