Russellville school board interviews scheduled

The Russellville Board of Education is moving forward in filing an empty school board seat.

At the Thursday board meeting, members reviewed six applications for the vacant school board seat, Superintendent Perry Gorrell said.

The board will interview Sonny Joungmeyer, Jennifer Seaver and Chera McCoy at a special board meeting 6:30 p.m. Aug. 22.

The spot became available when the board accepted the resignation of former school board President Jerry Schulte last month.

At a special board meeting July 1, members voted to censure Schulte for interactions with Gorrell that were not authorized by the entire board and restrict his access to the superintendent and other school district administrators.

On June 26, Schulte submitted a written request to Gorrell, asking for a signed resignation letter by 9 a.m. July 1, along with keys to buildings and the return of any district information.

Board Secretary Collin Steenbergen attributed the censure and reorganization of the board to Schulte "acting unilaterally without consulting any other board members."

Schulte said he resigned his post on the board due to a difference in values. He asked members to consider someone who would put the students first.

In other business Thursday, the board:

Reduced the 2019 tax rate from $3.46 to $3.41 due to an increase in student enrollment.

Accepted the fuel bid for diesel for buses from Gier Oil of Eldon.

Approved the prime food services bid from Graves Menu Maker of Jefferson City.

Declared library chairs and bathroom stalls surplus furniture.