WESTPHALIA — The Fatima R-3 School Board voted in closed session during its Jan. 21 meeting to extend Superintendent John Kitchens’ contract by one year.

In his superintendent’s report, Kitchens discussed the recent hiring of a new varsity softball coach, noting Dan Campbell brings 27 years of experience, including multiple state tournament runs, and is coming out of retirement. He also highlighted the hiring of Jayden Happel as assistant principal for the 2026–27 school year, citing Happel’s background as an instructional coach and his role in strengthening instructional engagement and student performance.

Kitchens said the district is reviewing its preschool handbook, including enrollment practices, pricing, and late fee policies. The district currently serves both full-time and part-time preschool students and maintains a waiting list. Any proposed changes would take effect beginning with the 2026–27 school year and would not impact ECSE students.

He also reported that salary schedules for paraprofessionals, aides, and substitute teachers are under review due to wage compression caused by recent minimum wage increases.

Kitchens said the district is beginning early strategic planning, including preparation of a “State of the District” overview addressing finances, academics, and school culture, as part of the process to update its Comprehensive School Improvement Plan.

• Kitchens delivered the middle school/high school report in the absence of Principal Somer Hinshaw, who was out due to a family emergency. He reported enrollment of 407 students, with average attendance at 96%.

Kitchens discussed Hinshaw’s new “Five to Fly” initiative, which encourages students to take five minutes before leaving school to improve their surroundings. “It’s about getting kids to take ownership of their school and their environment,” Kitchens said.

He also shared results from a senior survey conducted by counselor Ms. Neuner, which received responses from 72 seniors, representing a 97% participation rate. Of those surveyed, 63.9% reported feeling confident in their post-graduation plans, 34.7% said they had some ideas but were unsure, and 1.4% reported having no plan.

Post-secondary plans included four-year college (45.8%), technical school (43.1%), full-time employment (15%), trades or apprenticeships (14%), military service (6.9%), and undecided (4.2%).

Kitchens also noted that Hinshaw has formed a principal’s student advisory team, which met for the first time in December, and that “Pizza with the Principal” would resume on Jan. 23.

• Kitchens also presented the Athletic Director’s report. District tournaments for winter sports begin in February, with girls basketball districts at Steeleville starting Feb. 23, boys basketball districts at Lakeway starting Feb. 24, girls wrestling districts at Mexico starting Feb. 13, and boys wrestling districts at Kelly in Cape Girardeau on Feb. 20.

Spring sports schedules are nearly complete, with baseball and girls soccer fully contracted. Track and field and golf schedules are approximately 95% contracted. Kitchens reported no major upcoming equipment purchases beyond new soccer uniforms.

He also reported that individual accounts are being established for each sport to improve expense tracking and financial transparency.

• Elementary School Principal Renee Ellingsworth-Albert reported enrollment of 227 students, with average attendance at 96.46%.

She highlighted the addition of a new behavior interventionist, Kaylee, who began work shortly after winter break.

“She had her schedule set after the first week back to school,” Ellingsworth-Albert said. “She is getting to know students and staff and doing an amazing job.”

Ellingsworth-Albert also updated the board on the district’s phased rollout of DESE-approved reading programs. The district is piloting Wonders in fourth grade this year and plans to officially purchase the program next year. Based on site visits and program observations, the district plans to implement Super Kids for kindergarten and first grade beginning in the 2026–27 school year, with additional reading program updates planned for second and third grades in 2027–28.

• Special Education Director and Curriculum Director Janah Massman reported the district is currently conducting eight new special education evaluations and six reevaluations.

Massman said staff is reviewing assessment data, including ACT, Accuplacer, and ASVAB results, to better guide student placement and post-secondary planning. She also reported preparations are underway for MAP and EOC testing, including staff training and scheduling.

Massman said the district is developing a comprehensive literacy plan, led by Melissa Heisler, and praised her work on the project.

• The board recognized Students of the Quarter: Ryker Jansen (second grade, nominated by Dana Rehagen), Kizzie Kliethermes (fifth grade, nominated by Amanda Rademann), Jackson Reasons (middle school, nominated by Amy Backes), and Kaylee Juergensmeyer (high school, nominated by Jeanette Schroeder).

• The board also approved the hiring of substitute teachers Amy Rackers, Jennifer Juergensmeyer, and Drew Ellis, and ECSE aide Ryann Muenks. The board also approved the resignation of Assistant Track Coach Joey Vignola, effective immediately; the resignation of kindergarten teacher Brandy Brown, effective at the end of the school year; and the retirement of PE teacher Scott Kilgore, at the end of the school year.

• The district plans to host Senior Citizens Day again this year, though a date has not yet been set.

• The board approved bills totaling $654,821.72.

• Board members scheduled a budget workshop for March 4 at 6 p.m. in the superintendent’s office.

• The next board meeting will be held Thursday, Feb. 19, at 6 p.m., following the FFA dinner, due to Ash Wednesday.