Clark County R-1 Board Approves Budget Amid State Funding Concerns

KAHOKA, Mo. — The Clark County R-1 School Board approved its annual budget June 11 while discussing concerns about state funding, future building needs at Black Hawk Elementary and the district’s Career Ladder program.

Superintendent Lyndel Whittle told the board the district will receive $6,875 per student in state funding, though the amount should be $7,145. He said that difference represents about a $290,000 loss for the district.

“We’re not going to get the funding we’re supposed to get,” Whittle said while reviewing the end of Missouri’s legislative session.

Whittle said roughly 37% of the district’s budget comes from state funding. The board approved a $1,000 pay increase for certified staff, in addition to any step increases. Whittle noted that many districts are freezing salaries because of budget pressures.

The board also continued discussion on the Black Hawk Elementary expansion project. Whittle said the district’s current bonding capacity is about $7.5 million and is expected to reach about $10 million by 2029.

Board member Erick Arnold questioned why the idea of including employee daycare in future plans has been rejected quickly when he raises it. Arnold noted that the Palmyra R-1 School District approved an employee daycare program at its June board meeting, and said Clark County should at least consider whether a similar option could help recruit and retain staff.

Arnold also said the district needs a plan for how to use the Running Fox building if all elementary students are eventually moved to Black Hawk. He said the district also should do a better job letting the community know what it provides.

The board also discussed the possibility of creating a before-and after-school program similar to one in Canton.

In a related facilities matter, Betsy Parrish reported damage at Black Hawk Elementary after heavy rains caused a roof drain to fail, flooding the upstairs portion of the building.

The district’s Career Ladder program also was reviewed. Donna Flood gave the annual report, saying 62 teachers participated this year and documented 6,226 hours, up about 200 hours from last year. Of those hours, 2,380 were spent tutoring students.

The program provides extra pay for teachers who complete additional tutoring or other school-related work. Stage 1 requires 50 hours and pays $1,500. Stage 2 requires 75 to 100 hours and pays $3,000. Stage 3 requires more than 100 hours and pays $5,000. The state pays 60% of the cost.

Flood said five teachers participated at Level 1, four at Level 2 and 53 at Level 3. She said 63 staff members have signed letters of intent to participate next year.

“It is a way to make it more attractive for teachers in Missouri,” Flood said.

The board also discussed updating teacher contract language. Whittle said it has been several years since the language was reviewed.

In transportation matters, the board voted to move the Lake of the Oaks area back into Black Hawk territory. The area had been in the Running Fox attendance area, which made the route longer. Board members were told only a few families live in the area, and four families planned to petition the board for the move. One student could potentially be affected by the change.

The district also plans to adjust four other bus routes to make them shorter. The board approved spending $12,787 to update the transportation tracking system on several buses.

Administrators also reported on summer school and other district activities. Emily McDaniel said 217 students are enrolled in summer school, including 161 in kindergarten through fifth grade. Five field trips were scheduled, including one to Memphis to see a musical play about Ella Ewing.

Olivia Nixon reported that IPLC is moving some classrooms to better accommodate students.

The board also discussed the district’s response to recent severe weather. During a tornado warning, two buses had to shelter in Wayland. Board members discussed whether the district should have dismissed earlier because severe weather was expected.

Whittle also reported that the district earned the Clarence Cannon Conference Sportsmanship Award after receiving perfect sportsmanship scores throughout the year.

“That says a lot about our kids, the fans and the coaches,” Whittle said.