The Joplin Globe, Joplin, MO

Joplin Metro

Discussion

June 16, 2008

Area boards discuss girls sports, raises

By Melissa Dunson

mdunson@joplinglobe.com

A new assistant superintendent in Carl Junction, a new board member in Miami, Okla., and a vote on girls golf and soccer programs in Webb City were among the topics at recent school board meetings.

Webb City

Superintendent Ron Lankford said the R-7 Board of Education voted June 10 not to add girls soccer and golf programs this fall based on his recommendation. Lankford said rising fuel costs make this a bad time to add programs that involve traveling to competitions.

Lankford updated the board on how rising fuel costs are affecting the district. He said Webb City has paid $31,000 more this year than last year to put fuel in buses.

“We’re not looking to make cuts in our transportation program, but if we don’t see some of this settling out, we’re going to be asking to do some things differently,” Lankford said.

The board also granted representatives of the high-school marching band permission to submit an application to return to the Tournament of Roses Parade next year. The last time the band went was four years ago.

The board awarded the contract for district asphalt projects to Blevins Asphalt for $191,000.

Lankford said the board approved installing fire-alarm systems for Mark Twain and Eugene Fields elementary schools this summer. The cost will be $18,000.

McDonald County

The R-1 Board of Education met June 12 and approved changes to the budget for next year.

Loyce Shelnutt, board secretary, said the board approved a 3 percent pay raise for all staff members. The amount the district pays for employee health-insurance premiums every month will go from $150 to $200 next year. Travel reimbursement jumped from 45 cents to 50 cents per mile.

The board also set aside $2 million to redo the high-school cafeteria.

A board work session is scheduled for 5 p.m. Thursday, June 26, in the high-school library.

Miami, Okla.

The Board of Education met June 9 and voted in a new board member.

Mark Folks will take the place of Clark McQuigg. His district represents households outside the city limits but within the boundaries of the school district.

Debbie Scott, the board’s minutes clerk, said McQuigg stepped down last month when one of his relatives joined the district staff.

Carl Junction

The R-1 Board of Education met June 9 in a special meeting to hire a new assistant superintendent of human resources and operations.

Jim Cummins, former superintendent of the Wheaton R-3 district, will start with the Carl Junction district on July 1.

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