The Sedalia School District 200 Board of Education met Monday, Oct. 23, in the Heckart Performing Arts Center for its regular monthly meeting. All members were in attendance.

Superintendent Dr. Todd Fraley opened discussion with the board regarding potential elementary school boundary changes for the 2024-25 school year. Fraley and the Central Office team have been working with First Student transportation services on possible solutions to address crowding issues in some schools and available space in others. Fraley noted that the district's population has shifted over the past 10 years and the change has had the most impact on enrollment at Horace Mann and Washington Elementary schools. The number of students being served in those schools is down significantly, while Parkview and Skyline are near or over capacity. Other factors beyond enrollment include bus routing, major traffic areas, student safety in travel, and estimates of future enrollment and development.

The majority of redistricting would shift the boundary between Skyline and Horace Mann and Parkview and Washington. 

Heber Hunt Elementary: Current Enrollment 435, projected for 2024-2025- 432

Horace Mann Elementary: Current Enrollment 239, projected for 2024-2025- 328

Parkview Elementary: Current Enrollment 451, projected for 2024-2025- 426

Skyline Elementary: Current Enrollment 489, projected for 2024-2025- 383

Washington Elementary: Current Enrollment 208, projected for 2024-2025- 279

Assistant Superintendent Chris Pyle said in considering the changes, the goal was to affect the least number of families possible while still balancing the enrollments to ensure healthy learning environments for all students. 

Board Secretary Barbara Schrader asked if, after personnel adjustments to align with the new enrollments, buildings would have a classroom for every teacher. Fraley said it is possible that specials (computers, music, art, etc.) and title programs may have to share space. This was a discussion item and will come back to the board at a future meeting. 

The board approved a proposal from Callis, a local marketing firm, to assist the district with redesign of the SSD200 website, as well as leading focus groups and providing a district brand audit and guidelines.

Also Monday:

-- Sedalia Middle School Principal Jeremy Fry proposed a booster club for SMS. The goal of the nonprofit would be to raise funds to support educational activities, programs, and initiatives that benefit students. A decision will be made at a future meeting.

-- The board approved a donation from First United Methodist Church in the amount of $3,000 to pay for student T-shirts and hoodies for Whittier High School. 

-- The Jan. 29, 2024, meeting was moved to Jan. 22, 2024, due to the number of weeks between the December and February board meetings. 

-- The 2023 audit report from Fick, Eggemeyer, and Williamson, CPAs, was approved. The auditors did not identify any deficiencies in internal control that were considered a material weakness. 

— The Annual Secretary of the Board Report was approved. The balance letter from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education indicated that Sedalia 200 has $33,328,829.54 in its General Fund and $17,697,554.11 in the Capital Projects Fund for a total of $51,026,383.65

— The board approved issuing a request for proposals for drinking water testing districtwide, which is mandated by the state. 

-- Professional Contractors & Engineers was approved to complete the building improvements for guided and secure entries and the Sedalia Middle School remodel project.

— Student enrollment districtwide in September 2022 was 5,047. In September this year, it was 5,071; currently, the district is at 5,121. 

-- The Sedalia School District Foundation reviewed its Homecoming weekend activities. The Tailgate Party was held in the new tent which was placed between the high school auxiliary gymnasium and Tiger Stadium. SSDF Administrative Assistant Paula Schupp said it was a great location that drew people in. She thanked district Maintenance Director Richie Simons and his crew, as well as the Furnell Companies for putting up and taking down the tent. The annual pancake breakfast also was well attended. Having the breakfast in the junior high cafeteria and student performances in the FEMA building gym worked well, said Schupp, who also thanked junior high staff and elementary music teachers. The payroll contribution campaign is under way until Nov. 3. Those who donate $25 or more and get a Sonic drink.

-- Sedalia NEA President Tyler Janke said he and Vice President Josh Heimsoth recently met with people from Marshall to discuss their interest in starting a chapter; Janke said it was also a chance to brag about the relationship Sedalia NEA has with the Central Office and board, 

-- Sedalia Community Educators Association President Misty Tow said nominations for the district’s Outstanding Associates open the first week of November, with winners announced later that month. Nominations for the district’s Outstanding Educator are now open.