STE. GENEVIEVE – This information includes highlights from the Ste. Genevieve County R-II Board of Education’s April 21, 2026, Regular Meeting. This is an unofficial record. The official Board Minutes are posted on the district website and are located on Simbli, linked here. The video of the meeting can be found on the district’s Youtube Channel, SGDragonsTV.
REORGANIZATIONAL MEETING
Approval of County Clerk’s Certification of April 8, 2026 Municipal Election Results.
In accordance with §115.124, RSMo., the District did not hold an election because the number of candidates filing was equal to the number of open positions. The following candidates have filed for a Board of Director position and will be sworn into office during this reorganization meeting: Mr. Eric Basler, Mr. James Kirchner and Mrs. Martha Resinger.
Reorganization of the Board.
Mr. Basler, Mr. Kirchner and Mrs. Resinger took the Oath of Office and were sworn in as members of the Ste. Genevieve County R-II School District Board of Education. The Board also elected the following Board officers at this time: President: Mr. Eric Basler; Vice President: Mr. Josh Gettinger; Missouri School Boards’ Association (MSBA) delegate: Mrs. Martha Resinger; alternate MSBA delegate: Mr. Josh Gettinger.
MSBA MONTHLY REPORT
The MSBA April Board Report features MSBA’s Linda Quinley sharing insights to help school boards navigate upcoming budget planning for 2026-2027 and beyond. The report also includes a look ahead to the MSBA Summer Summit and important New Board Member Training information for newly elected board members. To see Linda’s full 8-minute presentation on Budget Planning, watch the Extended Edition of the Board Report. The MSBA Board Report is a short monthly video featuring the latest news from MSBA and about public education in Missouri. The program is designed to be shown during local school board meetings.
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT
Resolution of the House of Representatives.
State Representative Bryant Wolfin attended the Board of Education meeting to present a Missouri House of Representatives resolution honoring the life and legacy of Darla Bahr. Members of the Bloomsdale Elementary staff were also in attendance, along with Darla’s family.
Following her passing earlier this school year, Bloomsdale Elementary Principal Mr. Nate Kingery reached out to Rep. Wolfin to explore the opportunity for a formal recognition. The Missouri House of Representatives issues resolutions to honor outstanding citizens, and Darla was identified as a meaningful recipient of this tribute.
Rep. Wolfin read the resolution aloud and presented it to the family. The resolution recognized Darla as a valued member of the Bloomsdale Elementary staff and an esteemed member of the community. It highlighted her care for students and her ability to bring warmth, kindness and genuine connection to those around her. She was remembered for the joy she found in reading, laughter and relationships.
The resolution concluded with a formal tribute from the House, honoring Darla Bahr as a woman of peace and kindness whose impact will be remembered by all who knew her.
Kindergarten Enrollment Results.
Superintendent Dr. Paul Taylor presented the current enrollment numbers for incoming kindergarten students for the 2026-2027 scho
students for the 2026-2027 school year.
ol year.
- Genevieve Elementary Kindergarten Registration was held March 14, 2026. Currently, 67 students have been registered to attend kindergarten in the fall.
- Bloomsdale Elementary Kindergarten Registration was held on March 21, 2026. Currently, 32 students have been registered to attend kindergarten in the fall.
- Looking at projections for kindergarten this upcoming school year, Ste. Genevieve Elementary could have about 84 students, and Bloomsdale Elementary could have about 50 students.
- Families, if you missed the Kindergarten Registration & screening event for your child, please call 573-883-4500 and your elementary office extension to enroll your child for the 2026-2027 school year: SGE ext. 3, BLE ext. 4. Children age 5 prior to Aug. 1, 2026 are kindergarten eligible.
End of 2025-2026 School Year.
The last day of school (for pre-k through 11th grade) will be an early dismissal at 1 p.m. on Thursday, May 21, 2026. Friday, May 22, 2026, will be designated as a work/check-out day for certified employees.
High School Prom and Graduation.
- The Ste. Genevieve High School Prom was held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at the Ste. Genevieve Knights of Columbus Hall.
- SGHS Graduation will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 7 p.m. in the Peggy J. Johnson Gymnasium.
2025-2026 Retirement & Recognition Banquet.
The 2025-2026 SG R-II Recognition & Retirement Banquet will be held on Friday, May 8, 2026, at 6 p.m. at the Ste. Genevieve Elks Lodge #2674.
Distinguished Board Member Certification.
Congratulations to Mrs. Martha Resinger on earning the Distinguished Board Member certification, the Missouri School Boards’ Association’s highest honor for ongoing professional development. This achievement reflects her commitment to effective governance, continuous learning, and exemplary leadership. Through this accomplishment, Mrs. Resinger not only enhances her own effectiveness but also sets a standard of excellence for the board. We appreciate her dedicated service to the Ste. Genevieve County R-II School District and her continued commitment to Missouri’s public school students.
Principal Reports.
Each building principal reported on a variety of teacher and student accomplishments.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Instructional Program Presentation — High School Agriculture.
The team of agriculture teachers from Ste. Genevieve High School presented an overview of our agriculture programming.
- Areas of study include animal science, plant science, natural resources and agricultural mechanics. Mrs. Hannah Fritsche-Donze and Ms. Kyleigh Sulkowski offer the following courses: Agriculture Science I and II, Animal Science, Fish and Wildlife Management, Agricultural Construction, Turf and Landscape Management, Agriculture Farm Management, Discovery Ag and Discovery Ag II.
- These courses provide students with both foundational knowledge and hands-on experience in areas such as livestock production, agronomy, conservation, landscape design and agricultural mechanics, including welding and construction projects.
- Also included within the program is Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE), which allows students to apply classroom learning through individualized, hands-on projects while developing record-keeping and career-ready skills.
- Students in the program also participate in the National FFA Organization, which provides opportunities for leadership development, career exploration and competitive events. This year, students saw strong success at the state level, with seven earning proficiency awards, two earning State FFA Degrees, one earning Star in Placement and two serving as state delegates.
- The program continues to expand with the addition of a new greenhouse, providing additional opportunities for hands-on learning in plant science and related areas.
Prop SG Update. Superintendent Dr. Taylor provided an update on the ongoing Prop SG projects.
Wrestling Building:
- Progress continues on the district’s new wrestling facility:
- Interior framing and drywall are complete.
- Mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) in-wall rough-ins are complete, with overhead rough-in now underway.
- Mudding and taping has begun, with painting to follow. This phase is expected to take approximately 15 days.
- Flooring is scheduled to begin at the end of April.
- Concrete sidewalks will be completed after the rooftop unit (RTU) is set this week.
- Site work and asphalt are planned for completion after Memorial Day.
- Wall pads are ready for installation.
- Locker rooms are prepared for drop ceilings, with ceiling framing already in place.
- Measurements have been completed for the divider curtain.
- Cabinets have been built and are ready for delivery.
- Wrestling mats have been received and are currently in storage.
- The project remains on track for a punch list by July 15, with several weeks allocated to finalize any remaining items.
- The previously identified sinkhole at the site has been remediated after crews reached stable bluff conditions.
Current Wrestling & Weight Room Transition Plan:
- Planning is underway for the transition of existing spaces once the new facility is complete.
- Athletic Director Dr. Jeff Nix and coaches are compiling an equipment plan.
- The current weight room will relocate to the existing wrestling area. Planned upgrades include:
- New and multifunctional equipment
- Spray stations and water hydrants
- New flooring and updated lighting
- Open, exposed ceilings
- Wall pads and mirrors
- Sound system improvements
- Potential HVAC updates
- The current weight room space will be repurposed into a locker room area.
- Both transition projects are planned for completion over the summer.
Behavioral Program Update.
The Elementary Tier II / III program focuses on structured interventions to assist students with behavioral challenges. This program is divided into Tier II and Tier III classrooms, providing targeted strategies, resources, and spaces to foster academic and social-emotional success.
Tier II Classes: Jennifer Est at Ste. Genevieve Elementary and Stephanie Rayoum and Tyne Huck at Bloomsdale Elementary discussed how their Tier II classrooms focus on early intervention and scheduled supports to help students manage behavior. Areas of focus for these classrooms include regulating emotions and practicing thoughtful decision-making, impulse control, and communication. Key features of these Tier II classrooms include:
- Reflection and Intervention Rooms: Quiet spaces for completing work, taking tests, or scheduled breaks.
- Scaffolding Support: Positive reinforcement strategies to help students transition back into the general education classroom full-time.
- Student Progress: Significant improvement in social skills, peer connections, and self-regulation.
Tier III Class: Tiffany Gilliam and Keith McGlasson at Ste. Genevieve Elementary shared how their class operates as a close-knit environment that prioritizes safety, emotional regulation, and academic growth. Key features of these Tier III classroom includes:
- Student Success: With support, students are able to transition back into specials, lunch, recess, and academics with peers.
- Academic Improvement: Students demonstrate academic growth and can identify and communicate their growth.
- Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): SEL is integrated into daily routines, not treated as a separate curriculum.
- Physical and Organizational Skills: Daily movement breaks positively enhance focus.
Program Impact: The Tiered Support Program has successfully created structured, nurturing environments where students can build essential behavioral, social, and academic skills. By fostering strong connections, self-regulation, and positive decision-making, students receiving these supports have overall demonstrated meaningful growth both inside and outside the classroom.
Summer School.
The Board approved Summer School for 2026. The classes that will be offered for credit recovery include: English I – IV, Algebra I, and Algebra 1.5. Personal Finance will be offered for credit acquisition. The schedule includes 60 hours both semesters. First semester will be from May 27 – June 12, and second semester will be from June 15 – July 2.
MSBA Full Service Agreement.
The Board approved the annual School Boards’ Association (MSBA) Full Maintenance Service Agreement, effective May 1, 2026 to April 30, 2027. This annual membership includes an online system for the Board’s policies and administrative procedures.
NEW BUSINESS
No New Business.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
The next Board of Education meeting will be a Regular Session Meeting on Tuesday, May 19, at 6:30 p.m. in the Early Childhood Center’s Multipurpose Room (1200 Maple Drive, Ste. Genevieve).