Malta Bend school board hears report on A+Plus Program (UPDATED 12:10 P.M.)

Malta Bend School District is one step closer to having an A+ Program, Principal Roger Feagan said at the school board meeting Thursday evening, Aug. 13.

Feagan and Superintendent Melissa Vesser recently attended a workshop in Jefferson City where they presented materials the school has compiled in preparation for beginning the program.

"They gave us ideas on what to do," Feagan said.

The school's plan is quite close to being finished according to guidelines, Feagan said. State A+ officials will inspect the school later in the year to determine if the program is viable.

Feagan also said the school's curriculum has been updated during the summer. When school begins, each teacher will be given a folder providing goals and objectives for the year.

"This is just exactly what we need," Feagan said. The new curriculum will be beneficial during the A+ inspection as well, he said.

In her report, Vesser told the board that the school building is quite ready to begin another year after much organizing, cleaning and painting.

"We've been busy," she said. "It's looking good around here."

Vesser also mentioned a recent reptilian encounter at the school. Three prairie rat snakes were seen in the building, but only one has been caught and removed. The snake is now on display at the Missouri Department of Conservation in Sedalia and has been christened Henry.

In other announcements, Board Secretary Debbie Kiser told board members that the "parent portal" system is now online. This program allows parents to access information about their children's attendance, grades, homework, behavior and other topics via the Internet.

"The school has really improved the information flow," Board President Art Madden said.

In action items, the board approved fundraisers for prom, cheerleading and FFA. The board also accepted the low bid for propane of $0.94 per gallon from MFA Oil in Alma. Board members confirmed all contract assignments for the year as well, including such positions as activities director, class sponsors and sports coaches.

Board members briefly discussed the second annual Billy F. Gwaltney Memorial Golf Tournament at Indian Foothills Park. Four students are playing in the event, and others are volunteering their services. The tournament helps raise funds for scholarships.

The board adjourned into closed session to discuss personnel matters and approved a new bus contract with Feagan Transportation that is approximately $20,000 cheaper than the previous year's contract.

The cheaper price was obtained by negotiating a lower basic fee and implementing efficiency monitoring policies, according to Madden and Board Vice President Mindy Rigby.

Board members Scott Moore, Doreena Forqueran, Jackie Plattner and Susan Jansen were also present at the meeting.

The board's next regularly scheduled meeting is Thursday, Sept. 10, at 7 p.m. in the school library.

Contact Sydney Stonner at marshallbusiness@socket.net