The R-1 School Board met Thursday, August 27, 2009 for a regular open session meeting.

Board members who were present included: President Dennis Bess, Vice-President Patrick Martin, Richard Allgier, Tina Bales, Leo Francis, Xandra Sonderman, Superintendent Dr. Kelly Burlison, and Secretary Judy Graham. Ken Truska was absent.

The Board discussed the February Tax levy approved by the voters and made a motion to set the levy to the full amount allowed; $3.90 per $100 of assessed valuation, raising the tax by .70 cents. The previous amount was $3.20. The total assessed valuation figures used included residential real estate, agricultural real estate, commercial real estate, locally assessed real estate, personal property, locally assessed personal property, and forest crop land for a total of $88,432,213 for 2009. The figure reflects a drop ($88,432,213 divided by 100 times .7 = $619025.)  About $600,000 will be added to the district’s finances.

In other agenda items, a bid for one new school bus was approved by the Board. The purchase will be made on a five year lease agreement costing the district about $16,000 a year in payments. Two bids were received from two companies. One from Thomas at $70,743 and the other from Central States Bus Sales, Inc. “Blue Bird” for $70,586. The Board chose the lesser cost, having previously purchased from Central States. The bus has a five year, 100,000 mile engine warranty and five year automatic transmission warranty. Some of the safety features include, high back seats and barriers with fire block technology, four inch header pads above the entrance and emergency doors, an eight light warning system, crossing control arm, four emergency escape windows and more.

Board members will have a meeting with some of the construction repair contractors at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 3. The meeting is open to the public. Burlison said the repairs are moving along well.

The Board approved a contract for  a new copier with Quality Copiers of Perryville.

The Missouri School Board Association policy update was provided to the Board members. The policy update brings the rules and regulations of the district in line with federal and state laws. The Board passed the updates by motion and vote.

In other motions made;

The ethics policy was approved, the transportation contracts for person (s) assisting in the transport of children when family members can not pick up a child was approved, the substitute list was approved, and the cost of the Delta Dental Insurance was raised by 50 cents.

The Board also discussed placing a plaque at the flag pole which was arranged by the Class of 1955.

Meadows Heights Baptist Church has created a sign for the Blackcats and would like to place it on the billboard along Highway 72 West.

Dr. Burlison told the Board  he is working with Connie Cox and the Madison County Extension Council to get more information regarding scholarships into the hands of students throughout their high school attendance.  Burlison advised the Board of an upcoming Parent’s Workshop being planned.

Plans are being considered for some repairs at the Middle School baseball park. A new wall, redone dugouts and maybe some bleachers in the future. The repairs fall within the scope of the storm damage money restrictions according to the new baseball coach.

Fundraisers for the 2009-2010 school year include Kathryn Beich (FCCLA), QSP (BETA), Middle School (Century Resources), Chili Supper (JROTC), Suckers (FBLA), Primary School Fall Festival, FTA, Magazine (Jr. Class), Fruit (FFA), Intermediate School-Great American, Band, DECA and Sophomore class (candy). Contact the school for each fundraisers individual dates on the events.

Closed session followed for a personnel matter.

This report is in addition to the information provided by Tina Bales and Xandra Sonderman.