Clark County R-1 Board Urged to Invest in Gifted Education Program

KAHOKA, Mo. — The Clark County R-1 Board of Education heard a passionate plea from a district educator and parent to invest in a full-time gifted education program during its regular meeting on Jan. 15.

Erin Hopp, a teacher at Clark County R-1 and parent of gifted children, addressed board members during public comment to advocate for a more structured and dedicated gifted education program. Drawing comparisons to established programs in Palmyra, Hopp emphasized the long-term academic and emotional benefits of gifted services, as well as the need to comply with changing state standards.

“I am here tonight to advocate for a gifted program,” Hopp said. “I would like the district to set a goal to create and fill a full-time position.”

Her request aligns with new requirements from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Beginning in the 2024–25 school year, Missouri law mandates that any district in which 3% or more of students are identified as gifted must operate a state-approved gifted program. For districts with more than 350 students — such as Clark County R-1, which enrolls about 1,000 — that program must be led by a teacher certified in gifted education.

Board member Erick Arnold questioned whether the district meets the threshold. “Are you telling me we don’t have 27 kids who would qualify?” he asked, referencing the 3% benchmark.

Hopp’s presentation addressed multiple key components for a successful program, including:

•Reliable and equitable identification practices to ensure all students — including those who are underrepresented — have access.

•A structured enrichment schedule that integrates seamlessly with core instruction.

•Retention-focused policies that avoid penalizing students for participating in gifted pullout sessions, such as missed recess or increased classwork.

•A dedicated classroom or learning space for gifted instruction.

Under DESE guidelines, state-approved programs must provide at least 150 minutes of direct instructional time per week with a certified gifted teacher. Classes should average around 10 students and must go beyond standard curriculum with a focus on complex reasoning, creative problem-solving, and independent thinking.

Gifted identification is also a formalized process. Districts are expected to conduct universal screening and further evaluation, using a combination of cognitive testing, academic achievement scores, and creative reasoning assessments. The recommended goal is to identify about 5% of the student population as gifted.

Hopp concluded her remarks by calling the expansion of gifted services a “strategic investment” in the district’s future.

Project Updates and Facility Improvements

Superintendent Lydel Whittle provided an update on several facility projects:

• At Black Hawk Elementary, the new walk-in freezer entry has been enclosed, and a collapsed drain line has been replaced.

• The board approved a low bid of $11,025 from Campen for the installation of a new water heater at the high school.

• Board members also approved the latest policy updates recommended by the Missouri School Boards’ Association (MSBA).

Technology and Food Services

The board unanimously voted to renew the Cyberschool website for another year at a cost of $2,345, maintaining the district’s digital learning infrastructure.

Representatives Kayla Bryant and Kayla Jensen from OPAA! Food Services presented first-semester meal participation data:

•23,949 breakfasts served, with a participation rate of 27.3%.

• 52,872 lunches served, with a 63.6% participation rate.

The presenters encouraged the district to consider launching an after-school meals program, which could serve up to 1,000 additional meals per day, particularly benefiting students involved in extracurricular activities or those needing evening nutrition support.

Building-Level Reports

Principals and administrators from across the district shared building-level highlights:

•Black Hawk Elementary Principal Betsy Parrish reported that the NED yo–yo character education program was a “big success.” She also praised the school’s recent multi-grade music program, directed by Amy Wallain, as “phenomenal.”

•Running Fox Elementary Principal Amber Hall echoed the praise for the music event and recapped December activities including holiday-themed cookie decorating and ornament making.

•Indian Pride Learning Center Director Olivia Nixon expressed gratitude to the maintenance staff for remodeling her office and the conference room to better meet staff needs. She also noted that students were gradually returning to routine — a key factor for students receiving special education services.

•Middle School Assistant Principal John Weaver highlighted the counseling work of Madison Gray and noted that attendance had been strong until the current week. With winter sports concluded, the school is waiting for track season.

•High School Principal Dennis Dent described this time of year as particularly active. Basketball, FFA, and music competitions are ongoing. He also acknowledged that 17 students had achieved perfect attendance for the first semester, though several others had accumulated more than 20 absences.

Looking Ahead

The board will reconvene for its next regular meeting at 6 p.m. on Feb. 19.