Staff writer
At least 15 teachers attended the Centre school board meeting Monday, plleging their support for Superintendent Brian Smith.
While the board met in closed session for almost two hours to evaluate Smith’s performance, the teachers expressed their support outside the meeting room.
“In general as a staff, we support what is occurring in education here at Centre,” teacher Yvonne Burhoop said.
Others expressed appreciation for Smith’s presence at extra-curricular events. They agreed he has established a good learning environment and is supportive of the staff’s efforts to increase learning. Hallways are quiet, they said, and students are in their classrooms.
Some teachers said having one administrator doesn’t work. They said the superintendent is overworked. He is the sole administrator of the kindergarten through 12th grade as well as the virtual program. They recommended the board hire another administrator or assistant.
After returning to open session, the board took no action. However, at the end of the meeting, board members asked Smith to look into the cost and feasibility of hiring a fifth-through-12th-grade principal or an assistant principal.
The board met for an hour with Smith in closed session to discuss nonelected personnel. In open session, they accepted three resignations effective at the end of the year. Elementary school teacher Megan Stuchlik plans to be a stay-at-home mom. At-risk coordinator and teacher Carol Hanschu is retiring after 40 years with the district. Head cook Inge Nordstrom is retiring after 25 years at Centre.
The board accepted a bid from Midwest Transit Equipment of Nixa, Missouri for a new 2015 school bus for $74,580 with trade. Transportation Director Bob Mueller said the cost is less than what was paid for a new bus in 2012. Six lower bids on used buses were also considered.
Lori Soo Hoo of Parents As Teachers reported that PAT is currently serving eight families and 10 children in the Centre school district. The board approved an assessment of $3,630 for the new fiscal year starting July 1.
Smith reported he will look into the costs of providing a pre-school program.
He announced that Jean Brunner received the Tri-County Educator of the Year Award from Herington Chamber of Commerce.