The Cole R-5 school board welcomed its newest member, Jennifer Bradley, at it's meeting Tuesday.
The board also discussed the hunt for a new high school principal, the proposed soccer program, curriculum building and the busing program. Representatives of the district's Professional Development Committee proposed the district stop paying administrators' teacher association fees to allow for more teacher workshop opportunities.
Superintendent Dawna Burrow said the district is moving forward with its pursuit of a new high school principal. The district has screened candidate applications and will conduct interviews today. Burrow said the board will need to schedule a special meeting to interview final candidates.
The district estimated it would need $3,500 to operate a proposed soccer program after comparing the expenses of comparable school systems like Osage and Fatima. The district must purchase uniforms and official balls, as well as level ground on the soccer field site, before the program can begin.
Burrow said after corresponding with surrounding bus companies, the district has been advised to remain with its current bus company, Durham School Services. Durham has agreed to a 4 percent cost increase for the next school year and an additional 4 percent increase for the 2019-20 school year.
The board discussed the Build Your Own Curriculum tool, which is being used by teachers to create their own class content and allow the district to monitor and analyze course goals and desired learning progression.
"BYOC gives new teachers a road map to build their curriculums while offering checks and balances," Burrow said. "It's the best tool I've come across so far."
Professional Development Committee representative Deana Hager asked the board to end the policy of providing administrators' professional dues to teachers' associations, which amounts to $1,844.64 annually.
"We are concerned that the budget constraints in the pending budget cuts to PDC funding, we will be limited in what we are allowed for our teachers to attend professional meetings (workshops) to increase their professional development," she said. "In turn, if it influences our professional development, it influences our kids' outcomes."
Hager said the committee receives 1 percent of the district's funding formula, amounting to approximately $14,000. The fund was depleted last year, and Hager said some teachers were not able to attend workshops near the end of the year. A teacher is allowed to spend $300 per workshop.
The district's teachers pay professional dues like $319 a year for Missouri State Teachers Association out of pocket. The committee feels administrators should pay their own professional dues out of their paychecks as well.