New Bloomfield hears updates on development plan, health services

<p>Paula Tredway/For the News Tribune</p><p>The New Bloomfield R-3 School District Board of Education heard from Professional Development Chair Lauren Sweeten about the district’s professional development plan at its October meeting. The next regular school board meeting will be at 6 p.m. November 18 in the central office boardroom.</p>

Paula Tredway/For the News Tribune

The New Bloomfield R-3 School District Board of Education heard from Professional Development Chair Lauren Sweeten about the district’s professional development plan at its October meeting. The next regular school board meeting will be at 6 p.m. November 18 in the central office boardroom.

NEW BLOOMFIELD, Mo. - The New Bloomfield R-3 School District Board of Education heard from Professional Development Chair Lauren Sweeten about the district's professional development plan at its October meeting.

She informed the board that not much has changed within the plan from the years past, but they have been able to incorporate some of the things they learned at the beginning of the year during the Model Schools Conference that she and the professional development committee were able to attend. Their goal is to align the high school and the elementary school within the professional learning community where everyone's working together, so children are learning as a community. Another goal is to send as many different teachers to conferences throughout the year who want to attend.

The board approved:

- The purchase of new bleachers for the high school from Heartland Seating for $122,120 and the removal of the existing bleachers for $11,530.

- The Memorandum of Understanding agreement with OASIS Tutoring as presented.

- The board candidate signing date of Dec. 7, 2021, through Dec. 28, 2021. There are two positions open for the board in April 2022. The two board members up for re-election are Tod Schattgen and Stacey Allen.

- Task Order number 4 from Navigate Building Solutions pertaining to playground replacement for the K-5 and Pre-K equipment.

- Task Order Number 5 from Navigate Building Solutions pertaining to baseball field ADA parking spots, sidewalks and fencing.

- The establishment of a citizen's advisory committee for the agricultural education program.

They chose to table the Task Order Number 6 from Navigate Building Solutions pertaining to Elementary School gym floor replacement until the next meeting while waiting to receive more information.

Board members also appointed Faith Baxter as the board secretary as well as adopted policy number G-235-P.

Nurse Kristin Baker presented a report on the health services program. She told the board the number of illness absences are down as well as sick visits to the nurse's offices. Health office visits from late August to Oct. 11, 2021, were roughly 900 versus 1,600 in years prior. They are also staying in communication with the Health Department regularly, and are strictly following all county mandates in relation to COVID-19 quarantine and isolation protocols as well as actively reviewing changing data to help keep our children safe, but also in seat.

Director of Nutritional Services Alicia Wise also presented a report on the monthly food services for the district. The New Bloomfield School District has been awarded a $2,000 Dairy Council Grant this year and were able to purchase a new milk cooler for the elementary. They also received the Heavy Equipment Grant which provided the elementary with a new dishwasher.

New Bloomfield Middle and High School Principal Paul Cloudwright and Elementary School Principal Jennifer Fletcher gave the board a monthly report on enrollment, attendance, professional development, and news and recognition. The high school is at 349 students and the elementary is at 364. Both schools have been doing well in attendance and are working on professional development plans to better understand the special education process.

Superintendent Sarah Wisdom informed the board the kitchens are getting several new pieces of equipment that include: a slicer, steamers, new dishwasher, slushy machines and bins. She also mentioned Missouri State University has been in contact with the district regarding a new program where paraprofessionals can obtain a bachelor's degree in special education while working at a reduced or free cost.

The next regular school board meeting will be at 6 p.m. Nov. 18 in the central office boardroom.