STE. GENEVIEVE — This information includes highlights from the Ste. Genevieve County R-II Board of Education’s Nov. 19, 2024, Regular Meeting.
This is an unofficial record.
The official Board Minutes are posted on the district website and are located on BoardDocs.
MSBA MONTHLY REPORT
The MSBA November Board Report takes a look back at the 2024 MSBA Annual Conference in cooperation with MASA and MoASBO, as well as shares information about an important upcoming Safety Summit. The MSBA Board Report is a monthly five to seven-minute video program featuring the latest news from MSBA about public education in Missouri. The program is designed to be shown during local school board meetings.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Board members and administrators listen to concerns and respond when appropriate by mail or telephone at a later date. The Board does not respond within the meeting to those who come to offer public comment. In order to speak during public participation, a Public Comment Form must be filled out and submitted to the Board President prior to the beginning of the meeting. See Policy BDDH-1: Public Participation at Board Meetings for guidelines and procedures.
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT
Parent-Teacher Conferences.
Superintendent Dr. Paul Taylor presented the data on parents and guardians participation in Parent-Teacher Conferences this past October. Participation percentages are included by building below:
Bloomsdale Elementary: 89%
Ste. Genevieve Elementary: 95%
Ste. Genevieve Middle School: 37%
Ste. Genevieve High School: 36%
Annual School Board Election.
The annual Board of Education election to be held on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, to fill two three-year terms as directors of the Ste. Genevieve County R-II Board of Education. The expiring terms for Board members are Mrs. Jamie Ballew and Mr. Josh Gettinger.
Qualified applicants for the Board may file a declaration of candidacy during regular business hours in the superintendent’s office. According to Board policy and state law, a candidate shall file their intent to become a candidate in person and in writing. Filing will begin on Dec. 10, 2024, at 8 a.m. and will end on Dec. 31, 2024, at 5 p.m. ln between these dates and times, candidates may file during regular business hours, which are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Filing will not occur: Dec. 24 (noon to 4 p.m.) Dec. 25 (all day), Dec. 26 (all day), and on days the District Office is closed due to inclement weather.
Documents necessary to file as a candidate for the Board may be secured, in person, at the superintendent’s office, which is located at 375 North Fifth Street in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri.
The names of the qualified candidates shall be placed on the ballot in order of filing as identified in SG R-ll Board Policy BBB-1: School Board Elections. You can visit our website at www.sgdragons.org or call 573-883-4500 ext. 2004 for additional information. See MSBA Board Candidate Resources here.
Kindergarten Registration.
Kindergarten registration for the 2025-2026 school year will take place on the following dates and times.
SGE – Saturday, March 1, 2025 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
BLE – Saturday, March 15, 2025, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Parents may contact the elementary offices beginning Monday, Feb. 3, 2025, to schedule appointments.
Principal Reports.
Each building principal reported on a variety of teacher and student accomplishments.
Safety Reports.
Dr. Taylor and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Lance McClard provided an update on the recent Earthquake Reunification Drills held at BLE and SG campuses on Oct. 23 and Nov. 1. These full-scale drills were conducted to enhance preparedness in responding to emergencies, marking the first such exercise in more than a decade. With advancements in technology and best practices, this effort was crucial to ensuring our processes are efficient and up-to-date.
During the drills, students and staff practiced their roles while response teams—such as First Aid, Search and Rescue, and Security—managed their responsibilities. Local emergency personnel joined us at both campuses, offering valuable feedback and insights. Staff also used our safety and security platforms, identifying areas for improvement and refining procedures for future emergencies.
Dr. Taylor emphasized that these drills were thoughtfully planned to minimize anxiety and avoid triggering trauma, with talking points shared with staff and families to help prepare students. He acknowledged the challenges of organizing a drill of this scale and commended the teamwork displayed by teachers, staff, and students. “It had been a long time coming, and everyone did a fantastic job stepping up and pitching in where needed,” he said.
Our primary purpose was to identify and address gaps in emergency response. Dr. McClard noted that adjustments made during the drills, as well as feedback from staff and emergency responders, will guide the development of our crisis plans moving forward. Dr. Taylor expressed gratitude for the collaboration and dedication that made these drills a success, emphasizing their role in keeping the school community safe and prepared for the unexpected.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Prop SG Update.
Dr. Taylor provided the Board with an update on the Prop SG projects.
Ste. Genevieve Elementary:
Crews have been roughing in electric, steel framing has been going up, and wall coverings are making the office space really come together.
Crews have begun framing and working on roof blocking on the gymnasium roof. Masons have been working on the gymnasium alcove and over the top of the bar joists where the scaffolding can be seen.
The architects are finishing up plans for the gymnasium floor.
Staff have also begun looking at options for retrofitting the original gymnasium into a library space, including a circulation desk, reading nooks, and more.
Ste. Genevieve Middle School:
The elevator has officially passed inspection! Last April, the Student Council hosted a fundraiser promoting the first ride on our new elevator. Sloan Stewart won that drawing and got to take the inaugural SGMS Elevator Ride! All students can now access classes on all three levels of the SGMS campus!
Early Childhood:
Crews have been installing the drop ceiling, laying tile and placing flooring.
Colorful paint has been added to various areas, including the hallways, classroom entrances and more! Electric rough-in is underway, and lights are being installed.
Epoxy is being poured in bathroom spaces.
Plans for the playground are being finalized.
Athletic / Wrestling Facility:
A preliminary rendering of the building and its location can be viewed here. While this position and placement seem to offer the most reasonable option, there will be issues associated with the significant drop-offs in a few areas, and we anticipate a significant amount of dirt work and the addition of a retaining wall. In addition, shot-put, discus and pole vault will need to be relocated.
The facility will be made up of two buildings connected by a walkway / corridor. One building will house turf, while the other will include the wrestling area and restrooms. The concession area can also be moved to this location.
Ste. Genevieve County Hazard Mitigation Plan.
The Board of Education approved a resolution agreeing to adopt the Ste. Genevieve County All-Hazard Mitigation Plan. Our district works with the Southeast Missouri Regional Planning Commission to update this plan on a five-year cycle, and participation is required in order to apply for mitigation funds through FEMA when a disaster occurs in the State of Missouri. Along with this resolution, the district must submit an updated overview of our district’s structures, insurance claims and uses for funds to help mitigate the effects of natural disasters.
Instructional Program Presentation — STARS Program.
The team of educators from the STARS Program (Ste. Genevieve’s Alternative to the Regular Setting) provided an in-depth look at the unique support and opportunities available to students in their program. STARS teacher Jon Robinson emphasized the collaborative approach of his team, which includes Joe Hull and Susan Flieg. He explained how they strive to create a structured environment where students receive one-on-one instruction, extra academic and behavioral support, and close monitoring of progress. Mr. Robinson highlighted the program’s focus on providing a fresh start: “This is an opportunity, not a punishment. Maybe somebody has made a bad choice, but this is your chance to change that.”
The STARS Program serves students in grades 6–12, supporting those who may be there for reasons such as attendance challenges, behavior issues, or academic struggles. The program focuses on personal goal-setting, social-emotional support, and fostering accountability, with a strong emphasis on close communication with families. Goals for students include earning their way back to the regular setting, retrieving lost credits, developing coping and social skills, and preparing for life after school.
In addition to academic and behavioral support, students in the STARS Program participate in initiatives that encourage service and growth, such as Backpacks for Friday, weekly recycling, field trips, library assistance, and managing a clothing closet. These opportunities not only enhance their school experience but also teach valuable life skills and foster community involvement.
NEW BUSINESS
Annual Audit.
The Annual Audit for the 2024-2025 school year will be presented by Mr. Jeff Stroder from Beussink, Hey, Roe & Stroder, L.L.C. Mr. Stroder at the Board of Education’s Regular Meeting in December.
Amended Budget.
The Board of Education approved the November Amended Budget for the 2024-2025 school year. The November Amended Budget reflects updates to both expenditures and revenues. It also contains revised projections for the remainder of the 2024-2025 school year.
Dr. Taylor shared that the district’s approach to the budget continues to be aggressive with expenses and conservative with projections. He presented the amended budget and compared this version to the budget adopted in June; the largest updates are due to assessed valuation, salaries and benefits, and transportation services.
Assessed Valuation: When the June budget is created, district administration must estimate the actual assessed valuation based on historical data. This allows the district to calculate an average that can be used for budget development. During the budget development process, we maintain a fiscally conservative approach, and apply that to our assessed valuation estimates. For this amendment, the actual assessed valuation is known, and this information is incorporated.
Salaries and Benefits: At this time of the school year, it is possible to more accurately estimate what salaries and benefits will be. In June, an estimation is made based on the overall movement of staff ingressing and egressing, but factors such as education, certifications and experience are factors that play into these calculations. Dr. Taylor thanked Finance Coordinator and District Treasurer Crystal Roth and Payroll and Liabilities Coordinator Megan Donovan for their work with updating the salaries and benefits information for the amended budget.
Transportation Services: The largest contributing factor to this adjustment is a more accurate estimation of revenues and adjusting codes to reflect district-owned and operated transportation services. Dr. Taylor thanked Finance Coordinator and District Treasurer Crystal Roth for her work in transitioning these codes.
Due to the current tax protests which over the last three years have accumulated approximately $28 million in escrow, the district’s approach must again remain conservative as we plan for ongoing and potential additional costs associated with these protests. An overview of these tax protests is included below:
Overview: LafargeHolcim filed a protest with the local Board of Equalization regarding the value of some of its properties and subsequent taxation for the 2021-2022 year. The Board of Equalization upheld the assessor office values, and LafargeHolcim protested and appealed the valuation to the Missouri Tax Commission. If the Missouri Tax Commission upholds the assessor office values, the next level of appeal would be the court system. This process could take several years. During this time, the tax revenue that would be paid to the taxing entities is being held in escrow until the protest is resolved.
Protested Years: The district’s portion of this tax revenue from LafargeHolcim was approximately $8.4 million for the 2021-2022 school year. LafargeHolcim has filed the appeal for the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 school years, as well. The total taxes from LafargeHolcim held in escrow for those three school years will be approximately $26.5 million. In addition, Mississippi Lime Company filed a similar protest regarding the value of some of its property for both the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 school years, and Lhoist filed a similar protest for the 2023-2024 school year. Altogether, with three years of appeals from LaFargeHolcim, two years of appeals from Mississippi Lime and one appeal from Lhoist, the district’s portion of this tax revenue is expected to be approximately $28 million, an amount that will be held in escrow until the protests are resolved.
Legal Fees: Also, the district receives approximately 75% of local taxes. If the appeal makes its way through the court system, the legal fees for the district could be in the $3 to 4.5 million range. The legal fees the district has paid to date regarding these tax protests totals approximately $716,760.
See the breakdown by fiscal year below:
FY24 – $176,533.99
FY23 – $226,652.83
FY22 – $242,063.47
FY21 – $57,130.00
FY20 – $14,380.27
Dr. Taylor explained that we do not yet have exact figures from the county for the protested taxes for the 2024-2025 year, but we anticipate having those totals in December or January. The $28 million held in escrow does not include the 2024-2025 protested taxes.
Dr. Taylor has shared that the Board and administration are committed to rolling back the tax rate once the tax revenue is settled, if possible.
The district took the uncertainty of this situation into consideration when creating budget projections for the 2024-2025 school year.
Numerous changes were made to both revenues and expenditures in the amended budget, yielding an overall balance projection that shows a positive adjustment when compared to the initial budget presented in June.
“I feel comfortable that adequate contingency funds remain built into the budget, and I do not anticipate expending all of the funds budgeted for expenditure,” he said. “I would consider this budget amendment a continuation of a conservative position with respect to actual end-of-year balance projections.”
Addition of Paraprofessional Position.
The Board approved the addition of a Paraprofessional, effective for the 2024-2025 school year.
Addition of Early Childhood Center Positions.
The Board approved the addition of the following positions to initiate hiring for the Early Childhood Center: Administrative Assistant, Parents as Teachers Educator, three Preschool Teachers, Process Coordinator, Nurse, two Teachers Aide/Paraprofessionals and Head Cook. These roles are essential to meet the needs of our upcoming Center, which has already received enough applications to fill approximately eight classrooms. Staffing decisions were based on enrollment data collected so far and projections for spring enrollment. Dr. Taylor thanked Bethany Koetting, our Director of the upcoming Early Childhood Center, for all of the time, dedication and organization she has put into the preparations for the Center and its students and staff.
The Administrative Assistant will need to be hired early 2025, to have time to train before preschool enrollment begins in the spring. This position will also manage documentation and ordering and will assist with budgeting, among other responsibilities. The addition of a PAT Educator will help address current staffing shortages that have prevented the district from meeting DESE-mandated goals for screenings and home visits, ensuring the program is fully reimbursable. The Process Coordinator oversees referrals, testing, eligibility meetings, and IEP coordination, streamlining support services for young learners. Staffing evaluations have also been conducted by our HES Custodial Supervisor to ensure operational readiness.
To support financial sustainability, the district plans to utilize Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) funding and other grants, particularly those targeting free and reduced-cost tuition for eligible families. Tuition rates have not been finalized, as the district is exploring additional grant opportunities and scholarships to hopefully reduce costs for families. The program will offer integrated classrooms, blending general education and students with IEPs, which will meet DESE criteria for reimbursable, high-need, and self-contained classrooms. Every preschool student undergoes a screening process to identify potential delays and provide necessary ECSE services if needed.
Transportation will only be provided for ECSE students, and logistical challenges such as program hours, traffic flow and extended care hours are under consideration.
With high interest from families of both 3- and 4-year-olds, the district is carefully planning classroom ratios and space allocations. The preschool classroom at Bloomsdale Elementary will continue to be able to service approximately 20 children.
While the Early Childhood Center will not offer summer programming in 2025, the district will reassess after the school year to evaluate the possibility of adding summer care in 2026. The staff salary schedule will align with that of the elementary, middle, and high schools to maintain consistency across the district.
Core Data/Food Service Positions.
The Board approved the addition of a Core Data-MOSIS Coordinator/District Registrar position and a Food Service Assistant position, separating the responsibilities currently handled by one combined role. This decision comes in anticipation of the increased workload associated with the new Early Childhood Center and aims to 1) ensure that both food service and data management needs are effectively addressed, and 2) implement a more streamlined registration process districtwide.
The Food Service Assistant will focus exclusively on supporting the Food Service Director. Our Food Service program will face additional demands once the Early Childhood Center opens. The Center will have unique food requirements and reporting obligations, necessitating a dedicated role to manage these changes. This new position will also assist with the overall Food Service program’s supplies, inventory, orders and other responsibilities.
The Core Data-MOSIS Coordinator/District Registrar will oversee district-wide data reporting to DESE with a focus on accuracy and efficiency. Centralizing student registration under this role will streamline the enrollment process and alleviate the workload for building-level secretaries.
The goal is to have these positions filled by January, allowing time for training and preparation. The Core Data-MOSIS Coordinator will assist with essential reporting, kindergarten registration in the spring, and Early Childhood Center enrollment in the spring, ensuring a seamless transition as these new processes come online.
High School Kitchen HVAC Replacement.
The Board approved the bid from Burns Mechanical Co. to replace the HVAC unit in the Ste. Genevieve High School cafeteria. The bids submitted were as follows:
Burns Mechanical Co.: $67,740
Sheet Metal Contractors, Inc.: $67,900
UPCOMING MEETINGS
The Board of Education will hold its next Regularly Scheduled Meeting on Dec. 17, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. in the R.W. Thomas Library.