Superintendent John McEachern kicked off the meal with a short speech, thanking board members for their participation and their time, and thanking members of their families for supporting that commitment.

"You're in it with 'em," he said. "Just like teachers and coaches who give their time to the school, and make sacrifices, you family members are in it with 'em, too."

High school students Sam Spurgin, Justin Creswell and Gabrielle Fisher served the meal, which was prepared by Jan Thieman's Family and Consumer Science department, with help from high school Principal Jim Audsley.

The regular board meeting opened with approval of the minutes of the regular meeting held Dec. 18 and a special meeting held Jan. 8.

In old business, McEachern noted that light fixtures have been replaced and the hole in the Alexander building has been fixed.

Approval was granted for several uses of the facility, including the Senior Prom After-party, a movie night sponsored by the Parent-Teacher Organization to reward students who sold 12 or more items in a school fundraiser and the Saline County Day meeting on April 24.

Approval was also granted for a field trip to Kansas City Zoo by the FFA organization during National FFA week, Feb. 16-23. Teacher Zach Crews and three chaperones will accompany approximately 22 students on the field trip.

The board approved pursuit of several grants, including the "We the People" bookshelf. Each year, the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) sponsors the bookshelf, in conjunction with the American Library Association (ALA). This year's theme is "Created Equal." According to the NEH Web site, book titles selected for the bookshelf "might highlight important chapters in American history; or express universal themes that are integral parts of American culture. NEH awards the bookshelves to libraries across the country for use in programs primarily for young people. U.S. public and school (K-12) libraries are eligible to apply. In return for receiving a Bookshelf, libraries organize programs that highlight the theme and encourage young readers to explore the selected books."

McEachern asked for and was granted approval to pursue a grant of up to $275,000 from Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT). The grant is part of a "Safe Routes to School" program established by the Federal government in 2005. Missouri's program is administered by MoDOT. Funds can be used for a variety of projects, including improvement of streets and roads, signs and crossing guard training. Since the grant is per school, Slater is eligible for two grants -- one for Slater High and one for Alexander Elementary.

McEachern noted, "Our community can benefit tremendously from this, making conditions safer for getting our kids to school. The program has a wide realm of benefits." He is working with Gene Griffith, assistant city administrator for Slater, to complete the required paperwork by the due date in late February.

The board also approved renewal of the school district's umbrella insurance policy and payment of the annual maintenance agreement with Missouri School Board Association.

Action on a change in payment of summer pay to teachers was tabled until more information can be obtained.

Alexander Principal Jean Dowell reported that "things are running smoothly, with few discipline problems." Students are preparing for the academic contest Saturday, Jan. 26. Science Fair week is Feb. 11-15. The music department will attend a contest in Fayette on Feb. 29. Due to student involvement in the contest, the school dance originally scheduled for that day has been postponed to March. 14.

High School Principal Jim Audsley reported enrollment at 166 students. Grades were mailed Jan. 14. Audsley said, "I'm really looking forward to it," regarding a Monday, Jan. 21, program designed around African-American cultural contributions in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Normally a holiday, the day will be a make-up day for a snow day on Dec. 11.

Audsley said he was "really proud of" the newly-formed student council, which has taken on a project to replace lockers Audsley said were old "when I was student myself." The group is investing prices and options and will present the information at a future board meeting.

Wrapping up, McEachern again expressed his thanks to the board for their service and cooperation, and presented each with a certificate of appreciation signed by Missouri Governor Matt Blunt.

The next special meeting of the board is Friday, Feb. 1, at noon; the next regular meeting will be held Tuesday, Feb. 19, at 7 p.m.

Contact Kathy Fairchild at marshallhealth@socket.net