Members of the Houston board of education reorganized Tuesday night following the recent election, heard updates on the Piney River Technical Center and discussed funding.
One new member – Marty Merckling – joined the board. Charlie Malam was re-elected. They are three-year terms. Officers also were selected. They are: Jennifer Scheets, president; Darren Ice, vice president; and Jeff Gettys, secretary-treasurer. Board member Charlie Malam is the district’s representative to the Missouri School Boards’ Association. Board member Tressie Neugebauer is the alternate. Tanya Bathon is the executive secretary to the board.
Dr. Justin Copley, superintendent, gave an update on the Piney River Technical Center including roof leaks, ramp construction completion and schematic design planning. Dr. Copley gave an update on lead testing, stating that results from a March 8 test are pending. Additional testing is being scheduled for updated inventory. He presented the 2023-2024 budget expenditure review including types of funds, fund sources, types of expenditures, operating funds, capital projects fund and debt service fund. Dr. Copley also congratulated Matt Roberton, director of transportation, and the transportation department for earning a 94% on its latest inspection.
In other matters, members:
- Recognized Chris Curry, elementary and district teacher of the year; Olivia Poynter, middle school teacher of the year; Jennifer Gunter, high school teacher of the year; and Amy Allen, classified member of the year.
- Approved a continuation of the partnership with Missouri Educators’ Trust (MET) for health insurance. The district will pay up to $659 toward employee health plans, but does not reimburse staff for plans less than that amount.
- A director position for the Piney River Technical Center was discussed and tabled for future discussion and consideration.
- Approved the posting of a summer-only lawn care/maintenance position for hire.
- Declared two buses as surplus property and authorized their sale.
- Approved the annual agreement between the district and the Exceptional Child Cooperative.
- Approved an agreement between the district and Houston Area Chamber of Commerce for use of ballfields at 501 E. Walnut St. in Houston. The agreement renews annually until forfeited by either party.
- Heard an update on the Houston Alternative Learning Opportunities (HALO) program, which will be at Ozark and First Streets. Current progress was discussed. Copley presented budget information to the board for the program.
- Heard an update from Preston Wade, building trades, on the progress of their house on Primrose Lane, a lift station, brick and rock plans and general progress.
- Approved a control access addition bid by Elliott Data Systems Inc. for the materials and labor to install control access in the HALO building.
- Heard a report from the district’s Climate/Culture/Compensation (CCC) team concerning compensation data and priorities.
- Approved the curriculum program evaluation as presented.
- Heard reports from building principals and Brody Adkison, student liaison, on current happenings.
The next meeting will take place at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 14 in the high school library media center.
The full minutes can be read below: