We're so glad to have a full house tonight. I see we have some very special visitors in the front row up here and we're glad to have you guys tonight. Um our first uh order of business is to approve the amendments um for the March 10th, 2026 meeting. I'll entertain a
motion. >> I'll second. >> All those in favor say I. >> I. Those opposed say nay. The motion carries. Uh the first uh the second item
that we're going to be doing this evening is the approval of certification of the ISD board candidates. >> Yes. Thank you. An election was held on April 7th, 2026 to elect two members to the Independent School District Board of
Education. We would ask that the board of education certify the election results with Sarah Wimberly and Justin Durham being elected as members of the Independent School District Board of Education from April 2026 to April 2032.
I entertain a motion. >> I move that we approve the certification of the April 7th school board election. >> I'll second. >> All those in favor say I. >> I. Those oppose say nay. Motion carries. We would like to recognize the outgoing
board members. Thank you very much. We just want to take a moment to say thank you to two of our outgoing board members that have served the district for a combined 40 years. FIRST,
first Denise Fierce, thank you for serving the ISD for the past 16 years. Your thoughtfulness, attention to detail, compassion, commitment to doing what's best for kids, and deep understanding of the governance of the role of board, strong advocacy, and even your love of numbers
has inspired us all. I personally have learned a lot and and have become a better leader because of your example. Our district is stronger and better because of your service. We would like to present you with a small token of appreciation for your service. Thank
you. Would you like to say a few words? been one of the greatest honors of my life to have had the opportunity to serve on the independent school board for the last 16 years. I've loved working together with the world fellow board members in our monthly business
meetings, making decisions for staffing, legalities, real estate, and finances, of course, my favorite, as well as the big picture vision setting and policy making that defines board service. I've had the privilege of seeing so many
great things in our district. From bond passages to new school buildings, from a move for administration to this building to adding a health center for employees. We worked our way through the many challenges of COVID. We added
broadcasting of board meetings and we implemented the 4-day school week which has significantly increased the ability for us to find and retain excellent staff. We instigated self insurance and have monitored and refinanced bonds to
save the district millions. And those are just a few of my favorite highlights. I've had a chance to work with great people and I've learned so much over my year years of board service. One of my favorite memories was being asked to go
to Jeff City to testify on HB 101 SB265 in 2021 regarding supporting the freedom of innovation in public schools and was very pleased when that legislation passed. I've particularly enjoyed advocating for
public education legislatively and I will continue to serve on the Missouri State Public Education Foundation board. I also remember lighter moments like reading to the kindergarteners at William Southern or Ken Johnson eating his dessert before his meal at every
single dinner that we attended or when the board all wore green to the classified of the year event this spring. Sometimes board service is challenging and sometimes it makes you smile from ear to ear. It is now time to listen to new voices
and I am excited to see what this board will do in the future. I would challenge challenge each of you to read the board policy and manuals. Read closely those board packets each month and ask questions at board meetings. Lots and
lots of questions. Questioning helps you to analyze, evaluate, consider alternatives, and connect information when making decisions. And many times there are people here or at home listening who want to know the very
thing that you asked. I hope you will make it a practice to voice why you plan to vote on issues so that the public can see you see your decision makingaking process. Lastly, I encourage you to listen and
learn at every opportunity. Initiate one-to-one conversations with your fellow board members to understand their perspectives. Let every board member speak in meetings without interruption. Visit classrooms. Attend district
events. Take advantage of schoolboard trainings and conferences. Talk to administrators. Tour facilities, buses, nutrition, the business office, and other support services. Engage with patrons, staff, and students. We have two ears and one mouth
for a reason. Take time to understand various viewpoints, and that will allow you to make decisions in the best interest of the district as a whole, especially when there are differing views. May you always look for systems solutions rather
than incident fixes. In a nutshell, I believe in this school district and our vision to be a community united in improving the quality of education through improve the quality of life through education. I hope that each of you will continue to do your best to
inspire greatness. Next, we have Blake Roerson. Thank you, Blake, for your more than 20 years of dedicated service to the board. Your calm presence, thoughtful dis direction, and deep institutional knowledge have provided a steady guiding and thoughtful
and and guiding hand throughout the years. You've witnessed and helped lead the district's growth, and your lasting impact will continue to be felt for years to come. We are stronger and better because of your service, and I'm a better leader. And again, here's a small token of our appreciation. And
before you say a few words, we do have a special presentation from the Independence Council. >> Hi everyone. Um, this evening I would like to recognize someone who's been a strong supporter of our PTAs here in Independence. This individual has been a business member of many of our units and
has been a genuine partner for many years. Through their generosity, they have helped many PTAs when needs arose. Because of their support, our local units are stronger and better able to do what we do best, support kids. On behalf of the Independence Council PTA and our
local 24 units, it is my honor to present the M Missouri PTA Distinguished Service Award to Blake Robertson. Um, thank you for um your voice and for standing with PTA. We appreciate you. Yes, I do have a couple things I wanted
to say. Can you hear me? Got to make sure my grandkids can hear me. So, I did want to say that uh since I was a little boy, my mother and dad inculcated in me that there was
something very very special about Independence Missouri. And as I was growing up in the first job that I got in Columbia, Missouri for the insurance company I worked for, they asked me to write a three-page essay on
what I wanted to do in my life and what I wanted to do to help my and I said, "I want to run to the school board." So, uh, I said that to the guy who told me to write that. He's now 89 years old in
Columbia, Missouri, and said, "I've been able to fulfill that dream." But the first thing I want to say, the lady that helped me the most when I started working or becoming a school board member was Annette Miller. I know she's not here
tonight, but those of you that know I want you to think back to her. She is one of the finest persons I've ever known and she did so much to help me be a better board member. And the other person that I owe a big thank you to
because I would have never been able to do this is my wife Sandy who's the chairman of the board of our now that I'm coming back full time. I I'm still going to let her be.
without her none none of my service would have been possible for sure. Um, but I also wanted to mention to you that in thinking about independence and how much it has meant to me and what I wanted to give back to this community and the school district who's done so
much. Uh we had the board had a meeting one time over at Glendale School and uh the gentleman that was leading that meeting uh one thing he said I'll never forget and I do believe it with all my
heart is that being a school board member is part of God's working and it is that there's nothing more important than kids and there's nothing more important than public education. I believe with all my heart. So, as I
sit here tonight preparing to say goodbye after 24 years on the infense school board, I'm filled with gratitude for all of you, teachers, bus drivers, administrators, your fantastic people.
And over the many years, I've had the privilege of witnessing incredible progress like these right here in ISD welcoming seven schools. from the Kansas City School District into our family to modernizing the business office to
passing several successful bond issues and each step has been a testament of what we can achieve when we come together as a community. I've been fortunate to work alongside tremendous teachers, administrators,
staff who pour every single thing they have from their hearts into the community and into the United States. And you've inspired me every day and you guys know who you are. Uh with that dedication in this kind of
workplace, it feels to me uh like family and so I'll still be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. in leaving this behind. It is it isn't easy. It's kind of bittersweet. I'll miss the daily interaction, the shared challenges and most of all you folks and
your faces which mean so much to me. The community has been a big part of my life and I carry with me countless memories and friendships. I will cherish every single one of them. But as I step away, I have every confidence that the new board will
continue to build on all this work and guide ISD to even greater heights. And I want to sincerely thank each one of you that will currently serving on the board, those of you that are shortly going to be sworn in. I want to thank you for your support, your partnership,
and your future commitment to our schools over the coming years. So from the bottom of my heart, thank you for allowing me to serve as been one of the greatest honors of my life and I wish you all continued success and bright
days ahead. I move to adjourn signing day. I cancel that motion. >> I I would like to just express my gratitude and appreciation uh to Blake and Denise. Uh in 2022, my life changed
tremendously joining this board and I'm thankful for um your guidance and support, your wisdom. um and just the one-on-one discussions that we've shared. Uh we've not always agreed on things and I think that's the beauty in balancing a board is that we have
different people with different lived experiences, different ideas and suggestions. And I think that that's what makes a community a community. And so I thank you for allowing me to be a part of the community that you've served in for many years. 40 years is nothing small. Uh celebrated 35 years of life
this year. So, uh, that means a lot to me to know that you all have contributed to this community more than I've been alive. So, that's a beautiful thing and thank you for your service. >> I Oh, go ahead. Go ahead. I just had a couple of things, too. Um, I'll start
with Blake. My goodness, 24 years. Um, 24 years serving the ISD as a volunteer board member. We sometimes forget that it's a volunteer. And you've seen the district through many changes and achievements. You mentioned the annexation. Also, I thought of the
implementation of themies, uh, middle school restructuring maybe a couple of times during that time. Several new schools and numerous renovations, just to name a few. You've built strong relationship with staff and board members and have always led with
a quiet strength and knowledge. You provided the voice of reason many times and I value and trust your expertise in the insurance industry and your historical knowledge of the ISD. So, thank you. You will be missed. And also
to Denise while I'm here. Um, we came on the board together in 2010 and I cannot tell you how thankful I've been to share in this service with you and how much I will also miss you. Your accountant brain and your eye for details and all
things financial has been absolutely invaluable to this board and the ISD. People may not realize the full extent of what you've done for us until you've been gone for a while. I admire your ability to thoroughly think through
issues and to ask questions that go beyond the surface. Thank you for your dedication, your preparedness, and always doing what you feel is in the absolute best interest of the district, even when it might not be your personal desire. So, I will miss both of you
tremendously, but I have a feeling we've not seen the last of her. Thank you. Um, I'll start with Blake, who um, I actually thought about this weekend when I was working the trackmate at Chrisman
High School because I think it was Blake and Sandy who taught me how to serve in that aspect because we were not at a track meet without those two coming and helping. And so, um, years and years ago, you had no idea the impact you were
making then. Um, and um, I think that that personal piece is really where you thrive and your loyalty and pride for all things ISD are honorable traits and that kind of presence doesn't necessarily show up in
reports, but makes a difference in the culture of our school community. Um, we haven't always, um, voted the same way, but um, I agree with Anthony. That's what makes the beauty of our
board and what makes us dive even deeper into um and come to better decisions as a group. Um, but no matter what we do, you've always been so respectful and professional and I really appreciate
that you have made a big difference here and um, earn whatever it is you are going to get to do during the time that you would have been at our meetings.
Um Denise, I have really appreciated our personal conversations and I think what we share is um both of us really like appreciating talking through things and doing that together has been amazing and
I feel like you really helped me learn um in that first year so much about our role as um as a board member. So, I appreciate that. And you've always had a different perspective in your role in
finances and ask amazing questions that I would think of. So, I'm really going to miss those emails with your list of questions. Um, and um really helps us to ensure that our decisions are grounded in solid
information. So um your years of service deserve to be acknowledged and um I wish you the best in whatever comes next. Yeah. I would like to um also acknowledge um
the the two of you um a lot of the things that I personally second but I I my personal um experiences with you. Um Blake as a young mom um my first reader got a citizen of the year award and I
remember her looking up to you with such great admiration. Um and it's adoring uh and I even have a picture of it if anybody needs to see it. Um, and that was my real first experience as a community member, seeing a schoolboard
member that was involved and engaged and um, very present for the students. And Denise, um, for you, I I learned about you long before I met you through your son Joel, um, who in my opinion was an
excellent son and, um, showed kindness and grace and, um, was a great role model to my kids. Um, I see that same thing in you and in your leadership and the role that you have
served here on the board. Thank you to both of you for serving with integrity and kindness and strength and giving strength uh when people needed strength. Um for being encouraers when people
needed to be encouraged and doing the job that you didn't get paid to do for so long. Um and still desiring to keep doing it. like um there were days that I wanted to throw in the towel, but yet you guys inspired me to keep doing who
you are. And so, thank you for that. I look forward to seeing what you guys do next. I'm sure we're not going to be strangers. We will see you in our community because you're not going away. But thank you very much. And I think everybody has kind of covered what I would say and also what
I've posted on Facebook that thank you for your mentorship, thank you for your professionalism, thank you for your kindness, thank you for your service, and thank you for making our board of education a better place for all of us. All right, take two. I move to adjourn
snee. Do we need a second for that? Okay. Well, >> second. And do we need a roll call? We don't. We just need a first. Okay.
A vote. >> All those in favor say I. I. >> I. >> Okay. Goodbye. Happy I will now call the board of education meeting to order. We will now have the swearing in our two.
Will the two members please >> I agree faithfully. office of the state of Missouri and enable to Congratulations. And will you please come up and take
your seats? All right. I will now take nominations for president of the board of education. >> I would like to nominate Anthony J. Mondane for president of the board of education. >> Second.
>> We have a nomination, a motion and a second for Anthony J. Mandane for president. Are there any other nominations? All right, we have a motion and a second for the nomination of Anthony J. Mundane for president. All those in favor?
>> I. >> Any opposed? All right. Motion passes for Anthony J. Mundane to be president of the board of education. In 2022, I signed that that book and Jill Essie told me it's one of the most
nerve-wracking experiences that you have. And my hand shook and uh I'm shaking again right now. So bear with me. Thank you. I will now accept nominations for the office of vice president of the board of
education for the independent Missouri school district. >> I nominate Wendy Baird as vice president. I'll second. >> All in favor say I. >> I. >> I. >> I. >> All right. Any nays, please speak now.
Thank you. Congratulations, director Bear. Thank you. All righty. I will now accept nominations for treasurer for the board of education of the Independence Missouri School District.
>> I nominate Brandy Puente for treasurer. nominate Jill for >> Not really sure how that goes. Um, so I I believe once a motion is made, right? >> Okay. Are there any other nominations
for treasure of the board? >> We do. That's what kind of threw me off. So, we have a motion for Wendy. We have a motion for Jill. >> Okay. All right. >> Second. >> Second for Wendy. >> Randy.
>> All right. The motion has been made for Brandy Puente to be treasur and seconded. There has also been a motion for Jill Ezri to be treasurer of the board. I will ask for a second. Okay. So, we have
>> two nominees. So, we will vote on Brandy. >> Brandy. Yes. Thank you. >> Okay. I will now entertain a motion for treasurer of the board
Brandy Puente. All in favor say I. I >> We probably need to do a roll call. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Do believe so.
>> Yes. >> No. >> No. >> Sarah. >> Yes. Motion passes. The board of education has now elected Treasurer Brandy Puente to the Independent Missouri School
District Board of Education. Congratulations, Brandy. Thank you, Jill. Okay. Thank you so much for your patience. I will now entertain a motion for the board secretary. >> I nominate Miss Cammy Smith as our board
secretary. >> Second. >> It has been motioned and second. If there's no discussion, all in favor say I. >> I. >> I. >> Any nays? That motion passes. Thank you, Cammy.
And congratulations. Absolutely. >> Okay. I will now entertain a motion to approve the agenda of the Board of Education, School District of Independence, Tuesday, April 14th board meeting. >> I'll entertain a motion.
>> Second. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Those who oppose speak. >> Motion passes. Thank you. So I understand there is no request of district citizens or employees to speak this evening. So we will move on to the
consent agenda. I'll entertain a motion. I'll second. >> Any discussion? Of course, it'll be Dr. Green. >> All right. So, we do have bills um totaling 11,523,199.90 as printed, which is up just a bit from
last year um due to preparations for potential bond projects. So, that's it for the consent agenda. Thank you, Dr. Grant. Are there any questions for Dr. Grant at this time? >> All in favor say I.
>> I. >> Those who oppose? >> Nay. >> And I aband. >> Thank you. >> All righty. We will now have the superintendence report. >> All right. Last week was an exciting
week across the metro and here in ISD. We welcome our two newly elected board members and we'd like to extend our thanks to our community and stakeholders for v voting in support of our bond at about 73% yes vote. So that is very
exciting. Um there is also a lot going on in Jefferson City. So I just want to mention a few of those and please bear with me. Um the current proposed budget illustrates that was proposed out of the house and has made its way to the
senate. Um illustrates a total projected funding gap of 478 million.9 million for public education. Um this is based on the following components. 138 million for this current year.
shortfall due to overestimated revenues from lottery, gaming, and the uh state school money funds. 38.6 million projected underfunding for next year, including both an underfunded formula increase and continued revenue
over estimations, as well as 32 million.3 shortfall in transportation um compared to other identified needs. So, there's a lot going on there. Also a reduction in the state adequacy target.
It was supposed to be funded at $7,145. Currently being funded right around six uh $6,950. Dropping further um potentially between six 6600 and $6,740.
So there's a lot going on with funding right now. That doesn't look too great. I also want to bring to light House Bill 2872. This is the mandatory retention third grade retention bill. Um, this removes decision making from parents as well as
educators. It's a collaborative discussion right now and ultimately parents are those final decision makers. This would be based on one state approved test, one assessment if this comes to fruition. So, we are definitely continuing to monitor what is going on
at Jeff City. I do want to say a congratulations to our four seniors from Van Horn High School of Advanced Woodworking C course along with Mr. Jim Henman. They made their way to the state capital and approximately two weeks ago and had the honor of presenting the
American flags on the house floor to the speaker of the house and lieutenant governor. Um it was a great experience. Dr. Mlinger and Dr. boat ride went with them and um sometimes things can be divided but that was a time everyone came together to celebrate our kids and
it was wonderful so I just wanted to highlight that and thank you Dr. Mling or Dr. Boight for making the trip down there as well so that's kind of what I have >> thank you Dr. Grant is there any further discussion or questions for Dr. Grant
Seeing that there's no discussion for Dr. Grant, all in favor say I. >> I. >> Okay. No vote needed, guys. All right. We will now move on to our next item, which is new business.
All in favor say I. Sorry. I will entertain a motion. >> I move that we approve um our property and casualty broker of record. >> Second. >> All right. Floor is open for discussion.
There are any questions or discussions at this time? >> I will turn it over to Dr. Stout as he worked through this process. >> Thank you, Dr. Graham. Uh, thank you, President Montine, and good board members. This evening, we're recommending moving to Gallagher as the district's insurance
broker of record for all property and casualty insurance and risk management program services. Unfortunately, the property and casualty support that we have received from seed bids for many years has experienced significant turnover in the last 16 months, creating
many operational obstacles for the district. We would ask that the board of education approve Gallagher as the district's insurance broker of record effective July 1, 2026. The annual fee will be $90,000 under the Sourcewell master
agreement contract number 012125 GLG and it'll be paid in two equal installments on July 1st and December 31st. And one other thing I think worth noting, uh we were paying CBS 95,000 for those services. So, there will be a
$5,000 savings in this move as well. And I will uh point out Charlie here, Charlie Field Stand real quickly. I've had the privilege of working Charlie uh the last year. Uh they provided property casualty insurance. Uh he and I have worked together and uh he's a great
gentleman and I'm very confident in his abilities to assist us where we need this assistance. Happy to answer any questions and I don't want to put Charlie on the spot, but he would certainly be happy as well. Thank you. >> Thank you, Charlie and Dr. Stout. Thank
you. Alrighty. Our next item is we do need a vote. I will entertain a vote. All in favor say I. >> I. Those who like to vote no.
>> The motion passes and we are moving on. Our second item under new business is the approval of to increase weekly fees for early childhood hood programs. >> I will entertain a motion. >> I'll make that motion. Second.
>> All right. At this time, we'll have discussion. >> All right. I would like for Mr. Fongwin to come forward, our director of early education and head start. Uh good evening board members. I appreciate your time um and allowing me
to speak. Um when evaluation when evaluating our tuition rates um for the upcoming school year, we did do um some cost analysis around the metro area. So we looked at 14 different programs in the area, 12 of which were school districts, one early head start head start program like us and then one
private daycare in the area as well. Um and in looking at that um five or four school districts or four programs have infinite toddler that is tuition for pay. Um the ones that is closest to us would be Blue Springs and just really
looking at all of the cost in general. We are consistently the lowest. Um, I know there are, um, so when we we looked at that, our primary goal was really just to apply a fair and consistent adjustment across all programs being a flat $20 fee for both infant and
toddlers and our preschool program. Um, so why that looks like a 25% increase in our preschool program from $20 a day to $25 a day, that is just primarily because that base fee is already so low as we compare that to our $210 weekly
fee currently to um $230 weekly fee. Um, we're really just asking for this to ensure that we can ensure that we have consistently strong program supports, our classroom teachers, um, and just our educational materials that are needed. Um we do operate at a deficit. So this
is really just trying to close some of that gap. >> And Mr. No, can you please just for uh the board as we look at last year's B budget, what was our total um loss? >> Uh our total loss for infant and
toddlers was 2.5 million and then our loss for preschool was 1.7 million. Um, can you tell us when the fees were last raised and by how much? >> Yes, the last fee changes was in the 22 23 school year. Um, preschool went from
$17 daily to $20 daily. Infant and toddler went from $200 weekly to $210 weekly. >> Okay. And and I'm sorry if I just didn't quite understand, but why is the 0ero to3 seeing um a lower increase than the preschool program?
>> It was just a flat $20. So when we looked at the 0 to3 um in the area, learn a lot which is an early head start program much like we are in our infant toddler program is currently at a $210 rate for their tuition based program. Um but other programs around us being Blue
Springs charge 225 to 245 per week depending on the age. Little Hands, which is a private care, um, charges 240 per week. >> Okay. Thank you. Um, sorry, I had a list of questions. How will this affect our staff members who are currently using the childcare reimbursement plan?
>> Yeah, absolutely. So, in our infant toddler program, we have 62 total families that are tuition based. Um, 41 of those um qualify for the reimbursement program. they would pay um on average $220 more per year if that
was and that cost would be if they were to access every single day that was accessible to them. Um we have 9month teachers that only attend the 9 months that they are in contract and they don't pay for those extra weeks. Um we do have of 11 families in our infant toddler programs that are not on reimbursement.
They would pay $880 more per year. As far as preschool goes, um we have 78 total families that are on tuition based. Um 49 of those qualify for reimbursement. They would pay $193.75 more per year. Um we have 29 families
that do not qualify for the reimbursement and they would pay $775 more per year for preschool. All right. Thank you. >> Yes, I did I did have a question and you may have spoken uh through it already and I apologize to have you repeat
yourself if so. Um can you speak to if you can the reason why our prices are as low as they are or have been what our intentions were um for that? Yeah, I would believe it's just to serve as many members of the community that we are. Um I know in the past our dependent
toddlers has been majority early head start um with the employee um benefits and just really trying to recruit more teachers. Um we have shifted more to parent pay options and availability for those families. So that's kind of increased there. That's not really been
a big um part of our program in the past. That goes with the same for preschool. Um, right now we currently have 752 total preschoolers. Um, 674 of them are in a free program, whether that is Head Start or our foundations formula. So, um, it's just not been a
big funding source because that's not really what um, the purpose for that is. >> Thank you. Yeah, absolutely. I mean, obviously we would want as many kids in our early education as possible because then we know exactly where they are when they get to kindergarten
because we help them get there. >> Absolutely. >> Um, will there be any and I know some things are um, like you said, they're not to they're not paying tuition, but will there be any support for families who might find that extra $80 a month to be cost prohibitive? Have we talked
about anything like that? Um, I'd hate for kids to not be able to do it because $80 in this climate is a lot and extra permit. >> Mr. Dwin, um, could you talk about uh with Head Start, the sliding scale opportunities are there as well? >> Yes. So, um, you know, our families that
qualify for Head Start are already within um that >> threshold of of higher poverty um and just income based needs. Um, what we're looking forward to is just looking at ensuring that the students that we do enroll into our state funed preschool,
which would be the foundation's formula, ensuring that our families get the support they need in filling out the free and reduced apps correctly to ensure that they are not being charged for a program that they potentially qualify um free for. >> Yeah. So I of the
29 current preschool families that do not qualify for the employee benefit, 15 of those are just community families, not staff families. And those 15 would be either at one point of the school year they did qualify for free and reduce, but then their incomes maybe went over. So that kicked them onto a
pay per scale or we do have head start families that um become to a point where they don't qualify anymore. And we do we want to make sure that we offer them the chance to finish out the school year. So we still give them their slot just at a parent pay scale. >> So just for clarity,
>> this is an instant change. So for example, I do qualify uh because of my income. Next week I get an amazing job and I don't qualify anymore. Immediately that changes my circumstance or can I go through the year? >> It usually is whenever um I don't know
how the free and reduce apps work as far as when they're run, but when those reports are run um I think they get run monthly for me. um nutrition services would let us know like hey this family is now over income and then based on that date is when we would have to put them on a parent pay tuition based just
following state funding guidelines as well. >> Thank you Mr. Newen. It's it's um you know we want to continue to be able to provide high quality care and as costs increase we are operating at a significant deficit so we just need to to keep up a little bit. So thank you
Thank you. Thank you. >> All in favor say I. >> I. >> I. >> Uh. Anyone in opposed say nay. Motion passes. Thank you. Our fourth item is approval of career ladder for
the 20 approval of kids safar schedule. Thank you Dr. Grant. Our third item is approval of kids part D schedule. I will entertain a motion. >> I move that we approve the kids part schedule.
>> Second. >> Now discussion. Dr. Green. >> All right. We have Erica Smith, our director. Good evening. Okay, so in front of you, you have our proposal to increase fees for Kids
Safari for the 2627 school year. This is a $5 increase per week um for our before and after school services. It's a $10 per week increase for our full day summer program that happens in July. The
last time we increased gets safari fees was for the 2223 school year and that was a $5 increase as well. We need to increase fees to continue to provide quality before and after school care and full day care for our kids and families.
Um we did um operate last year as a deficit. Not quite as bad as our early ed uh partners back here. Um, but it is something that we need to do to continue to provide a good quality program for our students. >> So, will the summer fees go into effect
this summer? >> No, next summer. >> Everything will start with the 26 27 school year. >> You mentioned that we increased the fees previously. How much of a concern did that raise for parents? >> Our I our enrollment has done nothing
but increase the last few few years >> and it and it should because families need this service. So, you know, I just I want to be sensitive to the climate that we're in financially obviously and the need that we have. So, we're obviously seeing a real need to to ask
for this and um support this program, but we're not seeing necessarily an outcry of folks saying we just absolutely cannot afford another 5 to 10 bucks. >> We have not because we're continuing to hire staff and have waiting list in schools to be able to provide services,
which is a good thing, >> right? >> Yeah. Um I know early childhood mentioned that they've gone out and looked at um other market rates. Did kids has kids have already done anything like that recently? >> We have. Um we typically do that every year just to make sure we're in line. Um
we are fairly um right in the middle with everybody. Um the the two districts that are a little bit right at at our daily um fee is Blue Springs and Foro Sage. Everybody else is much higher than us.
Does that conclude our discussion? Any more questions? If so, all in favor say I. >> I. >> Those who oppose say. Thank you. That motion passes. Thank you. Our fourth item this evening
is approval of career ladder for 2026, 2027 stages 1, 2, and three. Dr. Grant. Okay. Second. >> All right. Um, we have our annual
approval of the career ladder plan and Dr. Robinson will make his way to share some updates uh from the state as well as some items of edits. >> Good evening everyone. >> Good evening. >> Just some updates for our career ladder program.
Currently we have 565 participants in career ladder. When I got here and started working with Career Lighter, we had 132 participants. So, the program has grown significantly. We pay teachers a total of 2,123,500
each year. On April 15th, which is tomorrow, plans are to be completed and hours can no longer be submitted. From April 16th to 30 April 31st, teachers will have to log into Inspiring Greatness to submit hours
from approved activities for Inspiring Greatness. This allows our auditors, our business office to audit our hours and ensure accuracy because you all know we've had three different audits. So, it's always good practice to ensure that. But it also allows staff to get
paid early. They get paid early May, May 8th. Um, so that's great to get that career ladder money earlier than previous. And if there are any issues or concerns with staff, I usually work individually with
staff to support and assist them. Key changes for 2627 um which is will be seen as a significant positive for teachers is that teachers will now be receiving are allowed to receive career ladder credit
for completing additional education. So a credit hour they can get 15 hours of career ladder that process they will go through our our approval process when they put that on their plans and I will review that. it has to be in line with our school
improvement plan um or our district improvement plan or curriculum plan. So as long as there is alignment there then those hours get approved. Another change is that we had to update our CIP goals because of all the work we
did last year in the area of academic achievement and with with goal 1.3 strategy 1.34 um looking at proven researchbased literacy practices has been added. All other changes deal with format or
consistency throughout the document to ensure um the dates have remained the same for start and end dates as well as for applications. So the new window for career ladder will open May 1st. >> So when you say new window May 1st is
when they can start building hours for next school year. >> Yes. So May 1st is when the application is available. Um the application is it's automated. So if they don't have any custom requests, it's get auto it gets auto approved and they get access
to work orders immediately and they can start submitting hours right then. >> So from April 15th to May 1st they're they wouldn't be able to get hours for things they do during that time. >> No, they would do that through inspiring greatness.
an inspiring greatness. It would be for pay. Any further questions or discussion? Dr. Robertson. >> No. All right. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Those who oppose say nay. Motion passes.
Thank you, Dr. Robinson. All right. I I will entertain a motion to approve to accept and sign proposal for replacement of interior and exterior doors at Bryant Elementary School. >> I'll make that motion. >> Thank you. >> Second.
>> Thank you. Discussion. >> All right. As the motion reads, it would be for replacing all of the interior and exterior doors at Bryant Elementary School. This would be completed by Omega Construction Services. funds would come from capital at the cost of $249,774.
Um, thank you for your consideration. >> Doors. All righty. All in favor? >> Just clarifying this one is just the doors. >> Correct. >> All right, >> Kevin, can we see the doors?
They are expensive. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Those who oppose say nay. >> Thank you. That motion passes. I will now entertain a motion for our sixth item, approval to accept and sign proposal for air conditioning unit
replacement at Clifford H. Nalin School Gymnasium. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Motion and seconded. Dr. >> Thank you. This would be for the plate replacement
of the air conditioner at Nan's small gym by Libert Mechanical Services. This would come from the bond bond monies at the cost of $345,750. Is this one that has struggled? Um, I know we usually get every last drop out of these things.
>> Go. >> It's actually not a replacement. They've never had air in the gym. >> So, we're gonna relieve the students and staff there and give them some air. >> They'll be excited about that. Okay, good to know. Thank you. >> But that makes for
>> to your point. Has it struggled? No, they have struggled. >> All righty. We still have room for discussion or questions if anyone has any. >> Um, thank our voters for the bond. It's great to be able to do improvements like
this and give kids air conditioning. Absolutely. Thank you to our voters. Absolutely. I will now entertain a vote. All in favor say I. >> I. >> I. >> Those who oppose say nay. >> Thank you. That motion passes. Our sec
second sorry seventh agenda item this evening is to approve to accept proposal for the construction and installation of synthetic turf on the Chrysler stadium ba baseball infield and bullpens.
>> I will entertain a motion. >> So moved. >> Second >> discussion. Dr. Gray. >> All right. We have seen amazing upgrades at Crystal Chrysler Stadium and as someone who's grown up here, it's just great to see that um falcon red going on
there. So, this approval would allow for the installation of the synthetic turf in the current infield and bullpens. This would allow us to maximize field availability during inclement weather and reduce cancellations. This would come from the bond at a cost of $562,364
from Mid America Sports. >> Dr. R, just to clarify, cancellations will be obviously with games. >> Yes. >> All right. Any other questions or discussions? Um it's my understanding that um we are
getting our quotes honored because we received these in preparation for the bond and um they've significantly increased since and so nice work to our facilities department
for securing a much better deal. Um the turf is made with oil. oil prices are not decreasing right now. So anyway, we appreciate all your hard work. >> Well, thank you to the board for approving us to together ahead of time.
>> Absolutely. >> Any further discussion? I think there may have been a comment this >> when um will they be installed and ready to >> not until uh this fall. So we also get a better deal if we let them do it in the fall and the winter and not in the
middle of their their tough times. >> Understood. All righty. Any further discussion or questions? All right. All in favor say I. >> I. >> I. >> Those who oppose say nay.
>> Thank you. That motion does pass. Our eighth item this evening is the approval to accept proposal for the construction and installation uh of synthetic turf on the Truman High School baseball infield and bullpens. discussion.
>> So, so move >> second. >> Dr. Green. >> All right. And just like the motion before, um this would allow us to maximize the yield um reduce game cancellations due to inclement weather. Uh monies would come from the bond at a cost of $513,52920
from Mid America Sports. And I'm assuming this would also take place in the fall. >> Um this one is about $50,000 less. Is it significantly smaller the area? >> Yes, Chrisar Stadium is one of the largest fields there is.
>> All right, good to know. >> Great. Great. Any other questions or comments or discussion? All >> righty. All in favor say I. >> I. >> I. >> Those who oppose say nay. That motion passes. Thank you. Our ninth
ninth item this evening is the approval to accept bid and contract for asphalt and concrete replacement at John W. Left Elementary School, Pioneer Ridge Middle School, and Thomas Hart Benton Elementary School. >> I make a motion.
>> Thank you. >> Second, >> Dr. Green. >> All right. This would allow us um to address items outlined as a part of the district improvement plan and needed maintenance areas um in the set areas as in the motion. So this would come from
capital funds at a cost of $382,000 900 from Philips site work. So just update the maintenance. >> Any further questions or discussions? All in favor? >> I.
>> Those who oppose say nay. That motion passes. Thank you. Our 10th item this evening is the approval to accept and sign proposal for Clifford H. Nalen Middle School for the exterior painting and masonry repair. We will entertain a motion.
>> So moved. >> Second. >> Discussion. Dr. Gr. >> All right. This is also a part of the district's school improvement uh plan to address the exterior of Nalin at a cost of $454,881.73. This will come from capital from MTS
contracting um through our source loan. >> Thank you, Dr. Green. Any further questions or discussion? >> Um I mean this is a significant expense. Is it just like a refresh or is there additional work that needs to be done too? >> So, when we put the windows in last
summer, um all of the concrete is cracked above it and so the rain is getting in through the concrete. So, we have to restore all of the concrete uh columns and the band around it and then we're just going to go ahead and freshly paint it after that. So, majority of it
is the restoration of the concrete. >> Thank you, Director Bay. Any other questions, comments? All in favor say I. >> I. >> Those who oppose say nay. Thank you. That motion does pass. Our 11th item
this evening is the approval to accept huddle grant for each of the ISD high schools. I will entertain a motion. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Dr. Green. >> All right. I will turn this over to Dr. Stout as he worked through this.
>> Thank you. ISD is very fortunate to have had all three high schools selected by Huddle to be recipients of the Huddle Chase Bank grant. The grant was designed to modernize schools. If accepted, the discretionary payment would be made directly to the school's athletic
department. There's no financial obligation or purchase required. And above all, there are no there's no no catch, quote unquote. Uh Missouri is one of two states selected in the initial partnership with 10 schools selected from each state and Alabama was the
other state. So we're very excited out of the entire state of Missouri, 10 schools selected, three of them within the ISD. So this evening we're asking that the board of education would approve the huddle grant in the amount of 10,000 for each high school. Our 80s
are salivating to be honest. Uh they're excited about this opportunity. And the other wonderful opportunity about this grant, it doesn't have to be used huddles like the video equipment and the cameras. Uh does not have to be used for that. If they need new helmets, if they need new uniforms, certainly that's at
their discretion. So would ask for your consideration. >> Yeah, that was the one thing that I thought was amazing that there weren't very many stipulations on what we could spend it for. Do the high schools have plans for them? um >> or they're still shopping. >> They're they're Yeah, they're still thinking. I've heard helmets, I've heard
uniforms, things like that. So, uh I I think they'll probably have a good game plan, but I don't know the specifics. >> Okay. Thank you. >> It is interesting when you apply for grants all the work that goes into it and a lot of time it's for not and so
kudos to whoever wrote the grant that was able to achieve this. It's a lot of work and really appreciate the extra effort to get funds for our schools. >> Dr. Stout, did did we have grant writers or were we selected?
>> No, we were it was a it was mutual. We didn't do any grant writing, but we were collaboratively um in communications with Huddle. We have a good relationship. There's a gentleman out of Lincoln, Nebraska that our three high school ads work with closely. And so through conversation, this opportunity
came up and there was quite a bit of dialogue. And then Chris Corey, the lady ad horn, asked me to reach out to those gentlemen in Lincoln and I had some very good discussions and uh so the end result is this opportunity. >> I still I stand corrected but thank you
to all the people that do write grants. >> Absolutely. Thank you. Thank you. Any further discussion or questions for Dr. Stout hearing? None. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Those who oppose say nay.
Motion passes. Thank you. 12th agenda item this evening is the approval to accept bid and contract for renovations at Truman High School in Van Horn High School classrooms. I will entertain a motion. >> So moved. >> Second.
>> Discussion. Dr. Green. >> All right. This will be for the renovation of classrooms at both Truman and Van Horn to remove temporary walls. I never knew how many temporary walls we had throughout the district, but they will be replaced with permanent walls there. um classrooms, special education
classrooms as well as JORTC classrooms. This would cost 1.5 million. This will come from the bond and centric project will be doing this work. Any further discussion or questions for Dr. Grant
hearing? None. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Those who oppose say nay. Thank you. That motion does pass. Our 13th item this evening is the approval to accept the bid and contract for demolition scope of work and asbestous and lead paint removal at Fairmont Elementary
School. We'll entertain a motion. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Thank you. Discussion. Dr. Grant. >> All right. When you begin such extensive work on a building of that age, uh you'll have to address asbestous and those lead paint issues. This was building was built in 1924, so quite
old. And this will be a cost of $1,49,750 from the bond um at abatement services. >> Any further discussion, questions for Dr. Grant. >> Hearing none, all in favor say I.
>> I. I. >> Those who oppose say nay. Thank you. That motion does pass. Our 14th item this evening is the approval to accept and sign proposal for Freedom Interiors for furniture replacement at Cordy Elementary School. I will entertain a motion.
>> So moved. >> Second. >> Discussion. Dr. >> All right. Cordi has been identified as one of the major renovations this summer uh regarding updating classrooms. As we update classrooms, we are replacing aging furniture um here at Cordy for the
cost of $417,3754 from Freedom Interiors. And this will come from the bond. >> And the chairs and library chairs are very cute. Enjoy, Courtney. >> Thanks. >> And is this uh schoolwide
replacement? >> Could you clarify that? is is it schoolwide? >> Yes. >> All the all the classrooms. >> Got it. Thank you. All right. Any further questions or discussion for Dr. Grant? >> Hearing none. All in favor say I.
>> I. >> I. >> Those who oppose say nay. That motion passes. Thank you. Our 15th item this evening, approval to accept bid and contract for phase two renovations at Independence Academy. I will entertain a motion.
>> So moved. Second >> Dr. Gray discussion. >> All right. This would be for renovation of the second floor at Independence Academy, updating classrooms and reconfiguring the space to be more usable. It's just a very wonky design. Um so we'll be able to use that and
utilize that for classrooms. Um at a cost of 782,311 by Centric and this will come from the bond. >> Thank you, Dr. Grant. Any questions or comments for Dr. Grant at this time? Um, can you clarify what part of the building is phase two?
>> Second floor. >> Second floor. >> Second floor. And that's where the phase one was as well, right? I was on the second floor. >> So I think that there were some components done on uh the second floor. Yeah. >> So the ground floor, then the first floor, then the second floor. So there's actually on both the first and second
floor. There's a few rooms on that one floor on the first floor that will be renovated with the second phase as well, but majority of it is on the upper level where the library is. >> Oh, okay. the library and like the the older classrooms, not the little ones
which was last time. Got it. Thank you. >> Thank you. Any further questions or discussions for Dr. Great at this time or Greg McGee? >> Just say >> I thought to make that suggestion, but it's >> get your exercise.
>> All right. Hearing none. All in favor, please say I. >> I. >> I. Those who oppose say nay. That motion passes. Thank you. Our 16th item this evening is accept approval to accept bid and contract renovation at
William Chrisman High School Counseling Suite, Randall Elementary School, Family School Leaison Suite and James Bridger Middle School elevator. I will entertain a motion. >> So moved. >> Second.
>> Second. >> Thank you. Discussion, Dr. Grant. All right. The renovation of the counseling suite at William Chrisman will add additional meeting rooms for use in storage. This will also remove temporary walls um and they'll become permanent walls. Randall will have um an update to
the FSL suite to add additional meeting rooms and storage as well as another adult bathroom. They have had one adult restroom in that building for as long as I can remember. So, they're very excited about that. And an elevator fat bridger. This will cost 1.2 two one,260,349
MJ construction and this will come from the bond. >> Any further discussion or questions for Dr. Grant? >> And forgive me, I don't recall how much is the elevator of that because I imagine that it's a big I just tried to pull it up. >> 518,000.
>> Yeah, those ain't chip chains. Thank you. Any further discussion for Dr. Grant? Hearing none, all in favor say I. I. >> Those who oppose say nay. And that motion does pass. Item 17, approval to
accept the guarantee maximum price GMO amendment number one from Newkerk Novok Construction Partners Incorporated for Fairmount Elementary School renovation and Cordy Elementary School classroom renovations. I will entertain a motion.
>> So moved. Second >> discussion. Dr. Grant. >> All right. As we know, Fairmont and Cordy will undergo renovations this summer. We're asking to accept the guaranteed maximum price for Newkerk and Novak Construction Partners at 27,811,35.
This will come from bond funds. Any further discussion or questions for Dr. Grant? Hearing none, I will enter. All in favor say I. I. >> I. >> Those who oppose say nay. That motion does pass. Thank you. Our
18th item this evening. >> Sorry. Is the approval to accept quote an agreement of the replacement of the intercom system at William Chrisman High School? I will entertain a motion. >> So moved. >> Second.
>> Discussion. Dr. Grant. >> This intercom at Christmas is 30 plus years old. We're asking for the approval cost of $296,212 um through automated control system as a part of the bond. This pro this system will be consistent with other systems
throughout the district. >> Is there a life expectancy for this system? >> 30 plus years. Wow, man. I feel like we got some students that might want to get involved in building this project, maybe. All right.
Any further discussion or questions for Dr. Great at all? >> And I just wanted to clarify since it's in the board packets but not on the agenda that it is a sole source um purchase because they're the only dealer in city metro. >> Thank you. Any further points of clarity, questions, or comments for Dr.
Grant at this time? Hearing none. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Those who oppose say nay. >> Thank you. That motion passes. Our 19th item this evening is approval of the chief financial officer CFO job
description. I will entertain a motion. >> So moved. Second. >> Discussion. Dr. Crane. >> All right. And I will turn this over to Dr. Stout as he worked through this process. >> Thank you. Dr. Melo, our incoming superintendent, has worked closely with
HR and coming up with a job description for a chief financial officer or CFO position. The CFO role is intended to integrate financial oversight with the management of support services, ensuring both fiscal and physical environments of the district. The CFO position will be a
12-month position. Uh interviews for this position will occur in the near future. We would ask this evening that the board of education approve the CFO position outlined in this motion as requested by the new superintendent of schools, Dr. >> Any further discussion, questions?
I don't know that it needs to be in the job description, but um I just feel like with our current budget concern, funding concerns in general that it might be important that we have a CFO report at our board
meetings every month. So, just worked into our agenda. >> Yeah, I think that's something operational we can work together on for sure. Thank you, Director Puente. Any further questions or concerns at all? Another clarifying question, when do we
update, just since we have done this a couple times lately, when do we update job descriptions in general? >> Yeah, great question. Um, this this one's unique um because it's a cabinet level position and in my tenure here, which is completing 13 years, I think
it's the first time we brought a cabinet position to the board for approval. And that's why we're doing so. But typically our process is uh HR works closely with assistant superintendent, directors. They will uh review job descriptions
annually and typically there'll be a tweak here or there. Perhaps there's a new software program that's being used by a secretary of the department etc. So they go through those things and then make those slight changes and then um and that's how that process works.
>> Thank you. >> Great question. Any further discussion, questions or points of clarity at all? I'm saying not saying no. So if all hearts and minds are clear, whatever that means. All in favor say I. >> I.
>> Those who oppose say nay. That motion does carry. Thank you. Our last item this evening for our new business agenda uh is approval of lease and agreement with Messiah Lutheran Church. Dr. Grant or sorry, I will entertain a motion.
So moved. >> Second. >> Dr. Green. >> All right. Um as we get ready to renovate Fairmont Elementary School, um which will be significant. Grades K through 4 will be located at Messiah
Lutheran Church for next school year in the area. Um the school will be um it's located the p in the past before it closed. Um there's enough space to house necessary staff and we would ask that you approve the lease agreement. Um, it will be for inind improvements to the
facility. >> Do we have an estimate on about how much we're looking at for the inkind improvements? >> Between 200 and $350,000. Majority of that is asphalt and concrete because they have failing asphalt and
concrete and they're worried about our buses continuingly to damage the rest of that. We're going to replace the parking lot. Great question. Thank you. Any further questions or
>> um I have a question for you. >> There you go. Yes, we will provide additional busing for all of our students, but it doesn't seem to be much of an increase in cost or anything. >> Um, Mr. Huddleston back there. >> We haven't been able to determine just
what those additional services are going to look like and what that will translate for. >> So, it'll be two um three additional buses, correct? >> In addition to two to three additional buses. >> That's all. Thanks. >> Thank you. Great questions. Great questions. Any further discussion,
questions, or points of clarity? Hearing none, all in favor say I. I. I. >> Those who oppose say nay. That motion passes. Thank you. I will now entertain a motion to adjurnn. >> I move to adjurnn to close session
concern to Missouri state statute for personnel issues 610.021-3, legal matter 610.021-1 and real estate 610.021-2. >> Second. >> Yes.
Yes, >> we are ajourned. Thank you.