Neelyville School board discussed survey results, upcoming school board elections and JAG activities at this month’s meeting.
The school board recently sent surveys to staff, parents and students, to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the students, staff and surrounding community. The results of those surveys suggest a possible lack of communication and respect which was said to be felt among the majority of those surveyed.
“We have already started drafting some ideas about how to improve communication. And we are talking a little bit about maybe trying to amp up our parent-teacher conference nights with student-led conferences, which would be something entirely new for us and require some training,” said Black.
Board filing for the upcoming school board election was closed on Dec. 27, leaving three positions open for three-year terms.
Those in the running for the April 4 elections include Robert Burgett, Wayne Wilcutt, Amanda Wolfram, Adam Couch, Chuck Reinbott, Marco Gavino and Paul Petty.
The JAG program continues to be a major positive for the school, students and staff at Neelyville.
“You can see our JAG programs have hit the ground running and not stopped since,” said Black. “We are doing great things in our school district and our community. One thing I know coming up that they’re going to do is a food distribution they’re going to help with.”
According to one board member, this event will be similar to what students took part in during COVID. JAG students assisted with a drive-thru food distribution event according to Black.
Security camera installation bids were presented to the board for review, but after much debate, the subject was tabled for a discussion at the next scheduled meeting.
The Missouri School Board Association (MSBA) offers a scholarship opportunity in the name of John T. Belcher.
According to Black, senior Preston Goodnight was chosen as the school’s candidate for the Belcher Scholarship.
Black stated three candidates qualified and met the criteria for the scholarship opportunity. “He (Goodnight) came out on top within our district, so he will be the one that will be considered for this scholarship.”
The board also discussed the acceptance of foreign exchange students for Neelyville.
Black said that the school, to her knowledge, had always taken part in the exchange program. During the discussion, it was suggested the school take on no more than two students. “We are a small school, so we want to be protective of our class size and our students as well,” said Black, “yet still opening the door and bringing in some experience from outside as well.”
The next scheduled meeting of the Neelyville School Board will be at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 15.