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Sheldon School Board discussed needed roof repairs at Tuesday meeting
President Jerod Lamb convened the Sheldon School Board meeting on Tuesday morning, June 13, with a series of important items on the agenda. The board unanimously approved the transfer of Fund 1 to Fund 2, as well as the amended 2022-2023 actual budget. They also discussed and approved the proposed budget for the upcoming 2023-2024 school year. Superintendent Jason Irwin distributed packets containing his suggested pay rates for teachers, staff, and administration for the 2023-2024 year, along with a scale for raises. Notably, he proposed a salary of $38,000 for new teachers. Irwin stressed that voting on this matter could be postponed until next month's meeting, but he urged the board members to start considering the proposal. Consequently, the board agreed to table the issue until the next meeting.
The meeting then shifted focus as the board welcomed guest speaker Kim Harbur, Chair of the "Gift of Life" Program in Jefferson City, alongside other individuals involved in the program, developed the "Learn Life Savers Webinar." This 30-minute presentation aims to educate students about organ donation and whether they choose to become donors when obtaining their driver's licenses. Harbur emphasized the webinar's potential to prompt students to engage in meaningful discussions with their parents, thereby fostering improved communication. The board decided to table the issue until either July or August's meeting.
Resuming their regular agenda, the board reviewed two bills from T. Equipment Supply and Cash's Quality Electric. Both bills received unanimous approval for payment. Superintendent Irwin then informed the board about the success of the Missouri Course Access and Virtual School Program (MOCAP). He revealed that the program had contributed significantly to the district's finances, with over $20,000 in accumulated interest over the past month. The board expressed their satisfaction with the financial reports and approved them accordingly.
Superintendent Irwin provided an update on the FFA Greenhouse, announcing that repairs were nearing completion, with only one remaining task remaining. He regretfully shared that the walk-in freezer malfunctioned on the first day of Summer School, resulting in the loss of all the stored food. However, Irwin acknowledged the assistance received from a neighboring school, which provided food to ensure that students could still have lunch. He assured the board that Ritchey's Refrigeration Services would address the freezer issue promptly. Board Member Michelle Claflin inquired about the possibility of installing an alarm system on the freezer to alert staff when it fails to maintain the required freezing temperature. Although the board agreed to consider this proposal, the decision was postponed to next month's meeting. Irwin concluded his report by informing the board that dead trees on the premises had been successfully removed, and the board approved this report.
In the discussion of old business, Superintendent Irwin confirmed that the lighting system was functioning well, eliminating the need for immediate investment in new lighting. However, he expressed great concern regarding the school's roof, emphasizing its desperate need for repairs. Irwin presented an estimate of $156,000 to rectify the roof issue comprehensively. The board unanimously approved the proposal to repair the entire school roof.
Principal Kevin Post shared a report during the new business segment, revealing a decline in attendance for the Summer School compared to the previous year. While unsure of the reasons, Post had contacted other schools in the area, who confirmed a similar pattern. Determined to investigate the attendance drop, Post promised to address the issue, possibly during the second semester of the upcoming school year. He also mentioned that students had recently enjoyed a Water Day and announced an upcoming Block Party, scheduled for this Thursday, which would include inflatables, a barbecue, and ice cream sandwiches. The board approved Post's report and commended the proposed activities. Additionally, the board adopted the entire Missouri Consultants for Education (MCE), except for Policy 2618, which pertains to violence-related matters.
Principal Post presented his regular report, highlighting the successful implementation of the school's new website. He noted that approximately 5,000 messages had been sent, indicating excellent communication between the school and parents. Post also addressed an issue regarding reading proficiency in the elementary grades and expressed his commitment to resolving it, though he anticipated initiating the solution in the second semester of the upcoming school year. Lastly, he reminded the board that the State Track Meet would take place this Saturday, June 17. The board approved Post's report and expressed support for the upcoming event.
During his superintendent report, Jason Irwin informed the board that the new copy machines had been installed and were proving to be a significant improvement over the previous models. Furthermore, he announced that the school had gained approval to establish a Men's Spring Volleyball team, inviting interested high school boys to participate. The board unanimously approved Irwin's report, and the next meeting was scheduled for July 12.