Palmyra R-1 School Board Approves New Gym Floor, and Sets Calendar
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PALMYRA, Mo. — The Palmyra R-1 Board of Education held its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 14, at 6:30 p.m. in the district boardroom. The meeting covered a variety of topics, including updates on academic programs, legislative developments, and district projects.
Scholar Bowl Team Prepares for Spring Competitions
The Board heard a presentation from Kaitlin Hopke, sponsor of the Palmyra R-1 Scholar Bowl team, and students Chloe Welch, Lynton Bock, and Neo Wilson. The team begins competitions Thursday evening, with matches scheduled throughout the spring. Palmyra will also host the Clarence Cannon Conference Scholar Bowl tournament later this season.
Legislative Report Highlights Education Issues
Superintendent Jason Harper provided a legislative update, noting that more than 400 of the 1,100 bills filed during the current Missouri legislative session pertain to education or school funding. The session will conclude on May 16. Gov. Mike Kehoe is scheduled to deliver the State of the State address on Jan. 28, during which his preliminary budget is expected to be unveiled.
Bond Projects and New Additions Approved
Harper updated the Board on ongoing bond projects, including a walkthrough held Jan. 9 for contractors preparing bids. Bid submissions are due Jan. 30. Harper also presented cost estimates for secondary projects, including tennis courts and a new elementary playground.
The Board approved a bid from Charles Luebbert Flooring for the installation of a new high school gymnasium floor. Additionally, a lease purchase agreement was approved for new iPads for students and MacBooks for teachers, including replacements for high school business classrooms.
2025-2026 School Year Calendar Approved
The Board finalized the district calendar for the 2025-2026 school year. Students will attend 169 days, with the first day of school set for Aug. 20, 2025, and the last day on May 19, 2026.
Policy and Curriculum Updates Reviewed
Board members approved the second reading of the MSBA 2024D policy update, which incorporates changes prompted by SB 727. Updates address tuition, ballot issues, staff compensation, virtual courses, attendance, and suicide awareness and prevention.
The Alignment of Standards, Curriculum, and Assessment section of the district’s Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP) was reviewed. The plan ensures alignment with Missouri Learning Standards and mandates a rotating five-year review of curriculum and an annual analysis of student assessment data, including MAP and EOC test results.
Personnel Changes and Volunteer Appointments
In closed session, the Board accepted resignations and retirements from the following staff members:
Melissa Cunningham, elementary Title I reading teacher
Aspyn Harrison, elementary physical education teacher
Shelley Lewis, special education teacher
Camille Plunkett, elementary guidance counselor
Carrie Smith, elementary third grade teacher
The Board approved volunteer agriculture contest team coaches Ruthie Kiehl, Andrew Lehenbauer, and Kinsey Tiemann. Additionally, Marty Hull was approved as the district’s new athletic and transportation director.
Substitute Teachers Added
Three individuals were added to the district’s substitute teaching list.
The next meeting of the Palmyra R-1 Board of Education is scheduled for Feb. 11.
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