Hume R-7 school board welcomes new members

The Hume R-7 school board met April 16 and certified the election results from Bates and Vernon Counties, which resulted in the election of Stacey Swickhamer, Kristy Brooks and Lesa Berry to three-year terms. The new board members were sworn in and the board then elected new officers --Missy Patton, president; Ralph Franklin, vice-president; Ruth Hale, secretary; and Stacey Swickhamer, treasurer.

Becky Loftin gave a report on the Community Teachers Association. Loftin said the teachers were discussing changing the requirements for the Dr. Elaine Brame scholarship and School Day at the K was being planned for eligible students who attended Missouri Assess-ment Program tutoring and put forth their best effort for the actual testing.

Superintendent David Quick reviewed the district's revenues for this year and compared them with expected revenues for 2008-2009 and concluded that the district's expenditures would be greater but its revenues less that year.

The district will be combining the fourth and fifth grades and the second and third grades due to budget cuts, but the first grade and kindergarten will stay the same. Quick said that a paraprofessional would be placed in each of the combined classrooms. Quick suggested that the board cut elective classes with less than four students and allow teachers from those classes to help with teaching social studies classes.

Quick updated the board on an increase in health insurance costs but a final quote would not be ready until later this week with the final figures. Quick told the board he would prefer to have the budget in place before he even considers making a recommendation to increase the insurance premium the district would pay.

The board discussed contributing to the Lions Club for a new ball field concession stand/restroom facility.

Quick said he would gather more information for the next board meeting and pointed out that the school could not afford to build its own facility and that since the school would use the Lion's facility the school should contribute to its construction.

Quick suggested board members consider how much the school could contribute to the project.

High school seniors submitted a PowerPoint presentation to the board relating to the proposed senior trip. After the presentation, the board expressed their concerns and reminded the seniors it was a privilege to go on the senior trip and that while on it they represented the Hume schools.