STE. GENEVIEVE — This information includes highlights from the Ste. Genevieve County R-II Board of Education’s Dec. 16, 2025, Regular Meeting. This is an unofficial record. The official Board Minutes are posted on the district website and are located on BoardDocs, linked here. The video of the meeting can be found on the district’s Youtube Channel, SGDragonsTV.
MSBA MONTHLY REPORT
The MSBA December Board Report takes a look back at MSBA’s 3rd AI Symposium, held in Kansas City. MSBA’s Director of Digital Initiatives Mark Henderson talks about the Symposium, as well as other AI-related tools and resources available to districts.
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
Annual School Board Election.
The annual Board of Education election will be held on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, to fill three three-year terms as directors of the Ste. Genevieve County R-II Board of Education. The expiring terms for Board members are Mr. Eric Basler, Mr. James Kirchner, and Mrs. Martha Resinger.
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. 9, 2025, at 8 a.m. and will end on Dec. 30, 2025, 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. 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 2026-2027 school year will take place on the following dates and times.
- Genevieve Elementary – Saturday, March 14, 2026, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Bloomsdale Elementary – Saturday, March 21, 2026, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Parents may contact the elementary offices beginning Monday, Feb. 9, 2026, to schedule appointments.
Principal Reports.
Each building principal reported on a variety of teacher and student accomplishments.
Standardized Test Score Review.
Success-Ready Students Network
Because our district is a member of the Success-Ready Students Network, we have been approved for an innovation waiver that allows us to pilot an alternative, growth-based student assessment and ultimately, implement a better accountability system. Part of this work is administering through-year NWEA testing in order to measure and assess student growth at multiple points during the school year. The district still administers the MAP and EOCs; however, the scores will not affect our accreditation while the waiver is in effect. The ultimate goal of the innovation waiver is to build a system that is actionable and provides our educators with the opportunity to impact student learning in real time.
APR as a SnapShot
Dr. McClard pointed out that unlike through-year testing to determine a student’s growth, the APR is a measure of a district’s scores at one point in time. It is a snapshot, and while it is important to understand, there are several factors to consider when reviewing the 2024 APR data:
- There are two categories within this new APR framework: status, and growth. This is the second year that a rather ambiguous growth measure has been included within the APR. As a result, our district’s overall APR percentage has decreased from last year, which is the case for a large percentage of high-performing school districts.
- Under MSIP6, a district’s total score is now based on 70% Performance and 30% Continuous Improvement. “The term “growth” in the new growth measurement is really a comparison, an unclear ranking system among districts, and is built upon predicted growth targets that are unknown to districts until the APR scores are released. This makes it difficult for already high-performing districts to show “growth” through these statistical methods.
- The new APR does not measure the success and well-being of the whole child. Our district focuses on social-emotional learning, coping skills, and prioritizing mental well-being.
Dr. McClard shared the following takeaways:
- The district is showing improvement in student scores and what our teachers are doing is effective for students.
- Our faculty, staff and administrators should be commended for the dedication and hard work they put into preparing our students for success.
- The district will continue to utilize state and local assessments to examine instructional effectiveness and how best to meet the needs of students.
- Genevieve County R-II is excited to be a part of the Success-Ready Students Network to help build a better pathway forward for student achievement.
Safety Reports.
Safety drills from each building were reviewed.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Prop SG Update. Superintendent Dr. Taylor provided an update on the ongoing Prop SG projects.
Wrestling: Concrete has been poured, and the exterior wall panels are being installed along the back side of the wrestling facility. Overall, the project is progressing smoothly.
Instructional Program Presentation — High School Foreign Language.
French teacher Mrs. Bre Uzzell and Spanish teacher Mrs. Teresa Caba provided an overview of their current coursework, curriculum and programming, outlining current coursework, curriculum and the skills students develop across five levels beginning in eighth grade.
In French, instruction emphasizes proficiency and student self-assessment, helping learners reflect on what they can do with the language as they progress. Early courses focus on foundational vocabulary, grammar and socio-cultural and geographic studies, with increasing attention to complex grammar, verb tenses and authentic texts in later levels. Advanced French students may earn college credit through the SLU 1818 program, complete research-based digital portfolios, read full-length novels and plays such as Le Petit Prince, Rhinoceros or Candide, and study major historical eras. Upper-level courses are student-driven and culminate in multimedia presentations. French students may also participate in French Club, which is open to any student who has completed a French course. This year marked the inaugural year of the Société Honoraire de Français, with nine students inducted on Sept. 24. Membership is by induction and includes a required five hours of service with French-based organizations or locations in the community, eligibility for national and international scholarships, and the opportunity for seniors to graduate with honor cords.
Spanish programming also spans five levels beginning in eighth grade and is grounded in cultural understanding as a foundational theme woven throughout each course. Instruction focuses on developing listening, speaking, reading and writing skills, beginning with basic vocabulary, conversation strategies and cultural studies of Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. As students advance, coursework builds toward more immersive language use, incorporating complex grammar, expanded vocabulary and exploration of South America, Spain and Equatorial Guinea. Upper-level Spanish courses emphasize advanced communication through reading, translation and dictation, while also examining global topics such as migration, poverty and human rights. Spanish Club is open to students beginning in Spanish I and offers additional opportunities for cultural engagement through monthly activities.
MUSIC – Property, Liability & Workers Compensation Insurance.
The Board approved the district’s renewal assessment with the Missouri United School Insurance Council (MUSIC) in the amount of $578,728. A district’s assessment is based on two primary factors: rates established by the MUSIC Board of Directors and year-to-year changes in district exposures. These exposures can fluctuate annually and, as a result, assessments may change from year to year.
For 2026, the MUSIC Board of Directors is adopting a 4% rate increase due to a continued rise in property claims over the past three years. For Ste. Genevieve County R-II, the total assessment increase for 2026 is approximately 22.5%, reflecting both the 4% rate increase and changes in district exposures, including payroll, building values, the number of buses, and workers’ compensation. Dr. Taylor noted that overall rate increases have been significant in recent years and that MAAA school districts plan to explore alternative insurance options.
NEW BUSINESS
Annual Audit.
The Board approved the final audit report for the 2025 fiscal year. The annual independent auditor’s report states that all financial statements reviewed, in all material respects, fairly represent the respective financial activities, and each major fund, of the Ste. Genevieve County R-II School District as of June 30, 2025. The district received an “unmodified opinion,” or a clean opinion.
Board Member Resignation.
The Board of Education accepted the resignation of Board President David Bova, marking the conclusion of more than a decade of service to the district. Mr. Bova resigned as Board President effective immediately and as a Board member effective Dec. 31, 2025. Vice President Eric Basler assumed the position of President until the Board’s next reorganization meeting.
Mr. Bova shared that he was recently promoted to City Administrator for the City of Ste. Genevieve and, based on the recommendation of city counsel, will step down from the Board of Education. He emphasized that his departure does not change his support for the district or his belief in the importance of public education. Mr. Bova full remarks can be viewed here.
Mr. Bova was first elected to the Board of Education in 2012 and served 14 years. During his tenure, the district worked through five superintendent transitions and navigated significant periods of change and growth, including 1:1 learning initiatives, the COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing tax protests, the creation of the district’s first long-range facilities plan, major facilities improvements through Prop SG including the construction of a new Early Childhood Center, the implementation of competency-based education, updates to the MSIP and APR accountability systems, the integration of transportation services into district operations, and many more. Mr. Bova has always led with his heart—for kids and for his belief in public education. He understands that strong schools and strong communities go hand in hand. His leadership helped build trust, partnerships and momentum that will serve our district well into the future. The district thanks Mr. Bova for his years of service and leadership and his unwavering support of Ste. Genevieve County R-II, and wishes him continued success in his new role.
Staff, students and families are encouraged to write thank-you cards for Mr. Bova, either individually or as a group, to express appreciation for his dedication to the district. Cards may be dropped off at building offices and will be collected and delivered to him.
Election of Board Vice President.
The Board approved member Josh Gettinger as Board Vice President.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
The next Board of Education meeting will be a Regular Session Meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 20, at 6:30 p.m. in the Early Childhood Center’s Multipurpose Room (1200 Maple Drive, Ste. Genevieve).