A potential teaching program for high school students and the district’s employee health insurance contract were discussed by the Houston R-1 School District Board of Education on Tuesday (March 11).
TEACHING PROGRAM
A new program aimed at providing high school students with hands-on classroom experience is moving forward after board approval to submit an application to the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). The course, part of the Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) program, is designed to offer students interested in the teaching profession both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. The deadline to submit the application is May 1.
The one-hour daily course would aim to inspire students to pursue careers in education, with the hope they will return to teach in the district. In the past two years, 11 district graduates have been hired as teachers. Several students have already expressed interest in the new program, which will also offer substitute teacher certification upon graduation.
If approved, the course will become part of the school’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) offering. Classes are at the Piney River Technical Center on Spruce Street.
INSURANCE RENEWAL
The school board renewed its contract with Missouri Educator’s Trust (MET) as the district’s health insurance consortium. The renewal represents a 6.7% increase for the 2025-’26 school year. That represents an approximate $44 per month increase for employees. Employees will be offered six plan options.
OTHER MATTERS
- The board was recognized for its service to the district. Brody Adkison, student liaison, was also recognized. Addison Neugebauer was introduced as the new liaison.
- Missouri School Boards’ Association (MSBA) Policy JED for student absences and excuses was approved as presented. A full policy maintenance agreement was also approved.
- A copier services bid from Marco Technologies, LLC was approved for a five-year contract. The contract will reduce the district’s spending for copier services.
- The annual Exceptional Child Cooperative (ECC) agreement was approved.
- The Federal Programs evaluation was approved as presented by Jody Jarrett, elementary principal. About 13% of the school’s revenue comes from federal sources.
- Tracy Hughes, middle school principal, reported that attendance is up to 217 – due to several new seventh-graders since Christmas break.
- Work on the next fiscal year budget was discussed. The budget will be approved before June 30.
- The school sends students to Southern Missouri Technical Institute (SMTI) in West Plains for programs it cannot offer, such as auto technology, with four students enrolled across two levels. Dr. Copley informed the board of the travel, employment and tuition costs of sending students to the program. The board is considering ways to improve efficiency, including partnering with other schools, reimbursing student travel expenses rather than sending a district vehicle or seeking donations.
Board member Charlie Malam was absent from the meeting. The next regular meeting is at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 8 in the high school library.
