The North Mercer R-III School District Board of Education convened recently to address various matters, including the annual Tax Rate Hearing, board training, and multiple policy approvals.
During the Tax Rate Hearing, the board set the tax rate for the 2024/2025 school year at $5.2115 per $100 of assessed valuation. This rate represents a slight increase of $0.0221 from the previous year, resulting in an additional $13,155 for the district—a sum constituting less than 1% of the district’s operating budget.
In addition to the tax rate decision, the board participated in a training session facilitated by a representative from EdCounsel. This training was part of the ongoing efforts to ensure that board members are well-equipped to fulfill their duties effectively.
The board also received an update on the Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP) from the superintendent. He highlighted the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s (DESE) plan to commence Cycle 2 of the CSIP process during the 2025/2026 school year. DESE is expected to release preparatory documents for this cycle, which will emphasize the implementation and monitoring of CSIP. The superintendent encouraged the board to select 2-3 priority goals for the district, suggesting that improvements in math scores be one of the targeted areas.
Following the CSIP update, the board approved the Annual Secretary of the Board Report (ASBR), which will be submitted to DESE. Additionally, the board adopted the DESE Model for the Special Education Compliance Plan, ensuring alignment with state requirements.
In a move to support teacher compensation, the board voted to approve minimum salary levels, enabling teachers to benefit from the Teacher Baseline Salary Grant. This grant ensures that any teacher earning less than $40,000 annually will see their salary adjusted to meet this baseline for the upcoming school year, impacting 14 teachers within the district.
The board also approved the student and employee handbooks for the 2024/2025 school year, providing updated guidelines for both students and staff.
Other notable decisions included the approval of an increase in adult lunch prices by $0.50 to $3.95 for the 2024/2025 school year. The board also amended and adopted district policy G-275-P, which pertains to Board Member Financial Disclosures. According to the new policy, board members and candidates will only need to file with the Missouri Ethics Commission if they meet specific criteria outlined in the policy.
The next board meeting is scheduled for September 9, at 6:00 PM, in the Agricultural Building.
Additionally, the board voted to employ Ashton Johnson and Kinlee Boothe as paraprofessionals for the 2024/2025 school year, strengthening the district’s support staff.
