LINN  —  Linn R-2 board members officially adopted a loan resolution as part of the documents process required by law to enter into the lease purchase for the track project.

“It’s really an administrative requirement that the board votes on a resolution to take the loan,” said Superintendent Bob James. “Upon the approval of this resolution, the funds will be wired to our bank account.”

The loan is financed through the Missouri Health and Educational Facilities Authority (MOHEFA).

James solicited bids for contracting on the track and fencing and will update board members as they come in, reminding them that construction is expensive.

He also asked a couple of companies to submit field-improvement bids for baseball and softball (infield, outfield turf, dugouts, seating, etc.). “I was interested in what that would look like as we continue to improve our facilities,” said James.

In related news, the Linn Football Club press box project is coming along nicely. “The club has raised just about all the funds for this project,” said James. “We are excited to see this addition to our field this fall.”

• Linn R-2 has three certificates of deposits (CDs), with two about to mature at about 2.74%. “There is an opportunity out there if we want to shop for a better rate,” said James.

Board member Mark Baker, who works at Mid America Bank, said he likes having some funds in CDs. “We’ve earned pretty well on our general deposits,” he added. “I think we can do better than 2.7 percent on CDs right now. We’re in a strange time with inflation.”

Typically, the longer the term, the better the rate. However, Baker said rates are better for a nine-month term than a year. “Their thinking is we can do a higher rate for a year, and it may renew at a lower rate,” he noted, agreeing that the district should seek bids.

In response to James, Baker confirmed the district could cash in the third CD early in favor of a higher rate should the school find an attractive proposition. He added the district would come out ahead with the new higher interest rate even with the penalty for cashing in the CD early.

“The only drawback to that is we may want to ladder them so they don’t mature at the same time,” said Baker, adding that even with the same maturity, the school should be money ahead in a year.

Board members agreed with the request to solicit bids.

• Linn R-2 received a clean audit for FY23, with no significant findings. James noted the district’s cash-handling practices have improved greatly, but there are still areas that need to be addressed. He said reconciling all 12 months before the audit was the most significant item. He explained that each month is reconciled, but the cumulative for the year needs to be done as well.

James also said the food service budget still has too much money, so he and Food Service Director Kelley Crouse will determine what the kitchen needs. “We’ve been spending some of that surplus on better food for our students,” James said.

Board members approved the audit.

• James presented a sample service animal policy based on some he found in other districts. “We are interested in getting a service animal for our special programs,” he said. “A lot of kids, especially from an anxiety standpoint, benefit from having one available. In the past, we had students with service animals as part of their Individualized Education Plan (IEP), but we had no policy in place. It’s a good time to adopt a policy that makes sense.”

He asked board members to provide feedback on the sample policy and return at the January meeting for a first reading.

• James clarified a statement he made last month. He noted the district does not receive Average Daily Attendance (ADA) on transfer students, except in specific circumstances. However, he said the cost to instruct students would not be significant compared to the $2,000 tuition Linn R-2 agreed to charge. James added that he’ll keep a close eye on it and report back to the board if costs begin to overtake revenues.

REPORTS

In his report, James noted that culture and climate at the school continue to develop. He said staff and students joined in a fun holiday season. About 40 staff members also attended a Christmas party at the James residence.

• James is preparing for board contract recommendations in the spring and hopes to be on the leading edge of hiring. He is focusing on salaries in this year’s budget process.

• Linn was within 1% of James’ prediction for the fund balance. The district increased its ending balance from the previous year by approximately 1% or $63,000.

• Future State Adequacy Target (SAT) changes will impact Linn’s budget strategy for next year.

• Professional Development is going well. James noted a discussion surrounding pervasive PD plans is a topic with the administrative team.

• James praised Facilities Director Cliff Wilson and his staff for their great work. Work has moved inside, and Wilson has completed water testing. James noted the district’s lead-testing plan will be posted on the district website soon.

• The district purchased a UTV for the maintenance staff to make it easier to get around campus. “We got a great deal on it, and we are very excited about this addition,” said James.

• Athletics and Fine Arts funding continues to be a priority, and James said he believes the district will be in good shape for next year.

• James said students had great holiday concerts. “We are seeing improvement in those programs for the second year in a row,” he added.

Elementary Principal Cammie Higgenbotham reported her staff continues to receive a lot of positive office referrals.

• Higgenbotham said the PTO Fall Festival went very well.  “Families enjoyed food, games, bounce houses, face-painting, the silent auction, and time together,” she added. “I want to thank our PTO for all of their work and planning to make this event possible, and staff and volunteers who worked this event and put baskets together.”

• Administrators and teachers had several meaningful discussions with reading consultant Dr. Jill Brown on Dec. 5. “We revisited our Reading Success Plans and talked about student progress and specific interventions that can be used to help students,” said Higgenbotham.

• Higgenbotham said the Sunshine Committee has worked hard this year to plan staff outings. “We have enjoyed getting to know one another better,” she noted, adding the effort is to continue building a positive culture.

• Higgenbotham has begun adding highlights from classrooms to staff newsletters each week to showcase all of the amazing things happening in the building.

James noted that reports will alternate every month between high school and elementary. High School Principal Erin Sassmann will have a report at the next meeting.