Neelyville School Board honors Teachers of the Year

NEELYVILLE — The Neelyville School Board honored sixth-grade teacher Chelsea Cosgrove as the district’s teacher of the year at Monday’s board meeting. Superintendent Heather Black also presented teacher of the year awards to Shelby McElhaney of Hillview Elementary, Daniel Sexton of Neelyville Junior High, and Tammy Spencer of Neelyville High School.

The winners were selected by their peers and administration with students from grades seven to 12 also providing input. Cosgrove thanked her students and everyone who helped her along her journey.

“Without the students, it would not be possible because they’re an awesome group,” she affirmed.

Black praised her work in the reading and writing programs at the school as an example for other educators.

High School Principal Justin Dobbins commented on the award winners, “I respect all of them, they do a great job.”

In regular business, the board re-approved the Ozark School Benefits Association as the school’s health insurance carrier. While the price had increased by 6%, Black said the price was the best the district could expect to see.

Next, members discussed a resolution to oppose the state legislature’s SB 1051 which would allow students to transfer to schools outside of their resident district. Black said the resolution had been adopted by 192 out of 518 districts across Missouri, though she expected this number to grow.

She said open enrollment causes financial strain on smaller school districts due to the loss of students and their associated funding. Board member Paul Petty remarked the transfer of students could work the other way.

“It could help us or it could hurt us,” he affirmed.

Black warned the junior high was already close to capacity and could not add students without changing section sizes.

“I don’t think I’m 100% certain one way or the other,” Petty added.

The board voted to table the measure so more research could be done on how open enrollment could affect Neelyville schools. For the concession stand and bathroom building update, Black said the school’s contractor Matt Moss was still in the process of arranging donated labor and materials.

Board member Matt Marshall informed Matt Blackburn would be digging for the plumbing as soon as the ground dries up. Next, the board voted to keep the tuition rate static at $8,878.38.

Black said there was one student paying tuition.

The next board meeting is scheduled for March 17.