The Worth County School Board met on August 18, 2022 for the district’s monthly meeting. The board held the required tax rate hearing, followed by the regular monthly meeting. During the meeting, the board set the tax rate at $3.52 per $100 of assessed valuation and the debt service levy at $0.25 per $100 of assessed valuation. The board also approved the prepayment of $70,000 in current bonds, which will save the district $3,200 in future interest expense.
Elementary principal, Mr. Chuck Borey, reported on the enrollment increase of the elementary. The increased enrollment of the kindergarten class brings the district’s enrollment to eight students more than 2021-2022. High school principal, Mr. Jon Adwell, discussed the professional learning that the district staff has been participating in throughout the summer and as the beginning of the year meetings begin. The professional development has included work on mathematics curriculum and resources, reading instruction training, and several other content driven trainings throughout the summer. Activities director, Mr. Josh Smith, shared with the board participation numbers for fall sports that began practice on August 8. He said, “Currently, the district has high enough participation in JH activities to remain a seventh and eighth grade only junior high member of MSHSAA.”
In the superintendent’s report, Mr. Chris Healy, discussed some of the facility projects that happened during the summer. The lockers in the high school were repainted and repaired, adding a needed upgrade and functionality to the 7-12 grade building. The roof on the agriculture building is currently undergoing repair and maintenance. The teacher workroom and handicapped restroom was renovated over the summer through the use of grant funds. The softball field has undergone some renovation throughout July and August with the combined efforts of many groups. Donations from the Aivry Griffin Memorial Foundation, as well as help from the Worth County Ball Board, school district funds, and extensive community support have provided resources and labor to make the improvements to the softball field. The district long range planning committee will meet to re-evaluate the goals and needs of the district in regards to facility maintenance, improvements, and continued safety upgrades.
In personnel news, it was reported that the state has released guidelines for the Career Ladder program that has been implemented again at the state level. This program provides incentives to retain highly qualified and experienced teachers, as well as resources to provide extra support for students. In personnel action, the board approved the substitute teacher list for the 2022-2023 school year. The year begins with the first day of school on August 23, after three days of professional development for the staff.
The next board meeting will be September 15. More information on the meeting and board of education agendas can be found at: https://www.wc.k12.mo.us/boemeetings
