School Board discusses D.A.R.E. program

The Fredericktown R-I Board of Education met Dec. 13, for its regular monthly meeting.

Superintendent Brett Reutzel introduced Fredericktown Police Chief Eric Hovis and Officer Jordan Myers. They were on hand to discuss the new D.A.R.E. program which will be implemented in 2017. Through cooperative efforts between the district and the Fredericktown Police Department, Officer Myers will serve as the D.A.R.E. officer and provide additional security for the district with the retirement of Officer Joe Barber.  The Board voted to approve the new D.A.R.E. program.

Jane Kopitsky, C.A.R.E. representative, told the Board that due to the donations made in remembrance of Mrs. Ilerea Hamilton, the group would be able to provide two $1,000 scholarships this year to graduating seniors who plan to enter the field of education.

The Board then adjourned for a brief closed session.

Following the closed session, Ken Lunsford, Kelly A. Burlison Middle School Principal, introduced Shelly Stacy and Alyssa Brown, KAB Middle School Counselors, who gave a report on how the middle school is working to improve the school climate for students.  Brown and Stacy showed pictures of activities the students have participated in to improve the school climate.

The next order of business was the approval of the 2017 district insurance for property, liability, workman’s compensation and auto. Reutzel told the Board rates were up slightly over last year for property, liability and auto, but workman’s compensation insurance had dropped for the second year in a row. The total insurance package was $186,024, a $4,200 increase over 2016. The Board voted to approve the new insurance package from Missouri General.

Reutzel next reviewed the 2015-16 audit.  He reported to the Board Daniel Jones and Associates had completed the audit and filed paperwork with the Federal Clearinghouse. There were no findings in the audit and fund balances increased for the 2015-16 school year. The Board voted to approve the audit.

The Board also approved an updated substitute teacher list.       

Reutzel asked the Board to approve a public hearing for the purpose of considering a capital facilities lease financing to provide funds for the wing at the Intermediate School and the new floor and bleachers for the high school gym. The public hearing is required by law and will be conducted prior to the Jan. 17 school board meeting at 5 p.m. The Board approved the hearing date.

In his superintendent’s report, Reutzel reported the district would be receiving some Child Care Development Funds for the Preschool  and the school food service review had gone very well. He told the Board he is gathering information for some additional paving projects to be completed in the future as funds are available and modular classroom preparations were in progress at the high school and intermediate.  Reutzel also told the Board plans were in progress to purchase a gym curtain to provide better separation for activities in the gymnasium at the Middle School.

In closed session the Board accepted the resignation of Jill Ellsworth as middle school football cheer coach and the resignation of Jody Pippin as middle school aide effective at the end of December 2016.               

Fredericktown Police Officer Jordan Myers and Chief Eric Hovis discuss the new D.A.R.E. program with school board members and administration, at the Dec. 13 meeting. The D.A.R.E. program will be implemented in 2017.