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Festus R6 School District

"Educating all students to meet tomorrow's challenges."

School Board Report - September 18, 2025 Meeting

Posted Date: 09/26/25 (10:09 AM)
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Festus R-6 School District logo featuring a tiger head.

School Board Report

September 18, 2025 Meeting

Tax Rate Hearing

The district is proposing at tax rate of $3.9831 which is actually down from $4.1184 last year. This is due to the Hancock amendment that only lets the District increase its tax income by 5% or the level of the Consumer Price Indext, whichever is least.

Of the $3.9831, $2.9831 will go to Fund 1 and $1.20 will go into Fund 4 (Capital projects)

No one spoke for or against the rate. The hearing closed. The tax rate was APPROVED later in the meeting.
 

Good News, Recognitions & Announcements

Three women stand in a room, possibly presenting or discussing something.
Three people stand in a meeting room, one speaking and gesturing.
Two women stand in front of an audience in a conference room.
A group of people stand in a meeting room, facing an audience.
A group of people stand and sit in a conference room, some looking at the camera.
The Missouri Tigers logo features a fierce tiger head in black, gold, and white.
The new teachers from each building were in attendance to introduce themselves to the board members. They get to see their names when they are approved, but the board likes to be able to put a face to a name.

In the video:
  • Carter Laney named 2026 "Commended Student" in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program.
  • Middle School Art II sculpture on display.
  • Elementary summer reading challenge
  • Grandparents Day at the elementary school
  • 3rd grade dictionary giveaway
  • Marching Band Drum Line
 

Consent Agenda

Approved unanimously. Items were:

  • July regular session meeting minutes
  • Bills payable for the month
  • Financial reports & Statement
  • Ledger Subtotals
  • Second and final reading of MSBA Policy 2025C Updates: BBBA, IGCSA, IGBI, IGCD, JFCD, IGDAA and IGD
  • Hall of Fame proclamation (32nd inductee)
 

Communication and/or Reports

Superintendent's Report

  • Principals have completed their building improvement plans in collaboration with their building leadership teams. They were presented to the board for review.
  • MSBA conference is approaching
  • 8 teachers will participate in BTAP (Beginning Teachers Assistance Program). This is a requirement for teaching certification upgrades. The first meeting is Oct. 16.
  • Parent/Teacher conferences will be held the week of Oct. 22.
  • TAB meetings will be Oct. 13 & 14
  • The process for the new CSIP (Continuous Improvement Plan) is underway. The final product will be presented to the board in May with approval vote in June.
  • Enrollment is now 3531 students. That is up 40 from last year.
  • Filing date for school board elections in April 2026 begins December 9 and closes December 30th, 2025.

Food Service Program Evaluation

Food Service Director Mr. Dereon Hill submitted his annual report for board review. Mr. Hill received compliments for his working relationship with his employees. It was pointed out that he makes it a point to try to be in every kitchen every day.
 

Prior & New Business

CMAR

After last months presentation, the District made a request for qualifications for a CMAR (Construction Manager at Risk) for upcoming construction projects. Three contractors expressed interest, only Brockmiller Construction completed the entire application process. They were interviewed. A recommendation was made and approved to enter a contract with Brockmiller as our CMAR for the new indoor practice facility and gym projects.

Bus Purchases

The board approved the purchase of 2 used buses. Both are transit buses (with the flat nose) that can carry 84 students compared to the 72 in other buses. The 2 buses are being purchased from Thomas bus for a total of $144,420.

The board approved the purchase of 2 new buses that will be ordered with delivery scheduled for summer 2026. The 2 new transit buses will cost a total of $434,030.16

Tax Rate

Approved. See above for details.