R-I board approves career ladder plan

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by Patty Cheffey

The Palmyra R-1 Board of Education met in special session on Tuesday, April 26, to approve a career ladder plan to submit to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. 

The board-approved plan was submitted to DESE last week. 

Career ladder creates compensation for teachers who do a variety of activities such as curriculum writing, tutoring students, serving on committees, and continuing professional development outside the contract day. 

Palmyra had 65 teachers sign up for the program. 

Teachers must have at least three years of teaching experience in Missouri to be eligible.

“Career Ladder is optional for schools. Our district will be responsible for 40 percent of the costs and the state will provide 60 percent of the overall costs,” said Superintendent Jason Harper. “We feel that it will benefit both students and teachers so we are pursuing it.” 

There are three stages in the program based on the experience of the teachers. 

The district’s plan will have to be approved by DESE prior to Palmyra being able to participate in the program. 

In other business, Superintendent Jason Harper also gave the board a budget update. The budget will not be finalized until the legislative session ends in a few weeks. 

The board approved one addition to the substitute teacher list. 

The board accepted the resignations of the following staff members:

Kathy Keim, first grade teacher, and Jeremiah Reed, high school PRIDE teacher and varsity wrestling coach 

The board accepted the internal moves of the following staff members:

Cody Ash from high school special education to high school social studies, and Nick Powell from middle school social studies to high school social studies 

The board approved the following hires:

• Bethany Armontrout, middle school Builders Club sponsor; 

• Andrea Bunten, fifth trade math; 

•Kim Jones, paraprofessional at elementary school; and 

•Kelsey Stuart, high school special education and varsity girls basketball coach.