R-VII tracks upcoming state changes, delays invoices to insurance group

Incoming superintendent Matthew Orchard is continuing to track changes to public education handed down from the state school board, heard the board of the West Plains R-VII school district. Orchard’s update indicated the first round of grades in the new A-F grading system for school districts has been prepared and provided to the State Board, which will meet on October 20 after press time. During R-7’s October 12 meeting, Orchard advised the board that the state adequacy target is $7,145 per student. However, in July, August, and September state funding was below that mark at roughly $6,750, down about two percent from the same time last year. 

 

In his report to the board, current superintendent Dr. Wes Davis, reported that the district’s former health insurance group, Missouri Educators Unified Health Plan (MEUHP) is out of funds to pay claims for the existing consortium. As previously reported by Howell County News, the district received an unexpected and unbudgeted $750,000 bill from MEUHP in February of 2026. In this month’s update, Davis told the board MEUHP is asking schools to pay another assessment. The West Plains School District does not intend to pay any further invoices or assessments until the previously requested, necessary, and required historical information is provided to Ozarks Schools Benefits Association (OSBA), reads the meeting minutes.  Orchard has notified MEUHP of this decision.

 

Within the district, Virginia Uphaus reported that the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) launched last month, with and served approximately 1,300 meals to students participating in tutoring and after-school activities. Also in her report, therapy sessions have begun at school, with 11 sessions conducted in September. Separately, the Zizzer Clinic recorded 148 medical visits during the month.

 

In other actions, the board hired the following non-certified employees: Miriam Montalvo, paraprofessional, Audrey Bressler, paraprofessional, Daniel Davis, paraprofessional, Aynsley Acklin, WPE office manager, Jordan Jennings, full-time route driver, and Cassidy Bingham, paraprofessional.

 

The board approved the following volunteers: Thom Hoglen, Michael Emerick, Brittany Bryant, Shelley Martin, choir only, Lisa Riggs, and Christian Martin. 

 

The board approved the following resignations: Brian Hodges, custodian, Shayla Brazeal, paraprofessional, Mark Dillion, facility and grounds maintenance, Dray Henry, paraprofessional, Kendra Vreeland, special education teacher effective at the end of the year, Drew Crawford, physical education teacher, middle school football and boys basketball, effective October 12. 

 

The board approved the termination of Jarrod Girdley. 

 

Retirements approved this meeting were Whitney Orchard, West Plains Middle School Counselor and Donald “Mick” Price, high school social studies, both effective at the end of the year.