BROSELEY — The Twin Rivers School Board has voted in a new board president, and continued conversations about whether or not to continue participating in two softball seasons.
The board swore in new board member Monica Woolem and incumbent Keith Parker on Thursday, during their monthly meeting. Both won their seats in the April election.
Following the approval of the election results, the board made some changes. Board member Kade McBroom asked whether or not it was standard to change board offices after an election.
“We used to, but we didn’t the last time because no one else wanted to be president,” Parker explained. “So I stayed as president.”
Following that explanation, McBroom nominated Bobby King to be the new board president. King was elected with majority vote. Keith Parker was then nominated and elected to be board vice president.
During the meeting, the board members found themselves discussing the fact that the Twin Rivers Lady Royals have two softball seasons - in the fall and in the spring - and whether or not it was feasible to continue with two seasons.
Part of the discussion stems from the inability for some softball players to play volleyball, should they want to do so.
“My understanding is that students feel that they have to play in the fall if they want to play softball in the spring,” King noted. “But we’ve had two seasons for several years, and I don’t see how anyone really benefits if we drop to only one season.”
Twin Rivers Volleyball Coach Casey Parson was in attendance for the meeting and she explained there are currently only a few softball players that have expressed desire to play volleyball.
“Eventually, the question becomes: Do we want to give more kids an opportunity and risk becoming last cede in the fall, or do we want to remain competitive by keeping things the way they are now,” Parson noted.
“I think it’s eventually inevitable that we address this,” McBroom stated. “This isn’t the first time for this conversation, and it won’t be the last time.”
Ultimately, it was decided to do nothing at this time. Superintendent Rob Brown noted that the school currently has strong enough numbers to support both softball seasons.
In other board news, Brown informed the board he is continuing to urge patience and caution regarding any related to legislative matters.
“The Missouri senate kind of wrapped everything all together into one bill — SB 727 — and approved it and sent it to the house,” Brown explained. “But there are no provisions in the bill that guarantee perpetual funding for things like the increased teacher’s pay.”
Brown explained the current legislative session is scheduled to adjourn May 17, and stated the board could take action when the legislative session is complete. Following the completed legislative session, the board will have a more clear idea on how to proceed regarding increasing starting teacher salary, addressing the pay scale for all professional staff, and considering how new legislation might affect the school’s general revenue.
The board is scheduled hold the next meeting on Tuesday, May 21, at 6 p.m.