By staff writer
The regular meeting of the Gasconade County R-1 School District’s Board of Education that was reconvened on Monday, Feb. 18.
That board meeting was opened and then adjourned when they learned the tragic news of a crash that killed Austin Van Booven and Amanda Witthaus, two former Hermann High School students.
At the Feb. 18 meeting, the board set commencement for the 2013 Hermann High School graduating class for Thursday, May 16.
The meeting began with several recognitions, including an acknowledgement of Missouri School Board Week. Cathy Marsch presented the Board with the Bronze award for Healthy United States Schools Competition – a nutrition and activity based award program. This was won by Hermann Elementary School.
Sara Fahrenholtz, HHS senior and student representative on the board, shared a student perspective on the presence of police in our schools. She indicated that most students viewed the police with either a neutral or positive feeling and that they usually felt this improved the sense of safety.
Ethan Honnell, Gasconade County Teachers’ Association representative, presented GCTA’s requests for the Board’s consideration–specifically, that the board consider easing the personal leave policy and that the district provide email to paraprofessionals. The Board expressed reservations about the former, but allowed that a discussion between GCTA and administration would be appropriate. It seemed that email for paraprofessionals was a possibility.
The board adopted policies and procedures related to tax compliance for bonds which enjoy a tax advantaged position. While IRS audits are somewhat rare, it is important to take proactive steps now to ensure compliance and to provide evidence of such should an audit occur.
The board extended the contract with Opaa!, the district’s food service firm, for the 2013-2014 school year. Further, the board listened to a proposal for a change in pre-school to cope with the loss of Missouri Pre-school Project Grant funding. The board asked for an update in March.
Superintendent Dr. Chris Neale reported on the progress for the safety plan revisions.
Lolly Rogers provided a K-8 Packet for Summer School, which was approved. Mrs. Rogers was hired as summer school director in executive session.
In other executive session business, the board took official action to hire Gary Leimkuehler as deputy superintendent, Kent Sherrow as High School principal, and Matt Kohrs as assistant maintenance director.
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By staff writer Hermann’s Blake Grannemann broke his own school record in
Crusade Against Cancer Hog Roast has been re-scheduled to May 18th.
By staff writer Approximately 200 family members and friends gathered at the