The Willow Springs R-IV School District Board of Education convened for its regular meeting on April 10 with Superintendent Marty Spence presiding over the proceedings. The meeting, held in compliance with the required public notice and with a full quorum, took place with significant decisions on board leadership reorganization, personnel changes, and policy updates that would shape the educational and operational dynamics of the district for the upcoming school year.
Board Reorganization and Appointments
Superintendent Spence initiated the session by calling to order and swiftly moved to oversee the reorganization of the board. In the presence of all incumbent members except Debbie Bryan, the board witnessed the swearing-in of re-elected members Mac Gum and Scott Foster by Board Secretary Mandy Scarbrough.
The first order of business was the election of the new board president and vice-president. Matt Hobson nominated Mac Gum for the presidency, which was unanimously approved with a 5-0 vote, Gum abstaining. Brent Colley then nominated Matt Hobson for the vice-presidency, also approved unanimously with Hobson abstaining.
Subsequent to the elections, the board affirmed Marty Spence as the custodian of records, Jaime Bryan as treasurer, and Mandy Scarbrough as board secretary, marking a seamless transition in the district's leadership roles.
Consent Agenda Approval
Under the consent agenda, the board approved several key items:
• The agenda for the current meeting.
• Minutes from the March session.
• A detailed budget report.
• Bills payable by the district.
Additionally, the board ratified personnel changes, approving the resignations of six district employees, including teachers and a communications coordinator, effective at the conclusion of the 2023-24 school year. To fill the impending vacancies, the board approved the hiring of seven new teachers across various schools within the district for the 2024-25 school year. These decisions reflect the district’s ongoing efforts to maintain a robust educational staff and address the evolving needs of the student body.
Policy Revisions and Approvals
A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to policy review and revisions, an ongoing effort to align the district's policies with best practices and legal requirements. The board, in a series of motions, approved multiple revisions as recommended by the Missouri School Boards' Association (MSBA). These revisions covered a wide range of policies including drug-free workplace conditions, student discipline, administration of medications, community use of district facilities, and more. This comprehensive policy overhaul aims to ensure the district maintains a safe, inclusive, and effective educational environment.
Updates and Discussions
The meeting also included updates on various administrative and operational aspects:
• The high school’s Interact chapter presented an update, showcasing their current projects and community engagement efforts.
• The Athletic Director discussed the status and future plans of the district’s athletic programs and facilities, highlighting ongoing improvements and challenges.
• Dr. Spence provided an update on health insurance adjustments for the next fiscal year, noting a modest 2% increase in premiums for the base deductible option.
• Discussions on tuition rates for the next fiscal year were also held, with the board deciding to maintain the non-resident tuition rate at $7,000.
Closed Session and Adjournment
As the meeting moved toward conclusion, the board transitioned into an executive session to discuss sensitive personnel matters including hiring, firing, and promoting of district employees. Following the closed session, the board unanimously voted to adjourn.
The regular meeting of the Willow Springs R-IV School District Board of Education highlighted the board’s commitment to transparency, fiscal responsibility, and strategic policy governance. As the district navigates the complexities of educational administration, the actions taken during this meeting underscore a proactive approach to leadership and accountability in serving the community’s educational needs.
