WESTPHALIA  — Fatima R-3 board members, at their Oct. 19 meeting, decided to go with Legends Bank for processing employees’ HSA accounts. 

Superintendent Chuck Woody explained that Legends requires a $25 minimum but will not assess a service charge for balances less than $2,500.

“HSAs are meant to be used, so the balance is likely going to be on the lower side,” said Woody, noting coverage through Bank of St. Elizabeth costs $2.50 per month per employee if the balance is below $2,500. “It isn’t much, but it’s money coming out of our employee’s pockets, and I have to look out for them.”

Woody added that other superintendents told him their local banks charge a fee for their HSA administration.

Board VP Keith Huhn said the difference in APR for the accounts is minimal — .25% vs. .05% — but he would rather use a plan that does not assess a fee.

“I’d like our employees to keep more of their money,” he said. “From a math perspective, it makes sense to go with Legends Bank.”

Maries County Bank did not submit a proposal.

In other business, board members approved an increase for event workers to a minimum of $30, with a sliding scale for additional games. Track and wrestling compensation vary, depending on time spent at the events.

Athletic Director Matt Verslues noted the increase is a good way to show appreciation to those who give up an evening to help the school.

Woody noted increases would take effect in the winter season and are not retroactive.

• The board approved bus and snow routes for the school year, with no changes from last year.

Woody said the district still has the option to start later in the day to mitigate early-morning road hazards.

• The board approved a hazard mitigation plan developed by the Osage County Commission. Woody explained there are a lot of safety and hazardous protocols from the Callaway Nuclear Power Plant. “They have to have this so that all schools are in agreement with local agencies,” said Woody. “There are different things that we’re going to follow for an earthquake, nuclear disaster, or tornadoes.”

• Board members accepted resignations from cook Monica McDonald and soccer coach Clint Dobry. Retirements were also noted for head cook Janet Kliethermes and English teacher Kathy Rolwes.

• Winning bids for surplus items:

— 28 T-5 Light Fixtures (six bulb fixtures) – Dennis Luecke $20.

— One Hoshizaki two-door commercial refrigerator (Leaks refrigerant, recharged every four months) – Matt Buscher $526.

— Three 15x6 – six lawnmower new tires – Tracy Murphy $15.

— One Br420 Stihl backpack blower (doesn’t start) – Julie Fisher $61.

— Two picnic tables – Brad Royston — $130.

— One John Deere 345 Lawn Mower 1310 Hours (No sheet metal) — $225.

— One 1997 Chevrolet Suburban (229,612 miles) – Julie Fisher $1101.

— Wrestling mats – Kurt Strope $100.

• Fatima’s holiday open house will be held on Dec. 6.

• Bills were approved totaling $553,028.88.

REPORTS

Woody noted the Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP) committee is working on details to develop the Missouri School Improvement Plan (MSIP).

High School Principal Sharyl Kelsch told the board that students attended the “Build My Future” event in Jefferson City. Nichols Career Center students and a few students who do not attend NCC participated.  

• Teachers and administrators are busy finishing up the Missouri School Improvement Plan (MSIP) curriculum.

• Kelsch is working on formalizing Fatima’s Emergency Operations Plan. “This is a more formal document created with EMS, fire, and law enforcement input,” she explained. “I am using our current crisis plan, but this is much more formalized and specific for threats and situations. This will need to be presented to the board, but it is a work in progress right now.”

• A recent blood drive resulted in 36 successful donations.

• Barnwarming was to be held on Oct. 21, and the FCCLA Fun Run was slated for Oct. 23.

• Red Ribbon Week included a guest speaker discussing the ramifications of drinking and driving and not wearing a seatbelt.  

• FFA was preparing to leave for the National Convention in Indianapolis, Ind.    

• Kelsch said great support was shown for Nich Eynard when everyone dressed in green for his kidney transplant.

• Enrollment in grades 7-12 was reported at 495 students with a rate of attendance of 65.78%.

In her report, Elementary Principal Melissa Wright noted the first-quarter assembly would be live, with parents being able to attend this year. “We will be recognizing the character students and having some fun with our mascot, the Comet,” she said.

• Students of the quarter are Emmett Mitchell (first grade, nominated by his teacher Mrs. Wieberg) and Eli Bock (sixth grade, nominated by his teacher, Mrs.Brown).

• Red Ribbon Week (Oct. 24-26) included a safety kids assembly for grades K-6.

• Halloween parties were to be held on Oct. 26, with a costume parade through the school with K-2 students dressing up to show off their costumes. 

• Parent-Teacher Conferences were slated for Oct. 27.

• Enrollment in grades K-6 was reported at 265 students with an attendance rate of 97.9%.

Special Education Director Kelly Wheelan told the board she continues to work on student programming, specifically the Vocational Rehabilitation Program. A meeting was held on Oct. 25 to start development.