RUSSELLVILLE - As Cole County R-1 Schools host the Class 3 District 8 boys and girls basketball tournaments this week, board members learned the school has been urged to host the district track meet in the near future.
The Missouri State High School Activities Association-sponsored events are the culmination of a season's work. Hosting the events is both an honor and a responsibility.
The Russellville school has made improvements to its gymnasium in recent years, that has raised its ability to host the large crowds and events.
Similarly, the school hopes to see the final phase of its new track site completed this spring. The final phase adds a concession stand, storage and restroom facilities.
Recently, the board of education approved James Porter, a member of the Troop 96 Boy Scouts, to build four blue and white, weather-resistant picnic tables, including a handicapped-accessible one, near the track concession stand. The board was pleased a student chose to give back to his school for his Eagle Scout Project.
In other business, the board:
• Noted a successful homecoming, though it was postponed due to weather, and acknowledged the senior class as the gold medal winners of the 3rd Annual Homecoming Olympics.
• Expects to see the proposed 164-day school calendar for the next school year at the March meeting. Six snow days are required to be built in. So far this year, the school has taken 10.
• After closed session, the board accepted a letter of retirement from language arts teacher Joyce Blackwell and letters of resignation from band director Shawn Smith and special education director Leslie Mueller.
• Also approved Kellie Rubble as assistant middle school volleyball coach for this spring's season.