WEBVTT METADATA Video-Count: 1 Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=ETN2GKgZclA Part: 1 1 00:00:06.879 --> 00:00:22.640 Good evening. I'm calling our board meeting to order. Thank you all for being with us this evening. My name is Anthony J. Main, proudly serving as board president of the Independent Missouri School District. I would first like to say welcome to our leader, Dr. Vicki Marillo. This is her first 2 00:00:22.640 --> 00:00:40.040 meeting, so please feel free to give her a round of applause. Little welcome. Thank you for being here with us. Our first item this evening is the approval of the agenda. I will entertain a motion. >> So move. 3 00:00:44.320 --> 00:01:01.120 >> All in favor say I. >> I. >> I. Those opposed say nay. >> That motion passes. Thank you. All right. Item B is request of district citizens or employees. I move that we suspend our public comment policy to allow citizens to 4 00:01:01.120 --> 00:01:18.240 speak on item number eight which is um honor new business and it's about amendment five second. >> All right. Is there discussion? >> So I wanted to propose this because this 5 00:01:18.240 --> 00:01:34.400 was added um on Friday and I feel like our citizens need some time to be able to request to speak. So um without that time since the deadline is Friday to request um I was hoping we might have 6 00:01:34.400 --> 00:01:56.240 some comments on that change to our agenda. >> Thank you and any further discussion please clarity. All right. All in favor say I. I. >> Those opposed say nay. 7 00:01:56.240 --> 00:02:11.840 Motion carries. Thank you. At this time, I would call for any person seeking to speak to item eight that was added last minute. So to resume back to our regular schedule program. 8 00:02:11.840 --> 00:02:28.000 >> So move. >> Thank you. >> Second. >> Thank you. All in favor say I. >> Those oppos say nay. >> Thank you. That motion does pass. Item C this evening is our consent agenda. 9 00:02:28.000 --> 00:02:46.400 I will entertain a motion. >> So move second. >> All in favor say I. >> I. >> Those opposed say nay. Thank you. Item I will pass the mic to Dr. Burlo. Thank 10 00:02:46.400 --> 00:03:02.239 you. >> Thank you Mr. Bane. Um I just want to do a high level and I'm going to ask Mr. Hopper to join me at the podium to help me uh review the board. I thought it would be really great for the board to meet our new CFO. Aaron Hopper, I'm 11 00:03:02.239 --> 00:03:17.920 sorry, it's Cooper. Aaron Hooper. And am I on? Yes, I'm on. So, Aaron Hooper is our new CFO and I really wanted the board to meet him and to have some time to hear him talk about our finances and the report that you package. So, Mr. 12 00:03:17.920 --> 00:03:34.720 Humber, I apologize again and the floor is yours. appreciate the opportunity to to be able to be here. Excited about this new opportunity and to be able to speak for you guys. Um the report that was in there uh your packet I believe is one that has been presented before. So I 13 00:03:34.720 --> 00:03:50.239 don't really know the depth that is really been gone into. So we'll just kind of keep it high level this time. Just kind of run through the u revenues for the year to date since the year numbers now are final compared to the budget. So if you look on the report there in the general revenue fund, the 14 00:03:50.239 --> 00:04:08.159 one with the one and the dash on there, uh we're at or the slash we're received 109,39,214 in revenue this year. The fund 20 or the yeah 22 is the special revenue or the teachers fund that is the received 15 00:04:08.159 --> 00:04:35.000 107,612,681 and the 31 would be the debt service uh fund. We received revenues of 15,85,148 and then the 42 will be our capital projects of8,978,111. a total of uh $240,815,154 16 00:04:36.880 --> 00:05:02.840 revenue. Um expenditures down below there for the general funds again we uh the total there is 106,946,54. Um the teachers fund fund 2217 million56,179 debt service 14,7849 17 00:05:03.280 --> 00:05:16.800 uh sorry958 $84,95 and then um the capital projects the fund for uh $18,800 687,92 18 00:05:16.800 --> 00:05:38.919 for a total of 2002 257,474,68. I know that's a lot of exciting information. Um, uh, but I would ask if you have any questions, I will do my best, uh, to answer any of them. Be kind. I am only like six days in. So, 19 00:05:40.080 --> 00:05:55.360 >> we we have no mercy on CFOs. Okay. >> That's okay. >> I'm sure that you are ready to answer questions if so desired. Does anyone have a question or concern or comment for Mr. Cooper? >> All right. Hearing none. Thank you so much, sir, for your time. 20 00:05:55.360 --> 00:06:12.880 >> Well, I' really been working with Aaron to um really like to see us create a dashboard so that the board can see where we are as we move through. So, he's really been working on some samples and um we're 21 00:06:12.880 --> 00:06:29.680 going to get there because I think a dashboard would be very very helpful for not only the board but also for our community to follow the finances because those are a lot of numbers coming at you and I'd like to have some meaning context to that for you. So, we will we will get there for you and um there's a 22 00:06:29.680 --> 00:06:44.880 few places we could purchase um a dashboard like that but um Mr. believes that we can almost create something so that we would just be able to pull it out of the Excel file. And so that's our hope, not to spend money on a product we 23 00:06:44.880 --> 00:07:01.199 think we can use and use AI to help us create. And so we're working on that. So stay tuned. Hopefully by the time we get to um September, we will have that in place for you. So very excited about that. Just a couple of the things that I really wanted to talk with the board about is I believe in a lot 24 00:07:01.199 --> 00:07:16.880 offormational presentations. Um you heard it spoke to by one of our teachers about the executive order that Governor P will get around the A to M school and district rating and that framework. So I've asked Dr. Vight in the upcoming meeting to do 25 00:07:16.880 --> 00:07:33.840 anformational presentation for you during the super report and I really think that'll be important not only for us to learn together but for our community to see kind of what's coming down. Um he right now only has a one-year funding for this executive order. So it is But we do believe that 26 00:07:33.840 --> 00:07:49.360 he is pushing forward as if he's coming out this year with that grading system on schools and on our district. It is not something that probably many superintendents are in favor of u but uh we will be prepared. Also, I'd like for 27 00:07:49.360 --> 00:08:06.160 Mr. Stout to have um Mr. to do a presentation on the facility update since we've done a lot of work and and give you a glimpse to the great work that's happening at the side for our students and what the staff will be working back through. And um then also 28 00:08:06.160 --> 00:08:22.400 in October, I would really like to start um if I can in September, but I'd really like to start highlighting our students, the success they have, and then our staff. I'd like to do staff of the month and bring those changes in and um and 29 00:08:22.400 --> 00:08:38.719 then right now we're going online with ASAP which is our exit management and uh our teachers uh will come back with being able to put their absenteeisms when they're request online right now. The administrators are working through that. So pretty excited about that. And 30 00:08:38.719 --> 00:08:57.240 then last but not least, Cammy has been working with the online program for our boy and we hope to have that up going in September. So stay tuned. There'll be a little bit of a training for you and I think that'll be really exciting. So that concludes report. Thank you. 31 00:08:57.279 --> 00:09:11.680 >> All righty. Well, thank you Dr. Marillo. That was some wonderful information. Our item under the consent agenda we will talk um for item number two is bills and transfers of funds. 32 00:09:11.680 --> 00:09:28.560 >> And so I'll bring Mr. back up with and I am not familiar exactly how you want to walk through those numbers. >> Is that what you're after? >> Bills and transfers number two. 33 00:09:28.560 --> 00:09:45.920 >> Yes. So, we have bills and transfers of funds. We'll kind of talk through that understanding if if you're prepared for those things. I don't mean to throw you under the bus there, but our third item would then be approval of let bids for districtwide fuel service. I think usually 34 00:09:53.440 --> 00:10:11.600 Okay. I >> apologize. I re-engage what we do in Independence. The consent item unless you pull it off, we kind of all right. >> So if you let me know ahead of time, I 35 00:10:11.600 --> 00:10:30.399 can have Mr. or myself available for anything in consent. Okay, great. Thank you. >> New business. All right, is our next item. I will pass it to Dr. Thank you. >> So, our first item that we're asking the 36 00:10:30.399 --> 00:10:46.320 board to approve is a license for three years um that really um is all about the filter, the Child Internet Protection Act. Uh our purpose there is to keep kids safe with this and And really it lines up with our uh -ate. It will give 37 00:10:46.320 --> 00:11:01.120 our not only our student safety and reporting and classroom management, but this will allow teachers to see the content of what students are doing and seeing on the Chromebooks. And it really is something that is a requirement as we use our dollars to purchase this type of 38 00:11:01.120 --> 00:11:15.440 license. And I know that Todd and Dr. have been working closely to ensure that we're aligned with as we spend the dollars and that um this is one of the reasons that we're purchasing this product. 39 00:11:15.440 --> 00:11:32.560 >> All righty. Thank you, Dr. Merillo. I will entertain a motion. >> So move second. >> Thank you. At this time, if we have any questions or comments for Dr. Merlo, >> is this something new? 40 00:11:32.560 --> 00:11:49.360 >> It is. It's it's something we're rolling over, but it is probably an upgrade from what you guys have had before and it is about $253,000, but again, we're using rate to pay for the cost. And I do like that the teachers now will 41 00:11:49.360 --> 00:12:07.600 be able to see the controls um and what students are working on. What I don't have clarity on that I might ask and see if Dr. without know is is there a report that teachers can run out of this software. >> Yeah. So that'll be very helpful for 42 00:12:07.600 --> 00:12:27.839 teachers to do some random sampling. So in short, yes. Um this software is amazing. Not only can teachers and administration run reports on the internet and the traffic that comes through for our students, but they can also record segments and actually go 43 00:12:27.839 --> 00:12:47.760 back and review what the students did on the Chromebooks during that time in their class. >> Right. There's another portion of this software called student safety and what it does is it monitors all student email 44 00:12:47.760 --> 00:13:02.320 and anytime really a student uses their email address to log into anything Google Docs email. I even got a hit on Spotify before where a student was searching a song that was inappropriate 45 00:13:02.320 --> 00:13:20.880 and it has five levels and each level is various versions of inappropriateness or you know key words that the AI pulls out and when a trigger of self harm happens then during the day the school 46 00:13:20.880 --> 00:13:37.800 administrators get a phone call and if it's after hours on the weekend then Mr. Scott or I or Mr. Green will actually get a phone call from a live person saying, "Hey, this is going on and we will address it from there." 47 00:13:37.920 --> 00:13:56.160 >> I'm remembering we we had that capability before. Was it a different software or was it this one? And we're just renewing. >> We're and I apologize. We are renewing this one. So, I'm sorry if there was some confusion there. >> I just thought it was an upgrade to what we had before the next level. Um, 48 00:13:56.160 --> 00:14:13.600 no. Um, and I I apologize and I don't mean to Yeah. Um, I I have we have had this software for 3 years and I would like to re like to re renew it for another 3 years. Um, it's the best price and our most of our our teachers are 49 00:14:13.600 --> 00:14:29.839 comfortable with it and I I just didn't want to change it again. >> Okay. And you said that um if there is a trigger, it goes to the building principal. >> Yes. So I have hours set up for um high 50 00:14:29.839 --> 00:14:46.399 school, middle school, elementary school. So if it triggers during school session, then the administrators get that message. And if it triggers after that time and it is a certain level, like a level four, level five, then Mr. Scott and sometimes when Mr. Green is 51 00:14:46.399 --> 00:15:02.160 here and then myself get those messages and then we make a decision. Actually, I lean heavily on Mr. Scott to make that decision on what to do. And actually, in the past, we've always communicated with Dr. Stout and the superintendent and 52 00:15:02.160 --> 00:15:23.760 everybody, everyone involved, Dr. Maglinger, whatnot. >> Thank you. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Those opposed say nay. Motion passes. Thank you. Item number 53 00:15:23.760 --> 00:15:40.040 two is approval to increase breakfast and lunch prices for adults. I will entertain a motion. >> I'll make that motion. >> Thank you. >> Second. >> At this time, I will entertain discussion for the item. 54 00:15:40.720 --> 00:15:58.160 >> I just had a >> Go ahead. I just had a quick question. How much do we expect to um bring in what I what I can gather is it fluctuates from day to day depending on what they are and this really just will 55 00:15:58.160 --> 00:16:22.000 help us overall. So would it be fair if we don't exactly know what we could what we won't gain anything is the understanding we lose money appearance so right that would be the purpose as to why we're asking to 56 00:16:22.000 --> 00:16:37.600 increase the mules is so that we don't lose money do you have an idea of how much we could lose if we did not >> well >> we were talking I don't think you get a 57 00:16:37.600 --> 00:16:52.240 over 55 anymore. Right. >> Right. >> So, it was um something that um it's it's a bare minimal, but it is something that will help our nutrition >> and and I did just figuring it out um talking with the teacher who had 58 00:16:52.240 --> 00:17:09.720 concerns. Um it's about if a teacher buys lunch every single day, it's like $15. So, over the course of the school year, so it's not >> 15ish contract days. Okay. 59 00:17:09.760 --> 00:17:28.960 >> Okay. >> Thank you for that. >> Any other questions, comments, or concerns? I know that no matter how much you um I guess explain the rationale as why you're increasing anything right now, 60 00:17:28.960 --> 00:17:45.840 this is not a great time to say increase in money at all. no matter if it's a penny, two fingers, or what, it just doesn't feel good. So, I really had struggled with this, to be honest, to support it. I realized the the need is is is to meet us uh to where we're not 61 00:17:45.840 --> 00:18:02.799 losing money and obviously we're we're in the game to protect money for students and schools, of course. And so, if that's the direction we're headed and to make sure that we're securing the bag for school district, then then I can support it. I just would love to see us um take a look at other places where we 62 00:18:02.799 --> 00:18:18.480 might be able to maybe draw back in some space that that can fit the need. So don't don't love parents having to pay or adults having to pay too much more than what they're already paying. But if there's consensus, I can support that. 63 00:18:18.480 --> 00:18:34.559 >> My understanding though is this is really for the adults in the school. So, like if a teacher wanted to eat school lunch, I mean, they have the ability to bring lunch. I know that I've packed lunch before for my children and it did not cost me $4.55. It cost me more than that. So, 64 00:18:34.559 --> 00:18:51.840 like it it is for those convenience for our adults in the schools to be able to eat the lunch, but this is the cost of it. And also, I would say that um with what I do for a living, the cost of food is dramatically increased. It is not 65 00:18:51.840 --> 00:19:06.960 something that the cost is going down. I haven't seen it go down in in multiple years and it's very expensive to feed um our our students and our teachers. >> I think it's also for parents who come and want to eat lunch with their kids or 66 00:19:06.960 --> 00:19:22.799 whatever. Any, you know, any adult that wants to eat is going to, you know, pay the cost. Um I it would be helpful if we knew like how much we're actually feeding adults. that would just be helpful to, you know, to know maybe in the future. Um, I think I'm at peace 67 00:19:22.799 --> 00:19:39.440 with making the in supporting the decision this evening. I just would like to have more information in the future where raising some >> Yeah. I'm not I'm not trying to say I I want to make sure that we are not in the business of feeding families at our schools. Like I want to make sure that 68 00:19:39.440 --> 00:19:58.720 like it may be a one-off when we someone comes in that's an adult from the outside world that's eating our meals but really our focus is our students. >> Any further questions, comments or concerns for the item we have at hand? 69 00:19:58.720 --> 00:20:15.919 Hearing none. All in favor say I. >> I. Those who oppose say nay. Thank you. That motion carries. Our third item this evening is approval to purchase the district white copy paper, color paper, and card stock for 2026 27 70 00:20:15.919 --> 00:20:31.039 school term. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Up for discussion. Any comments or concerns? I I don't know how much paper we need, but my goodness. Whoa. 71 00:20:31.039 --> 00:20:49.440 >> I know, Mr. Monday. I I knew that was a concern for you. Now, this is an annual order. So this is for the year and it's about $150,19042. It kind of gives us that open PO to kind of cover every 30 schools that we have plus our central office and some of the 72 00:20:49.440 --> 00:21:07.600 others. Um so it is something that we we may not spend the whole thing but it does give us if we took a good estimate of what we have used in the past. This is kind of what the bill says. >> Would would anyone happen to know how much we used last year, last school 73 00:21:07.600 --> 00:21:24.400 year. Joking, please don't. >> I could get that. >> Oh, it's just Wow. That's I would actually I'd just love to see a photo of how much paper that is. That is massive. So, any other comments or uh questions or concerns at all? Right. All in favor 74 00:21:24.400 --> 00:21:41.440 say I. >> I. >> Those who oppose say nay. That motion carries. Thank you. Our fourth item this evening is approval of cash management resolution. >> I move that we approve the cash management resolution. >> Second. 75 00:21:41.440 --> 00:22:07.280 >> Thank you. The item is up for discussion. Any comments or concerns? >> I know it's about a variety of Oh, thank you. about a variety of making and investment options. So, could you kind of drill down just a little bit for the board in our community? >> Yes. I I believe what this resolution is 76 00:22:07.280 --> 00:22:22.960 is basically it's updating the list of all the names of those who can deal with the banks uh to various things whether it's with the payroll or with the credit cards and things like that. So, they have they don't have to keep going through approvals to to get access to be able to do certain things. They have the 77 00:22:22.960 --> 00:22:42.400 ability to go in and they can they can ask questions or answer questions through the bank and can deal with them. I believe that's what this is for. All right. Thank you. Do you have any questions for Mr. Hooper? All >> righty. All in favor say I. 78 00:22:42.400 --> 00:22:57.520 >> I. >> Those who oppose say nay. Thank you. That motion passes. Our fifth item this evening is approval of new human resources position and title change. I move that we approve the new human 79 00:22:57.520 --> 00:23:13.280 resources edition and title change. >> Second discussion Dr. >> Yes. I will have Mr. Dr. Plater join me at the podium and we kind of have um I'm going to give kind of a high level overview of this and then he's here to 80 00:23:13.280 --> 00:23:29.760 help me. Um Dr. Robinson is out of town so he is filling in. He's being a backup quarterback tonight for me. uh the um when I uh reorganized and moved Dr. Plater from HR up to um supervising 81 00:23:29.760 --> 00:23:45.360 elementary schools, it was important to me that we still had some positions that cover the recruiting and our classified. And so in doing so, I charged Dr. Robinson to redesign kind of what HR looked like so that we would have a good 82 00:23:45.360 --> 00:24:01.440 tight streamline around our onboarding hiring uh and processing procedures. In doing so, um it became pretty evident that we were able to structure a someone to handle uh Dr. was really over the 83 00:24:01.440 --> 00:24:17.440 classified, but also add kind of in uh the um the recruiting and retention and really getting after early so we're not playing catchup at the end, but those students that are in student teaching out in colleges grabbing being a part of 84 00:24:17.440 --> 00:24:32.559 those decision dates and getting in there. It is really important that independence starts getting ahead and we start having some contracts signed before we have the dismissal of our school year. It was very important to me. So many may wonder what did we do 85 00:24:32.559 --> 00:24:49.279 about this? Is this really adding? Um many may may be aware that I did not replace the deputy superintendent pulling that position down. Moving Dr. Plater up was a net zero because I took the same position and just moved the FTE over. So really not replacing the 86 00:24:49.279 --> 00:25:06.320 deputies who've allowed me the resources to be able to do this in HR. And I'm still going to come out with um dollar because of the positions from the deputy down. So, Dr. Plater, if there's anything I missed that you think would be really helpful for the board, I'd 87 00:25:06.320 --> 00:25:22.559 welcome that at this time. >> Yeah. Um um I got some notes from Dr. Robson that I would share with you, but he really kind of talked about what that organizational philosophy, which is very much what Dr. Merlo said, uh but the structure would now be kind of four major functions out of the HR office. 88 00:25:22.559 --> 00:25:37.600 You'd have the talent acquisition, which would be the uh the new hire that would be coming in. um then have the on employee onboarding, employee support, compliance and employee relations. Um and one of the nice things about being able to kind of restructure that it also 89 00:25:37.600 --> 00:25:53.039 allows a lot more cross trainining. Kind of what we found in the past is that you know our admin assistants they work very hard um and and are very knowledgeable in what they do. Uh but sometimes if one of them happen to be gone, sometimes that process stops and slows down. So 90 00:25:53.039 --> 00:26:08.320 this would also allow a lot of cross training so that things like onboarding can continue to occur without having one specific person there. Uh he also talked about how this this this model is designed to create a department that is both response well not both multiple 91 00:26:08.320 --> 00:26:24.400 things responsive to employees and administrators. Uh we want to be more efficient in recruiting and onboarding. One of the things that Dr. Melo talked about in our cabinet meeting is that all of our districts are we have one pond and we're fishing out of it. So, we need to be able to u be efficient in that and 92 00:26:24.400 --> 00:26:41.600 and and meet the needs of our school uh when it comes to employment. And that's not only on the teacher side, but we're also looking at our classified side. Uh we know that there's a shortage in teachers coming out, but we also have shortages in other areas within our district as well. Uh transportation, Paris, and things like that. So that 93 00:26:41.600 --> 00:26:57.120 talent acquisition coordinator not only be working on the the classified side but our non-classified side as well or non-ert certificated side also be effective in employee support and retention. Um make sure that we are compliant with those federal state requirements which are very important. 94 00:26:57.120 --> 00:27:16.880 Uh that we'll be accountable through clearly defined responsibilities and that this would be again that sustainable cross trainining uh that would help lead to success with that. Thank you, Dr. Plater. Do we have any questions or comments for Dr. Plleer? 95 00:27:16.880 --> 00:27:34.440 >> Um, just a comment, but personally, I love the idea that there is just one person in charge of recruitment because I think that that is a huge job and having somebody just have that as their main focus, not their only focus, but to help bring in folks to the 96 00:27:35.279 --> 00:27:50.240 >> Thank you. All right. All in favor say I. I. >> Those who oppose say nay. Hearing none. That motion passes. Thank you. Our sixth item this evening is approval to 97 00:27:50.240 --> 00:28:10.799 authorize payment to Hollis and Miller. I will entertain a motion. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Thank you. This time the item is up for discussion. Hearing none. All in favor say I. 98 00:28:10.799 --> 00:28:34.440 >> I. >> Those who oppose say nay. >> Thank you. That motion carries. Our seventh item this evening is discussion uh on the board self evaluation. We'll entertain a motion. 99 00:28:36.480 --> 00:28:57.039 Second. >> Thank you. This time we'll have discussion. >> All righty. This is an opportunity for the board to just really pause and reflect and grow together and learn together. I think this is just a good time for us to really come together and 100 00:28:57.039 --> 00:29:12.640 evaluate ourselves. And so I've talked to each of you about a date um of availability. which I think I heard from most of us. I'm looking at calendars and things. I'm thinking maybe January 27 would be the better idea 101 00:29:12.640 --> 00:29:29.600 and that way everyone can kind of be more free. Getting everybody rallied up right now is just really tough. And we have a new superintendent who has enough things on her plate uh to get acclimated with to learn us all of that fun stuff. So I think we just need a little brace right now to kind of get settled. Okay. 102 00:29:29.600 --> 00:29:46.000 So hopefully we can have your support in looking at January 2027 for our evaluation. >> And I would agree as a new board member when we had done it my first time I didn't feel qualified or knowledgeable enough to evaluate myself as a board member or the rest of the board. So 103 00:29:46.000 --> 00:30:04.000 it'll take Justin and Sarah and directors opportunity to get to know the real lay of the land. Absolutely. Any questions or concerns at all? Hearing none. All in favor say I. >> I. 104 00:30:04.000 --> 00:30:20.000 >> Those opposed say nay. Thank you. That motion does carry. Our eighth and final item. >> Was that a motion or I thought that was just discussion. >> It was. You're right. Thank you. Um Okay. Glad I didn't know I had your support. 105 00:30:20.000 --> 00:30:49.120 All right. Our last item is a discussion item as well. So um it is discussion on amendment five move. So, we have been really kind of looking at having a a resolution for amendment five 106 00:30:49.120 --> 00:31:06.320 and we heard proceding from several people from our community and district that would be in support of this. So, we have asked um for vermage to be shared with us. So before the board, you have some draft language uh for your consideration as we consider 107 00:31:06.320 --> 00:31:27.880 presenting a resolution in opposition to amendment five for the sake of clarity. >> I think it's necessary. I think it's something that we necessarily need to just ensure folks know what it could mean public education. 108 00:31:28.640 --> 00:31:46.399 I would agree see seeing where we are in the state of Missouri if my calculations are correct research aligns were I want to say the seventh largest district in the state and so just organically when we move a certain direction that kind of has some resounding effect I would 109 00:31:46.399 --> 00:32:02.960 believe and so this is meaningful in many ways I think we need to have some unity our voice needs to be heard in the space of protecting our schools our funding as much as we can. So to have everyone's support this any further 110 00:32:02.960 --> 00:32:52.559 discussion or questions Dr. Director members Oh, I'm sorry. There we go. Um, provided um the resolution. So, I'm saying Dwayne and Dwayne and Aaron both watched a webinar. We kind of briefed about what the webinar said that if you'd like a 111 00:32:52.559 --> 00:33:09.200 little context about the webinar that went out through the state, I could ask Mr. to join us kind of talk about what he saw or heard or listened to. And then the resolutions being one is for the community again is urging our board taking a resolution to urge community 112 00:33:09.200 --> 00:33:25.279 members to become aware of this and the first one is a resolution opposing it. And as you heard um other districts have taken other from just emails and some information from parents. Um it it is something that in talking with Dwayne 113 00:33:25.279 --> 00:33:42.399 there's a couple of ways so that we are compliant with state law on how we take an opposing position on a ballot issue because we have to make sure that we stay within that. So I do want to help the board think through and the concerning part is the vote takes place 114 00:33:42.399 --> 00:33:58.399 we'll be voting on this before the next board meeting. So, we kind of tonight need to decide if we want a position and what that position look like. Thank you. So, the the draft that we have here does have some blanks there. 115 00:33:58.399 --> 00:34:16.639 >> Um, can we approve this this evening >> pending those being filled in? >> Could I ask could I ask Dwayne to join me at the podium so we can kind of talk about steps with this so that the board 116 00:34:16.639 --> 00:34:33.440 understands uh the two options that we have >> but also like to ask it is making way to the podium as it is uh listed as a discussion item um is there an amendment that we need to do to the agenda to make an action item 117 00:34:33.440 --> 00:34:48.560 >> that would be the best that would be the best course Mr. Um, just so the board has a little bit of orientation to this, um, I was asked to provide some form resolution work so that you had something to go off of. Um, we're operating on a little bit of short 118 00:34:48.560 --> 00:35:04.000 notice given the August 4th election. So, um, what I did is I basically took what Summit had done and adopted at their board level. And then I also had a resolution that I had worked on separately that it's the MSBA resolution 119 00:35:04.000 --> 00:35:21.920 that you see there. Um the uh thing I would say is Dr. Moro is correct. One of those takes a much stronger position than the other. Um but both I think you're reading it uh would would a fair reading would be that the second one is 120 00:35:21.920 --> 00:35:37.680 still in opposition. It's just not as strongly worded. The thing I would say that's most important for you is that both of those resolutions are legally appropriate. I did not have the information to fill in the blanks and and provided those in 121 00:35:37.680 --> 00:35:52.640 that way. I just wanted you to have the formwork so we knew what the board wanted to do. I do um to the question that was asked about whether or not you could adopt it with those blanks in there. I think I would just if that's the choice of the board of those two 122 00:35:52.640 --> 00:36:11.760 resolutions, I would just adopt it and administration to complete the information accurately. Did I answer all the questions? Dr. I think what would be really helpful for the board is u the difference between 123 00:36:11.760 --> 00:36:27.359 the two. If you were recommending a stronger stance, you would go with the one opposing versus the awareness. Correct. >> One that's labeled, if you will, LS model, the first one is much stronger statement. composition. >> Okay. 124 00:36:27.359 --> 00:36:43.760 >> Um and the second one is is less so and it's more in the nature of trying to encourage your uh patrons, your community stakeholders to become informed about the impacts of a minimum. 125 00:36:43.760 --> 00:37:01.200 >> So just to clarify, the recommendation would be to use one of them, not both. >> That is correct. >> Okay. So, we would need to know what the board preferred uh among those two. And I did put those together rather quickly. So, I apologize for not having any 126 00:37:01.200 --> 00:37:16.240 giving you, you know, more choices or anything, but those two I thought would at least be representative of what you needed to see if you were wanting to pass a resolution about amendment five. >> I think we need to say the words that we oppose it. So, I would support the one 127 00:37:16.240 --> 00:37:32.160 expressing opposition versus being more informed. I would agree. >> And and I'm sorry, Director Pere, I just wanted to add the blanks that are on there are simply information about the district. Just so everyone's clear what 128 00:37:32.160 --> 00:37:49.599 we're talking about here. It's just it's more of a clerical issue and getting that fil. >> I just wanted to make sure we weren't creating a have to have some kind of emergency vote again after. >> Understood. And agreed. It feels like 129 00:37:49.599 --> 00:38:06.560 this is not typically something that we as a board have taken stances on amendments and and that kind of thing. Is that like how is this different from that just because it does involve us? Well, um I can't really answer that question in the sense that you know I 130 00:38:06.560 --> 00:38:23.359 wasn't really the impetus for the ask of the resolution but um you know I don't know what in the past we have passed resolutions about certain you know particular issues some legislative in nature I think this is the only one 131 00:38:23.359 --> 00:38:38.800 that's constitutional that I can recall but we have adopted some that are kind of in the same nature in the sense that they are aimed at particular legislation. Do you recall in recent history or 132 00:38:38.800 --> 00:38:56.480 greater any any I guess legislation that was so aggressive to schools where whereas we would be prompted to do something so strong opposing this this seems to be very unique. 133 00:38:56.480 --> 00:39:14.800 >> Yeah. I I I want to avoid getting into my u views about amendment five but uh just to say that I I mean that it is something that the gravity of the impact of this 134 00:39:14.800 --> 00:39:29.920 amendment I mean it could sleep devastating and so I I don't know that I can readily think of something off the top of my head that would uh match it in that regard to the 135 00:39:29.920 --> 00:39:44.880 degree that we're I appreciate your approach to it. We we care obviously about making the best decisions that we can. And so it doesn't feel great to do something and then you think two days later, oh my gosh, what do we do? So, you know, this is just something we're really I'm really 136 00:39:44.880 --> 00:40:00.720 sensitive about. I probably share those sentiments with my peers here. Um so I feel strongly that this is necessary. Um and again, this is unique. We're the seventh largest district in the state. Um we need to be up front making it 137 00:40:00.720 --> 00:40:16.560 clear where we stand when it comes to this amendment. So, >> and and I would also add that this directly aligns with our fourth um legislative session priority position. That is correct. >> Um it is support increasing overall state funding per pupil in an effort to make Missouri rank in the top one half 138 00:40:16.560 --> 00:40:32.079 of all states in the country in support of K12 education. This is a direct hit to increasing it. Um and we have seen the data. So, I think it makes sense for us to say we oppose it. I wish I had the numbers in front of me, 139 00:40:32.079 --> 00:40:50.160 but um if you look at like the past 20 years um in Missouri legislature, the amount of bills that are dealing with education in general has increased like exponentially. So, um I feel like our 140 00:40:50.160 --> 00:41:06.319 role is constantly evolving in that and advocacy. We have to really look at that and take it very seriously. Um and as someone who's been in the shoes of a parent who maybe not doesn't realize the impact of this and it's like oh I'm just 141 00:41:06.319 --> 00:41:22.880 going to pay less taxes like I feel feel like we really need to educate them on the specific impact it has on our district. So I would rather give more details on that >> which which is why I did want to seek some clarity on is it one or the other 142 00:41:22.880 --> 00:41:38.560 can be and maybe a resolution approach and getting people informed is not the approach. I don't know how we can get that type of engagement. But I do think it's important that we we lean on the community to to get informed and understand 143 00:41:38.560 --> 00:41:54.400 uh what this can be and what this can mean for our our students and education um and not just you know a resolution opposing it. So I think the data the information substance is important and maybe we can deliberate about how we want to approach that and reporting the 144 00:41:54.400 --> 00:42:09.839 community and asking for that support from the community. Any further discussion or comments? >> Dwayne, now there's two ways that we can take action. The resolution is one. What's the second one where we're still in compliance? 145 00:42:09.839 --> 00:42:26.720 >> Certainly, you can issue a press release because by statute that's authorized specifically with respect to ballot measure. So, um, and typically what I see, uh, boards do would be to adopt the resolution and then turn around and basically issue the press release based 146 00:42:26.720 --> 00:42:43.599 upon that, uh, information. Um, and second to that, the only other thing that's really mentioned in the statute is that officials of the district can make public appearances about it if that's the choice. So those are kind of the limited options that we can do 147 00:42:43.599 --> 00:42:58.319 without engaging in the use of public funds to because this is a ballot measure just like it would be a local ballot measure in terms of the language. So we have to be very careful in that >> and and just for clarification real quick any of us as individuals can speak 148 00:42:58.319 --> 00:43:14.560 out on it and do what we need to do as long as it's not like ISD emails and ISD Facebook pages etc. >> The key is not using any of these district resources. whatsoever. And so aside from that, you have first amendment right to do what 149 00:43:14.560 --> 00:43:30.880 you just described. >> Two questions for you and I promise I'll leave you alone. Um could you just kind of expound on the difference between a resolution and a press release? Why would anyone choose one or the other? What difference would would it would it make? 150 00:43:30.880 --> 00:43:48.000 >> So um with respect to press release, you're basically making that announcement to the public. Um, and that's something that we're using to inform the public of our position. The resolution is actually the adoption of the position. 151 00:43:48.000 --> 00:44:04.319 Um, and sometimes people will avoid the resolution and this subject of the press release because the statute that authorizes us to take very limited steps to support or oppose measure lists out 152 00:44:04.319 --> 00:44:19.680 specifically. So, aside from that, resolution. It's very difficult for someone to argue that a local subdivision of the state doesn't have the authority to enter into a resolution. That's why most everybody considers that same territory. 153 00:44:19.680 --> 00:44:43.839 But those are the limited things that Dr. >> My last question was, so I do use social media. I try to refrain of getting into the weeds with things as best as I can. But just to Vice President Bay's point, I want to be careful if I did decide to 154 00:44:43.839 --> 00:44:59.839 speak about this. I don't have a district regulated Facebook page, but I do have a page that is catered specific to district work or public work. Um, would it be a recommendation to lean not on putting it there just out of an 155 00:44:59.839 --> 00:45:15.839 abundance of caution or am I free to put it there? Not to be the most advocate, I'm just asking for educational purposes here. >> Yeah, I I think we can probably have a a discussion offline on some of that stuff, but generally speaking, anything that's going to refer you back to your 156 00:45:15.839 --> 00:45:34.560 role as the district official reference stay away from that. Make sure that it's your personal expression. Thank you. >> I'm sorry. I was just going to say, hey, if it's using or could arguably be using district resources, that's what we're 157 00:45:34.560 --> 00:45:50.480 going to run into. I'm sorry, director. >> Yes, I apologize. I was just gonna say that if you wanted to do something like that, you use the words we want to be educated, look into this, find out what 158 00:45:50.480 --> 00:46:08.000 you're >> I remember now, but if it is an official district statement that the board has adopted, we can share this all in every place. >> Some of the questions I asked are definitely for me to learn as well. But sometimes, you know, I like to ask the 159 00:46:08.000 --> 00:46:23.839 person ask the hard questions or easy questions for other people who are listening. So then, hey, maybe that's a question you wondered about, but I asked for you. Okay. So, thank you later. All right. All right. Great discussion. Um, sounds like we've got >> President did have a couple of things. 160 00:46:23.839 --> 00:46:40.079 >> Absolutely. >> So, I feel like if we pass a resolution, how will the general public know what that is unless we do a press release? Correct. Is that what we're thinking of doing? >> Yeah. Great idea. 161 00:46:40.079 --> 00:46:56.800 And also um in my years on the board um I've heard the words political capital a lot and that's something that I think as a board this board or future boards we need to kind of protect and and think about it so we're not just agreeing you 162 00:46:56.800 --> 00:47:16.400 know either opposing or supporting everything that comes down the pike. I do think in this case it is worth spending a little political capital and would be important to pass opposition. >> If all hearts and minds are clear, whatever that means, I would like to 163 00:47:16.400 --> 00:47:31.359 entertain. Well, I'll let someone else do that. Sorry. Um, I move that we amend the agenda to approve specifically to approve 164 00:47:31.359 --> 00:47:54.040 a resolution expressing opposition to Missouri constitutional motion. Can I get a second? Second >> and it would is implied that we are directing administration also to do the press release regarding it. 165 00:47:56.560 --> 00:48:09.520 >> Do we need anything? >> Sure. Okay. I move that we approve the resolution expressing opposition to Missouri constitutional amendment 5 uh with 166 00:48:09.520 --> 00:48:28.000 changes and a following press release. >> Second. >> Thank you. It has been motioned and second. Do we have a room for discussion? We declare your questions hearing none. All in favor say I. 167 00:48:28.000 --> 00:48:44.319 >> I. Those opposed say nay. That motion does carry. Thank you so much. And that does conclude our agenda this evening. I will now entertain a motion to adjourn. >> I move to adjourn to close session 168 00:48:44.319 --> 00:49:04.640 pursuant to Missouri State statute for personnel issues 610.021, legal matters 610.021, and real estate 610.021. Second. >> Thank you. >> Smith. 169 00:49:04.640 --> 00:49:19.359 >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Thank you. We are ajourned. Okay.