The Malta Bend Board of Education approved a new facility plan that Superintendent Melissa Vesser said would serve until the board has time to do more extensive planning.

Noting that Missouri School Improvement Plan requirements are due next spring, Vesser told the board it was important to quickly approve planning documents that would meet state standards.

"We're going to have to move fast and furious through these things," she said.

But she noted progress the district has made in a number of areas and shared with the board a list of recent improvements compiled by Custodian Roy Foster.

The board discussed a number of improvements that are still needed, including adding air conditioning units to classrooms and addressing water pressure problems.

Board President Art Madden said he had heard reports that students sometimes are not able to use restrooms in the morning because of low water pressure.

Board member Ann Gorrell said the water pressure problem is one the whole community has struggled with for some years.

Madden said it concerned him because of the potential safety hazard.

"Heaven forbid there's a fire on a Monday morning," he said. "When you're dealing with kids it shouldn't be an issue."

Vesser said she would investigate what steps the district might take to alleviate the problem, noting that at a school she worked at previously, water pressure problems were addressed by installing equipment designed to stabilize pressure.

Another top priority is adding air conditioning.

Vesser said the board should take into account not only the comfort of teachers and students but the impact comfort has on learning.

"We can all stand a little heat," she said, "but you can't get them to think. Everybody gets hot and tired. Teachers, too. My main concern is with instruction."

Vesser and Madden had good words to say about Foster, not only for his work compiling facility improvements but also for his general work ethic.

Madden said students have reported being impressed with his attention to detail and dedication.

The board also approved the creation of a faculty textbook committee to begin assessing needs.

Board members said they had received reports from students about outdated texts and insufficient quantities.

"In the past they didn't have enough books to go around," said board member Jackie Plattner. "We're a small school. That shouldn't happen."

Contact Eric Crump at

marshalleditor@socket.net