The Neelyville School Board voted to cancel school on April 8th for the upcoming solar eclipse at the February 13th board meeting. Members cited concerns over increased tourist traffic, congestion for buses, and distracted students. To make up the time off, May 14th will be made a full school day and May 15th will be an extra half day.
The board also discussed the upcoming surplus auction. With more information to follow, the auction is tentatively scheduled for May 17th at 5 p.m.
The board approved the allocation of $21,150 for upgraded security cameras for the Neelyville Elementary and Hillview Elementary schools. A $100,000 grant received last year for security upgrades will fund the retrofit.
The grant previously financed new cameras for the high school. The board also approved allocating grant money toward new safety cameras for the buses.
The board discussed and approved a bid for next year’s audit and voted to keep the district’s current health plan. Superintendent Heather Black added that most staff will see lower deductibles this year.
The board updated the district’s drug policy to remain in accordance with the Missouri School Board Association’s 2023D update. This includes an affirmation of federal law regarding the prohibition of visitors under the influence of marijuana.
“The school still follows federal law,” Black reiterated.
The board added an exception to the controlled substance policy to allow the self-administration of insulin as long as a healthcare professional is present.
Board members also discussed options for armed security. The two primary options were to contract an officer from the Sherriff’s Department or hire a private guard. The funding would need to come out of the school’s annual budget. Members voted to table the measure until the March meeting.
The board approved a measure to purchase a new bus. Members agreed it should be gas-powered over diesel due to the availability of parts and the cost of fuel.
For the retirement incentive tabled at last month’s meeting, the board chose to keep the policy unchanged. Black relayed that Neelyville is the only district with a similar incentive in the local area.
Member Jill McGruder clarified the policy should more so be thought of as, “an appreciation incentive,” for years of service with the district. The board did not want to push experienced educators into early retirement.
Members voted not to change the tuition rate for students outside the district.
The board decided on all measures unanimously. Board member Jack Stull was not in attendance. The next board meeting will take place on March 21st with the open session at 7 p.m.