Palmyra School Board Approves Budget, Child Care Program
The Palmyra R-1 Board of Education met in regular session on Tuesday, June 9, at the Palmyra R-1 Boardroom. The board heard a report from Tess Lehman on her trip to Hillsdale College in Michigan where she competed in the American Legion Oratorical Contest. Tess had to deliver multiple speeches based on interpretations of the constitution and became a national semi-finalist in the event. The board expressed their gratitude for her effort in the event and her excellent representation of the Palmyra community.The board also heard reports from the principals, and Mrs.Augspurg gave a Title Program report.
Mr. Harper wrapped up the legislative session for the board, discussing how the session could impact the school district moving forward. Joe Knochel, Klingner & Associates, and Damien Schlitt, BLDD Architects, gave an overview regarding the long-range facilities planning the board has been working on. This planning serves two purposes.The planning gives the board direction on lifespan and prioritization on maintaining current facilities, and then also presented ideas on possible facility upgrades at each of the buildings that would improve the learning experience for our students and staff.
Addy Gottman presented the district curriculum manual, professional development plan, and reviewed the career ladder program for the board. The board discussed how the district utilizes its professional development days, and all the requirements the district has throughout the yearregardingprofessional development.
The district has completed curriculum based on the Missouri Learning Standards at all grade levels and all subject areas. Curriculum updating is done a yearly basis, with all subject areas on a 5-year rotation for updating curriculum needs and support materials.
The Career Ladder program ended up with 78 participants this year. The program is set up to provide student support and professional development outside the school day.
Mr. Harper gave an update on the bond and capital projects that are going on through the summer. Heimer Construction has finished the concrete work on the new tennis facility, and fencing is being installed. The surfacing will be installed in mid-July, and the courts should be playable by late July. LED lighting is being installed in the high school, and that project will move to the middle school and elementary as the summer progresses. Tuck-pointing is being completed at the middle school. New mortar and brick will be installed where needed at the middle school, and all windows will be sealed. The bleacher and press box removal will begin after summer school is completed.
The remainder of the new flooring at the elementary is being installed in the areas which were not done last summer. The playground and ceiling grid replacement at Palmyra Elementary will start after summer school is completed.The board approved a bid by MHE roofing for upgrades to the High School weight room roof and a bid from Emory Sapp for asphalt improvements to the elementary playground area.