The remainder will be paid for with district funds. In addition, we will begin a fencing project in the rear area of the elementary. We will enclose the current bus loading/unloading zone which also includes the playground. This area will remain locked from the time buses unload until loading time in the afternoon to provide a more secure area for our students to play in. The area will remain open after school and weekends.
Recently, there has been much written in the news regarding the Missouri State Board of Education. That news has unsettled many about the future of public education. While I will not offer an opinion about how things have transpired, currently, the board only has three of eight positions filled. Gov. Eric Greitens has re-appointed the five members he selected, however because those appointments were made during the legislative session, they cannot serve in the capacity until approved by the Missouri Senate.
What does this mean for Houston Schools? It has little effect in the short term, however, it will mean a delay in the hiring of a new state education commissioner, as well as a slow down on other state education initiatives. As a school district, our focus needs to be on improving education at the local level. This is not something that will be accomplished by the school alone, but by many different contributors from the Houston R-1 School District community.
Finally, I encourage each of you to become involved in a local school activity or program. There are opportunities to serve in Bright Futures, PTO, booster clubs (including athletic, band, choir and more), Houston Education Foundation, FFA alumni, CSIP committee and much more. All of these programs are there for the benefit of our kids. Our future.