Program evaluations for athletics and technology services were accepted by the Poplar Bluff R-1 School Board during Thursday evening's meeting.
Athletic Director Kent Keith and District Informations Technology Director Aaron Badgley reported updates to the board within their programs and improvements they would like to work toward.
In an increase from last year, Keith reported 26 student athletes signed an athletic grant or aid of some type across 12 different sports. This is compared to 18 athletes across nine sports last year.
"I feel like if someone wants to play at the next level, it's our job to promote (the athletes) at that level and emphasize grades, test scores and more to help them achieve," he said.
Three areas Keith would like to see improvements in included a permanent building on the south side of Mules Stadium for visiting fans and Poplar Bluff students, a student athletic training program and a sports media class.
While receiving positive comments from visiting teams who travel to Mules Stadium, Keith believes the piece to make the stadium complete would be a permanent building for concessions, bathrooms and storage.
"I would like to see us work toward that sooner than later," he said.
In an effort to assist students who have an interest in athletic training, Keith proposed a program to incorporate students at "minor" sporting events.
This would allow the students to further their interest before college as well as assist the student athletes in need, he said.
"Another thing we are missing the boat on is a sports media class," Keith said.
After much interest from Poplar Bluff alumni out of state, Keith said students could webcast games as well as train students looking into a career in sports media.
Keith also addressed issues of the high school gym floor being uneven in places.
While the cause of the problem is unknown, Keith said next summer the wood will have to be removed, level the area, then repaint and reseal the floor.
During his report to the board, Badgley said work orders have been down throughout the district. He credits this partly to phishing exercises where teachers are sent misleading emails to allow individuals with additional training on what not to click when online.
"Teachers think we are intentionally trying to mislead them, but this training is to see where we need to focus efforts on to prevent things like this," he said.
FINANCIAL UPDATE
Assistant Superintendent of Finance Rod Priest reported to the board total revenues for the month were up from last September, but expenditures for the month had also increased more than revenues.
"Overall the change of fund balance for the year is down about $83,000 from last year at the same time," Priest said. "It's still real early in the year to be really putting a lot in these trends at this time."
UNDERWRITING SERVICES
After three responses for the district's underwriting services, it was decided to stay with George K. Baum & Company for financing options.
Superintendent Dr. Scott Dill said after interviewing all three candidates, the district wanted to continue its long-standing relationship with George K. Baum.
"Nothing really stood out to make really one better than the other, so why change just for the sake of changing," said Board Vice President Ken Davis, who was a part of the interviews.
DISTRICT AWARDS
Earlier this month, Lake Road Elementary was named a national Blue Ribbon School.
Lake Road was one of 349 schools in the nation to receive this award.
According to Principal Erica Weadon, this award was a vision of the school and the staff at Lake Road have high expectations.
While reworking their vision, mission and commitments, the staff added being named a Blue Ribbon School to their list of goals.
"I didn't think we would get it that fast, but with this team, these teachers are truly exceptional," Weadon said. "They work so well together and have so much trust and we truly collaborate and do what's best for kids every single day."
Receiving the award is an amazing moment for Lake Road, Dill said, but it is also a badge of honor for the Poplar Bluff School District.
"We are very proud of you," he said. "Thank you for all your hard work. That goes for all the teachers, parents and kids for all these years."
Food Service Director Dixie Harden and her team were also awarded a national honor for their involvement in the community.
Poplar Bluff R-1's food service employees were awarded Chartwells' National Community Service award.
The group is involved with 18 community organizations, including the backpack program where 150 students are fed every two weeks.
Poplar Bluff R-1 was chosen out of nearly 700 school districts that have a Chartwells account.
"The impact food service has on the education of kids should not be understated," Dill said. "The fact that they do so with such style and such a way that earns them this merit at the national level speaks volumes to the work they are doing in our school district every single day."
EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER CONSTRUCTION UPDATE
Dill reported to the board ground was broken on a new Early Childhood Center and dirt is being moved.
Smith & Company has been on-site often to ensure the area is suitably prepared for construction of the building to begin, Dill said.
Board member Heather Tuggle said she was approached by the PTO at the Middle School on whether they could utilize extra dirt from the site to level a field at the school.
The group would like to level the area, plant grass and use the area for soccer and physical education classes at the Middle School.
Priest said the dirt was red and rocky and would not work for the project.
Dill said the district would take a look at the issue and see what could be done and address it at a later date.
STUDENT COUNCIL REPORT
Student Council members reported to the board during last week's Pink Out game, the group was able to raise over $20,000 for UCAN through the sale of shirts.
A blood drive will be held Nov. 2 in the high school auxiliary gym and is open to the public.
On Nov. 6, the Poplar Bluff Student Council will be running for president of the Missouri Association of Student Councils following their successful bid of vice president last year.
If successful, Poplar Bluff will host next year's district meeting of all student councils from the district.
A Powder Puff football game will be held Nov. 10. Proceeds from the event will go toward purchasing Christmas gifts for children at the Haven House.
NEXT MEETING
The next Poplar Bluff R-1 Board of Education meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Nov. 15 in the central office board room, located at 1110 N. Westwood Blvd.