Neelyville R-IV gives 1% raise

The Neelyville School Board night hired two teachers Thursday, gave classified staff a raise and scheduled a future tax levy hearing.

Sandra Telker, who had been teaching at the state school, was hired as the resource teacher for grades third through sixth. Chris Smith was hired as a high school resource teacher and to coach junior high baseball. Smith taught physical education in Poplar Bluff for five years previously but has had a business for a few years.

After reviewing the budget, the board gave the classified staff a 1% raise.

A tax levy hearing will be at 6:45 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 19, with the regularly scheduled board meeting at 7 p.m.

When the district considered replacing Neelyville cafeteria tables, Kevin Faughn, director of maintenance on the Neelyville campus, began searching for what was available. Replacements cost approximately $3,000-$4,000 each and there were insurance issues, according to minutes from the meeting. Insurance company MUSIC indicated they would provide insurance, but highly recommend not using the tables in the wall due to safety and liability.

Faughn reported he discovered a school selling 3-year-old cafeteria tables. When purchased new, the tables cost $1,700 each but Neelyville was able to purchase 18 tables for a total of $2,768 through GovDeals.com.

The tables have attached stools rather than benches, which will support social distancing, school officials said.

When more tables become available shortly, Faughn plans to investigate to see if they would be appropriate for the Hillview students. If they are suitable, the board may attempt to purchase them.

Screen printing the Neelyville cafeteria windows will cost approximately $11,000, but screens would provide safety, prevent sun glare, enhance the aesthetics of the building and promote school spirit, school officials said.

Coach Becky Hale is working with an outside group to pay for the screens. The board agreed if the funds are not provided, the screens could be done with the money raised at fundraisers.

Traci Reinbott also presented the handbook updates and changes to the board. Saturday school has been eliminated and a Chromebook general use section was added, she reported.

The clothing/appearance section was amended to add that pierced jewelry may be worn in the ear and one side of the nose only. Parking passes and fines were removed. A section on vaping was also added.