MV-BT School Board bids farewell to long-time member Shelly Mantel

The Mountain View-Birch Tree R-III School District Board of Education met on Thursday, March 19 and recognized board members. One member received her certificate and gift for the last time.

 

Shelly Mantel has served the district for over 15 years, first being elected in 2011. "My only hope is that I made a difference in the lives of our students, helped our teachers feel honored and improved their lives," said Mantel. "My hope is that I did as my dad taught me .. to leave everything you touch better than you found it."

 

Mantel went on to explain that she will continue to serve as the MSBA (Missouri School Boards' Association) Board President until June 15, and then as past president for the year to come. "It has been a privilege to serve our community."

 

The meeting carried on with the following being approved:

- minutes of February 19 regular and March 12 special meeting

- payment of bills in the amount of $351,709.27

- revisions to Policy IKC; class rankings

- payment of $267 for supply to The Angel Garden with Shelly Mantel abstaining

- bids/contracts for Physical Therapy from Ozarks Health, Speech Language Pathology Services from Lydia Hayes, and Private Duty Nursing as presented for 2026-2027

- 2015 Blue Bird diesel school bus to be listed as surplus property

- Bus Negotiation Agreement

 

The board heard/discussed the financial report from Superintendent Lanna Tharp for February 2026 with balance in all funds at $11,133,566.13.

 

During closed session, the board approved/accepted the following:

- Resignations: Lyndsey Dudley, BT Counselor effective June 30, 2026

- Certified Substitute List: Caleb Cloud, and Bill Altermatt

- Bus Driver Substitute List: Brandon Radford, Jeremy Tharp, and Barbara Williams

- New Hires for 2026-2027 School Year: Rachel Bell, MV Secretary; Cindy Drew, SE Teacher; Tori Healey, MS Teacher; Ashley Caldwell, SE Teacher; Alicia Duckett, SLP-A; Krista Campbell, HS Teacher

- Tenured Teachers for 2026-2027 School Year: Holly Smith, Kristina Reese, Jessica Abbey, and Trina Frazier

- Probationary Teachers for 2026-2027 School Year: Janiece Wilbanks, Shauna Wells, Abigail Orchard-Jester, and Lucas Frazier

- Employ Retired Teachers for 2026-2027 School Year: Sherri Caldwell, SE Teacher; Don Christensen, HS Teacher; Brenda Allen, Elementary Teacher; and Patricia Wilhelm, SE Teacher

- Employ Katie Shockley as High School Assistant Principal for the 2026-2027 school year