The Neelyville R-IV Board of Education unanimously voted to purchase a $20,725 Kubota tractor from Baker Implement for the maintenance department.
Three bids, including similar warranties on each, were received from John Deere for $19,800; Magee for $19,200; and Baker Implement for $20,725.
While not budgeted for, Superintendent Brad Hagood said a utility tractor with a front end loader will be a big asset for the district.
"We will have to revise the budget," Hagood said.
The purchase will come from the capital projects portion of the budget, Hagood said.
The board supported the purchase and said the utility tractor has been needed for a long time.
Board President John French stated he had good experience with both John Deere and Kubota tractors and their service departments.
"You can't go wrong with either," he said.
Board member Jack Stull added he considered the resale value of Kubota when making his vote.
Hagood also updated the board on Neelyville's Tiger Fest to be held Saturday, Oct. 21.
Tiger Fest, in its third year, will include a small change with the talent show portion of the event.
Hagood reported the talent show will not be a competition, but rather just for the opportunity to perform.
"I hope Tiger Fest continues to be successful," Hagood said. "It is good for the community and school. It gives a chance for the community to come and see the campus and what is going on."
In other action:
* Math and communication arts curriculum was presented to the board by Curriculum Director Heather Wells. The curriculum is based on Missouri state standards and teachers are required to work this into their own lesson plans.
"Communication arts will probably change the most this year with the new reading series," Wells said.
* The local plan for compliance with state regulations for special education from DESE was accepted. The board is required to accept and adopt local compliances with special education when changes are made.
Elementary Principal Aaron Burton reported students at his buildings have got over the "newness" of the school year and are now in a routine.
Neelyville Junior High and High School Principal Justin Dobbins said attendance has been good at his building, but some students need to improve their attendance.
In an effort to keep parents aware of their child's attendance record and the importance of school attendance, Dobbins said letters are being sent home after a student misses two days of school.
"We had a big influx of new students this year," Dobbins added. "This is the most new kids we have had in a long time."
Assistant Principal at Hillview Debra Parish reported canopy and sidewalk work was completed and the school has experienced some sickness this year, but students are doing well.
During executive session, the board accepted the resignation of Jesse White, a paraprofessional at Hillview.
The next Neelyville R-IV Board of Education meeting will be at 7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 19 at the Central Office board room.