The Sweet Springs Board of Education met Monday, Jan. 7, to hire next school year's auditor.

The board approved hiring auditor Randall Fiene. He has been the district auditor for a number of years.

"I can't remember a time when someone else has done it," said Superintendent Boyd Jones. "I am aware of no reason to end that relationship."

"He is extremely thorough," said Doug Vogelsmeier, board member.

"I don't think we can find anyone better or easier to get along with," said John Dorhman, board president.

Jones told the board that the district received the Distinction in Performance Award for the third consecutive year.

This honor recognizes the district's academic progress and achievement during the last school year.

"We officially received the notice Friday (Jan. 4)," Jones said.

According to a press release from Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), the award is based on the 14 academic performance standards that are now used in the accreditation of all public school districts. The standards are based on scores from the state-mandated MAP tests, graduation rate, attendance, ACT scores and other indicators.

"The staff should be commended," Dorhman said. He continued, the community should be proud of the students hard work and progress.

A total of 294 school districts qualified for the annual recognition. Last year, 235 districts qualified for the award.

The week of Monday, Jan. 28 through Friday, Feb. 1, is school board recognition week.

"We want to thank the board for the work you do," Jones said. "It may not be the most glamorous job, but we do appreciate what you do for the district."

This week gives the district's administration, faculty and staff the opportunity to thank the board for all the contributions of time and effort that they make for the benefit of the students at Sweet Springs, Jones said.

Both elementary and high school had 95 percent attendance for December.

The next board meeting is Monday, Feb. 18, at 6:30 p.m.

Contact Rachel Harper at marshallcity@socket.net