Palmyra R-1 Board Maintains Tax Rate, Reviews Major Projects and District Goals
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PALMYRA, Mo. — The Palmyra R-1 Board of Education held its annual tax rate hearing and regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 12, covering a wide range of district matters from financial updates to facility improvements and instructional goals.
Tax Rate Unchanged for 12th Year
During the tax rate hearing, the board approved a total levy of $4.0280 per $100 of assessed valuation, a rate unchanged since 2013. The breakdown includes an operating levy of $3.2760 and a debt service levy of $0.7520.
Student and Staff Recognition
FCCLA advisor Aron Knoche presented her student leadership team to the board, highlighting the chapter’s achievements at state and national competitions. The chapter earned three top-10 finishes at the national level in STAR (Students Taking Action with Recognition) events, showcasing excellence in leadership and career development.
Lee Gosney, OPAA food service director, briefed the board on efforts to increase student participation in school meals. She also outlined interim lunch protocols for the high school until the renovated kitchen opens Sept. 2.
Focus on Safety and Strategic Goals
Superintendent Jason Harper presented the district’s updated 2025-2026 Crisis Management Plan. On July 10, Palmyra R-1 leaders met with emergency responders from the Marion County Ambulance District, Palmyra Police Department, Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Missouri State Highway Patrol, and the school board to review safety procedures and identify improvements.
The board also reviewed progress on the district’s Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP), a state-mandated document addressing six strategic areas: leadership, instruction, school culture, data use, academic standards, and equity. New goals were added while others were marked as complete. The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will review the plan in the second semester. Harper announced a community meeting scheduled for Nov. 3 to gather public input on the CSIP and preview completed high school bond improvements.
Facilities Projects Progressing
The board heard updates on several construction projects funded by a voter-approved bond. At Palmyra Elementary, tile abatement has been completed, along with full replacement of galvanized piping, corridor and classroom flooring, ceiling tiles, and bathroom upgrades including lighting and partitions.
Renovations at the middle school office are nearly finished. The new secure entryway was installed last week, and all painting, cabinetry, flooring, and low-voltage systems are in place.
At the high school, construction is being completed in phases. The kitchen will be operational by Aug. 29 and open Sept. 2. The art room is expected to be completed in early September, followed by the vocational Family and Consumer Science room and the alternative classroom later in the month. Gymnasium upgrades — including tectum tiles, scoreboards, and a new audio system — are underway. The gym floor replacement starts Sept. 2, with bleachers scheduled for mid-October.
Long-Term Facilities Planning Underway
To guide future development, the board approved a district facility master planning agreement with Klingner & Associates and BLDD Architects. The plan includes a comprehensive evaluation of all school buildings, stakeholder engagement sessions, space utilization analysis, budgeting, and phased implementation. The goal is to develop a strategic roadmap for future district leadership.
Policy Updates and Administrative Appointments
The board approved Missouri School Boards’ Association Policy Update 2025B, which addresses copyright compliance, bus driver medical exams, gifted education, and campus visitor policies. A first reading was held for Update 2025C, featuring proposed changes influenced by the recent state legislative session, including updates on board member qualifications, virtual learning procedures, and student access to district activities.
The board approved Kinsey Cissna as the district’s non-discrimination, harassment, and Section 504 coordinator, and Matt Thomas as the coordinator for homeless, foster, and migrant students. These roles are focused on supporting vulnerable student populations both in and out of the classroom.
Personnel Changes
Three resignations were accepted: Virginia Bemis, middle school custodian; Macie Dade, elementary paraprofessional; and David Maddox, groundskeeper.
Four new staff members were hired: Robyn Cottrell, middle school custodian; Emily Williams, part-time elementary custodian; Brian Wosman, groundskeeper; and Jordan Thomas, volunteer middle school girls basketball coach.
The substitute teacher list for the 2025-2026 school year was also approved.
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