Willow Springs Board of Education reviews performance scores

R-IV school board members discussed district performance, financial matters, and staff additions. Curriculum Director Chris Waggoner presented the district’s annual performance review. The review analyzes the district in two areas—performance and continuous improvement. The district’s score for performance was 77.7%, down 1.8% from last year, and the score for continuous improvement was 98.0%, down 0.1% from last year. Overall, the district was given a score of 83.7%—the overall score for last year was 84.8%.

 

These scores are calculated based on student performance in standardized testing as well as support for students who may encounter additional difficulties in school, such as English language learners and students with disabilities. Waggoner noted a significant performance gap between the general population and students with additional difficulties as a contributing factor to the district scores. 

 

The board plans on discussing district finances more at their upcoming Winter Retreat but noted that the balance of all funds is approximately $2,464,000 at present. This is a decrease from last month’s balance of approximately $2,916,000 and last year’s balance of approximately $5,020,000.

 

Guest Kenny Thomas presented the district’s annual audit for 2023, which the board discussed in-depth and approved unanimously. Thomas noted an “internal control deficiency” in the district’s finances, a common problem for small organizations that would require more accounting staff to correct. The total spending for the year was $16,315,000, resulting in a net loss of $477,000 after revenue.

 

Members voted unanimously to approve the consent agenda. The consent agenda included approving the meeting agenda, the minutes from last month’s meeting, and bills payable, recognizing the current funds balance, and approving the hiring of new staff members. In the closed session of the meeting, members discussed plans for hiring, firing, disciplining, or promoting employees.

 

Present at the meeting were President Mac Gum, board members Adam Webb, Matt Hobson, Scott Foster, Jeff Lovan, Brent Colley, Debbie Bryan, Superintendent Marty Spence, and Board Secretary Mandy Scarbrough. Also present was newly chosen Student Representative Kolton Stolba. 

 

Howell County News did not receive notice of this January 8 meeting until 2:16 p.m. on the same day. Missouri law requires political entities to notify both the public and the news media at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting. According to Scarborough, physical notice was posted on January 5, but a “computer glitch” prevented timely notice to this news outlet.

 

The Willow Springs Board of Education meets on the second Monday of each month, and the next session will be on Feb. 12 at 6:00 p.m. Board meetings are open to the public.

 

In other actions: 

    • The date for the annual Winter Retreat was changed to Saturday, Feb. 17

    • The board plans to form an evaluation committee to work on recommendations for improving evaluation scores

    • Two items on the agenda were changed—a presentation by the high school’s National Honor Society chapter was moved to February due to weather, and the appointment of a new maintenance position was tabled for future action

    • The board approved the hiring of a new substitute: Hannah Collins, and two full-time staff members: Jessica Boutcher and Sonia Williams