Kennett board discusses financial gains and future projects amidst enrollment challenges

KENNETT, Mo. - The Kennett No. 39 Board of Education met Tuesday, Oct. 15 and Supt. Dr. Richie Leeker reported financials and business conducted by the board.

There is a bank balance of $25,110,904, an increase of $2,321,458 from the September 2023 balance of $22,789,446.

The district received 17.4 percent of its budgeted revenue and expended 13.6 percent of its budgeted expenditures.

The September 2024 total enrollment for the district was 1,739 students. This is 59 students less than the September enrollment for 2023 of 1,798 students.

The average daily attendance for September 2024 was 1,617. This is a decrease from the September 2023 average daily attendance of 1,663. The overall attendance rate for the district was 94.4 percent.

September had 19 days of attendance with a 94.4 percent attendance rate, which is equal to 30,893 possible lunch and breakfast meals. That said, the district is being reimbursed for 21,157 lunches or 68.48 percent, and 29,499 breakfasts, or 95.49 percent of the total possible meals.

In September 2024 (19 days), the district used 135 substitute teachers, compared to 128 in August (19 days).

The board approved Mr. Nathan Baker, Asst. Supt., as the District Compliance Officer (ADA and Title IX Coordinator) for the 2024-2025 school year.

Approved Mrs. Andi Maddox, Dir. of Curriculum, as the Migrant, and ESL Coordinator for the 2024-2025 school year.

Approved Mrs. Jane Cook, social worker, as the Homeless Coordinator for the 2024-2025 school year.

Approved Mrs. Sarah Hansen, Dir. of Special Education, as the Section 504 Coordinator for the 2024-2025 school year.

Approved the proposed revision to the Local Assessment Plan, as submitted by Andi Maddox.

Approved the proposed revision to the Curriculum Development Plan, as submitted by Andi Maddox.

Approved the 2024-2025 District Testing Schedule, submitted by Andi Maddox, Dir. of Curriculum and Instruction.

Approved the MSBA 2024C Policy updates and revisions as presented by Leeker.

Approved a Community Health Worker position for the Kennett School District that will be grant-funded from September 2024 through September 2029.

Discussed a Resolution Calling for a Special No-Tax Increase School Bond Election to be held in April 2025 and the ballot language. This would address security upgrades district-wide, renovations to the Career Center, and replace various roofs throughout the district.

Discussed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with the Veregy Company for various capital projects throughout the district.

Accepted the resignation of Madison Swafford, Kindergarten secretary at Masterson Elementary School, effective September 6, 2024.

Accepted the resignation of Katline Wilkins, Kennett Middle School nurse, effective September 27, 2024.

Accepted the resignation of Sara Clark, Kennett Middle School AEP instructor, effective September 20, 2024.

Terminated John Sharkey, effective September 24, 2024.

Employed Brandi Coffer as the kindergarten secretary at Masterson Elementary School, effective September 30, 2024.

Employed Alexus Nelson as the school nurse at Kennett Middle School, effective October 16, 2024.

Employed Payton Martin as a personal paraprofessional at Kennett Middle School, effective October 16, 2024.

Employed Bianca Burton as a personal paraprofessional at Kennett High School, effective October 16, 2024.

Terminated Sharee Suttle, effective October 11, 2024.

The Kennett No. 39 Board of Education meets at 5:30 p.m. the third Tuesday of every month in the board room at Kennett High School, 1400 W. Washington St., Kennett.

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