Only slight changes will impact the Poplar Bluff R-1 Board of Education following last week's local election, with John Scott returning as president.
During the school board's annual reorganization session Tuesday, incumbents Kenneth Davis and Heather Tuggle were sworn in by Superintendent Scott Dill.
Davis and Tuggle each ran unopposed and will serve three-year terms.
"Apparently the public felt confident in how we handled ourselves the first three years, and we plan to continue that and to remain consistent," Tuggle said.
Davis and Tuggle agreed they are thankful for another opportunity to serve the students and constituents of the Poplar Bluff R-1 School District.
Scott will continue as president for the fourth consecutive year, following a 5-0 vote with Scott abstaining and member Jerrod Murphy absent. Kenneth Davis will reprise his role as vice president.
Scott said he looks forward to the upcoming year with what he describes as a reliable board.
"Every member of our board is active and engaged in improving our schools," Scott said. "Moving forward, I am excited to continue to work to that end."
The addition of a board-appointed Recording Secretary will eliminate the need for the Executive Secretary of the Board to attend closed session discussions, Dill said. School board member Alana Robertson was selected to fill the role, effective July 1.
The Executive Secretary, a position traditionally held by the superintendent's assistant, will continue to document all open session meetings, while Robertson shall document only those items occurring in closed sessions.
Reporting for both open and closed session meetings will remain a responsibility of the Executive Secretary.
Assistant Superintendent of Finance Rod Priest will remain as treasurer.
Dill said he feels confident in the ability of the current Board of Education.
"It's always good when you've got a solid group," Dill said. "Relationships that we've worked hard to establish with the board and the administrative team are doing good things for kids in the Poplar Bluff school district. With the reorganization and the slate of officers, we're ready to keep advancing the good work for kids in Poplar Bluff."
In his absence, Murphy was selected to replace Robertson as the Missouri School Board Association delegate, with Tuggle continuing as alternate. Tuggle also retained her role as delegate for the Poplar Bluff Public School Foundation.
No changes in appointment were made to district committees, of which there are 10: Adult Education Advisory; Audit; Buildings and Grounds; Building Trades; Federal Programs; Food Service; Health Advisory; Insurance; Policy; and Technology.
Hanner said he did not see a need for additional changes and thinks the Poplar Bluff school board is on the right track.
"I think the board is well run. I'm pleased with Mr. Scott's leadership and how this organization continues to move forward successfully," Hanner said.
The Poplar Bluff R-1 Board of Education members are: Scott, Davis, Tuggle, Robertson, Dr. Cynthia Brown, Hanner, and Murphy.
The next monthly R-1 Board of Education meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 19 in the Central Office Board Room, located at 1110 N. Westwood Blvd.