R-I board continues to move forward on CSIP

The Palmyra R-I School District is continuing to move forward with its current school improvement plan as the board of education heard an update on that recently.

During their meeting last week, the board not only heard that update, but also approved the annual audit, discussed and MSBA survey and reviewed the fall CCC sportsmanship survey

According to Superintendent Kirt Malone, the district Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP) is based on the Missouri School Improvement Program to focus on continuous improvements for schools.

In 2017, the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) launched a new strategic plan, MSIP 5, with the overarching goal of having all Missouri students graduate ready for success, Malone explained, noting those include student and teacher development and support.

Palmyra’s CSIP goals include: 

•develop and enhance quality educational/instructional programs to improve performance and enable students to meet their personal, academic, and career goals;

• recruit and retail highly qualified staff;

• provide and maintain appropriate instructional resources, support services, and functional and safe facilities;

• promote, facilitate and enhance parent, student, and community involvement in LEA/District educational programs; and

• govern the LEA/district in an efficient and effective manner providing leadership and representation to benefit the students, staff, and patrons of the district.

“Most CSIP goals are ongoing during the course of each five year cycle,” Malone said, noting an example is “all students will enter kindergarten ready to learn, and all students will graduate from high school college or career ready.”

The board discussed these goals during their recent retreat and work session, which was facilitated by Roger Kurtz, retired executive director of Missouri Association of School Administrators (MASA),

In other business, the board approved the annual audit for the FY20 school year, which was positive, Malone said. 

“The district received another positive audit this year and is in compliance in all areas required by state and federal law,” he said.

The board also discussed a current MSBA survey. 

“MSBA is keenly aware of legislative issues impacting public schools throughout Missouri,” Malone said. “In their effort to support schools and to create an annual legislative platform, they seek input from member schools regarding any number of issues.” 

A current topic MSBA is seeking member input about is a trend across the country moving school board elections from April to November each year. 

“If school board elections are moved to November elections could become partisan,” Malone said. “Also, if school board elections are moved to November, the school board election could get less attention with bigger political decisions on the ballot.”

In old business, the board reviewed the fall CCC sportsmanship survey results.

Through the survey, member schools promote good sportsmanship for their players, coaches and spectators.

Palmyra did well, receiving 4 out of 4 across the categories.

The board also:

• approved the application from Christian Drebes to submit for the Missouri School Board Association Belcher Scholarship;

•  heard a first reading of an MSBA policy update.

• approved an early graduation request; and

• approved the updated sub list as presented.