Elementary students at Poplar Bluff will receive free meals for the next four years regardless of household income. The Poplar Bluff R-1 Board of Education approved the application for the federally-sponsored Community Eligibility Program at Thursday's meeting. The CEP's benefits will take effect during the 2017-18 school year.
"It's good for the students, it's good for the community, so I'm in full support of the program," Superintendent Scott Dill said.
Eligibility for the CEP is determined by the number of students who currently receive free or reduced meals and that percentage is higher amongst grades preschool through third.
The program reimburses the district for all meals distributed at the state's standard rate, which is higher than the district has been charging to students who do not receive free or reduced meals. In effect, the CEP will simultaneously benefit families and the school district.
It is important to note the CEP only applies to preschool through third grade students. Those in grades 4-12 will still be required to follow the standard free and reduced meal application process. The board also approved the establishment of a pom squad and a pom squad coaching position at the junior high school. The request for the new program was made during last month's board meeting and tabled.
"We're always happy to expand extra and co-curricular activities within the district," Dill said. "The program has been successful at the secondary level and we are pleased to expand to the junior high."
Last month, athletic director Kent Keith spoke in favor of the pom program suggesting that it will promote self-confidence and give girls more opportunities to actively participate during fall and winter sporting events.
Keith also said it will help prepare the young ladies who are looking to join the high school's pom squad after finishing out their junior high years.
Board members approved a procedural change to the handbook which expands the alternative suspension procedure as it relates to the student drug policy.
"The action taken by the board allows a broader application of pre-existing procedures to address student needs," Dill said.
The high school football stadium was a point of contention amongst board members and coaches last night, as flooding issues continue to plague the new facility.
The flooding is caused by hillside erosion which is resulting in silt deposits on the track. The issue was brought to light when board president John Scott asked why the track isn't open for public use, like the junior high facility has been for years.
The question garnered many opinions, however, it was revealed that the primary reason the track cannot be open at this time is because it presents a hazard to the public.
"It's a difficult and unfortunate situation," Dill said. "We are working with the architects, contractors and vendors to remediate that situation so that facility is everything our constituents and students deserve."
Currently grass is growing on the turf football field as a result of ongoing erosion and water issues.
While no official action was taken by the board at this point regarding public access, the track is expected to open to the public once all flooding issues have been addressed.
Finally, board members voted to sell the Hentz Center, which is the former home of the Boys and Girls Club.
The facility is severely deteriorated and would be expensive to repair. The board voted to sell the property with a reserve of $50,000 as suggested by Superintendent of Finance Rod Priest.
"Hopefully we'll be able to liquidate (the Hentz Center) and move forward," Dill said.
Graduation will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 25 at the Black River Coliseum.
The next regular meeting of the board of education is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, June 29 in the Board of Education room at Poplar Bluff's Central Office.