Note: This information includes highlights from the Ste. Genevieve County R-II Board of Education’s July 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.
MSBA MONTHLY REPORT
The MSBA July Board Report features MSBA’s Caitlin Whaley and Linda Quinley breaking down what’s at stake for public education funding regarding Amendment 5 on the August ballot, as well as highlights from the Delegate Assembly at Summer Summit, where Kisha Lee was sworn in as MSBA’s 2026-2027 President.
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
2026 School Tax Rate Hearing.
The 2025 School Tax Rate Hearing will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. prior to the Regular Board of Education meeting. (The August Board meeting is moved back a week to provide the district enough time to gather information from the Assessor’s Office.)
Back-to-School Date Reminders.
First Day of School: Monday, Aug. 24
Open House Events:
- ECC: Wednesday, Aug. 19, 5:30 – 7 p.m.
- BLE: Pre-K-5th: Thursday, Aug. 20, 6 – 8 p.m.
- SGE:
- K-2nd Grade: Wednesday, Aug. 19, 6 – 8 p.m.
- 3-5th Grade: Thursday, Aug. 20, 6 – 8 p.m.
- SGMS: Thursday, Aug. 27, 6 – 8 p.m.
- SGHS: Thursday, Sept. 3, 6 – 8 p.m.
Superintendent Dr. Paul Taylor thanked our custodians, maintenance staff and summer crew for their hard work deep-cleaning, clearing, updating, maintaining and preparing our buildings for the return of students and staff in the fall.
Annual Communications Report.
Communications Director Bailey Otto presented the Communications Department’s annual report, which included an overview of the department’s duties, a review of the 2025-2026 department accomplishments, and a preview of the 2026-2027 department initiatives. The presentation can be seen here.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Prop SG Update. Superintendent Dr. Taylor provided an update on the ongoing Prop SG projects.
Wrestling Building:
- The interior is complete, with the remaining wrestling mats installed.
- The golf simulator has been installed and tested.
- The district will celebrate the completion of the facility with a Wrestling Alumni Night and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Aug. 28 prior to the football game against Dexter. Community members are invited to attend the celebration.
Completing Prop SG
As the district prepares to close out the Prop SG bond program, careful planning and strong cost management have allowed several additional improvements to be completed using remaining bond funds.
Throughout the project, the district worked closely with Brockmiller Construction and KRJ Architects to identify cost savings across each facility project while remaining committed to maximizing the community’s $20 million investment. Savings and strategic investment of bond monies also allowed the district to complete several projects in-house, including the football, softball and baseball field lighting projects.
With funds remaining at the conclusion of the major construction projects, KRJ Architects and Brockmiller Construction determined that renovating the former wrestling room and current weight room falls within the scope of Prop SG because the work is directly tied to the relocation of the wrestling program into its new facility.
New Weight Room
The former wrestling room will be converted into a modern weight room designed to better serve student-athletes and physical education programs. Wrestling mats and wall padding have been removed, and the space will be deep cleaned in preparation for renovations. The project will be outfitted with new weight equipment, new flooring and turf.
District administrators have worked with Athletic Director Dr. Jeff Nix, coaches and equipment specialists to develop the project.
Plans include:
- New Sorinex strength equipment.
- Multifunctional training stations.
- New flooring, including a turf training area.
- Updated paint, lighting and HVAC.
- Exposed ceilings for a more modern appearance.
- New wall pads and mirrors.
To minimize disruptions, the current weight room will remain in use at the start of the school year while renovations are completed. Once the new weight room is operational, work will begin on renovating the existing weight room.
Multipurpose / Auxiliary Room
The current weight room will be transformed into a flexible multipurpose space that can support a variety of student activities. Potential uses include:
- Plyometric, agility, yoga and conditioning activities.
- Physical education classes.
- Track and cross country warm-ups, stretching and core workouts.
- Team meetings and instructional space with a projector and screen.
- Home or visiting locker room space when needed.
- Portable tables, chairs and benches.
The renovation will also improve the overall appearance and functionality of the high school by relocating fitness equipment currently stored in hallways into a dedicated space. The room is designed to benefit all students while providing additional flexibility for athletics, physical education and school events.
NEW BUSINESS
No New Business.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
The Board of Education will hold its Tax Rate Hearing and its Regularly Scheduled Meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026, beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Early Childhood Center’s Multipurpose Room (1200 Maple Drive, Ste. Genevieve).