Poplar Bluff R-1 continues focus on safety

The Poplar Bluff R-1 School District is continuing to focus on school safety.

Assistant Superintendent Dr. Amy Jackson presented the Board of Education with the district’s school climate and safety program evaluation during Thursday’s meeting with the ultimate goal and focus to ensure students, families and staff are safe and to provide an environment conducive to learning.

During the district’s most recent review by property and liability insurance provider, Missouri United School Insurance Council (MUSIC), Jackson reported the district had a safe environment and buildings were safe and conducive to learning.

Poplar Bluff R-1 staff were also given surveys, which overall reflected a positive climate and safe working environment. Staff were allowed to include input as well.

“We also look for opportunities for growth and improving our facilities,” Jackson said. “As most know by now we are building a new Early Childhood Center and that will improve the safety and security for that specific grade level.”

__Health insurance__

The board was presented with information to consider before voting during next month’s meeting on whether or not to renew the district’s health insurance for the 2019-20 school year.

“The bottom line is we are taking an 8.5 percent increase,” Associate Superintendent of Finance Rod Priest said.

When looking at nationwide increases over the last several years at about 34 percent, Priest said the district has remained “basically flat.”

“I think we have done a good job,” he said.

With the increase, based on the current plan, Priest said because the provider gap also increased, the district would be able to contribute more to employee health savings accounts from $133.70 to $145.07.

__Financial update__

Priest reported to the board total revenues for the month were $16,447,443.41. This was an increase from last January by $173,825.65.

Overall, the change in fund balance for the year is up $10,269,807.79, but the total change in position year-to-date from last year has decreased $1,021,439.07.

Priest said once considering the $712,933.35 paid for Early Childhood Center construction, the comparison is adjusted to $308,505.72.

“January is always a big month for revenue because that is when we collect the majority of our local tax base,” he said. “The timing varies year to year, but we will have a good idea on where our budget will be for the year.”

At the end of January, the district collected just over $15.5 million of local taxes. This is an increase of $289,318 over last year.

__Diversity/equity issues__

The Diversity and Equity Committee continued its monthly meetings and Superintendent Dr. Scott Dill reported he felt the group is growing in capacity to have difficult conversations every month.

“At the next meeting I have asked we as a group collectively determine the next steps we are taking,” he said. “We need to focus on action orientation at this point.”

Dill added these meetings will continue “forever” as far as he is concerned as a standing monthly meeting.

The district has elected to partner with the National Education Association on sensitivity training, Dill said.

While details are still being worked out on the timing, he reported the group would like to begin work with the Diversity and Equity Committee, then move to the administration, teachers and staff and enroll everyone in the training event.

“I’m glad we are doing this and I think it will lead to some really good things and will change how our district looks, not overnight, but is going to change it,” Board President John Scott said.

__Approved__

• A+ Schools Program evaluation and assessment.

• Declaration and sale of surplus property of MacBooks from the senior high.

• List of salvage items as presented by Director of Maintenance Alan Ursery.

• Early Childhood payment application.

__Next meeting__

The next Poplar Bluff R-1 Board of Education meeting will be held at 7 p.m. March 21 in the central office board room, located at 1110 N. Westwood Blvd.