Linn R-2 board members at their June 29 meeting approved an agreement with Navigate Building Solutions of St. Louis at a cost of $21,549 to replace the high school roof, which is estimated to be completed by October.
Insulation is an issue right now in terms of getting materials, according to Project Director Cory Bextermueller of Navigate.
He suggested having an infrared scan of the roof conducted to see what insulation needs to be replaced, noting that if a significant amount needs to be acquired, the project could be delayed.
Board member Dr. Shawn Strong asked where the $104,000 estimate for replacement of the roof came from in the budget, noting the $125,000 was slated for the project but $21,549 will go to Navigate.
“That was a basic estimate based on similar projects in similarly sized districts,” said Superintendent Dena Smith. “Since we don’t have a bid at this point, we gathered information from other districts.”
“How many square feet are we doing here?” Dr. Strong asked. “Are we doing a full tear-off or just an overlay?”
“I didn’t measure it,” said Bextermueller. “I just paced it off. We’re going to bring in a manufacturer to help build specs but I think we’re about 39,000 square feet. Hearing the number you just stated is a significant concern.”
At an estimated $3 per square foot based on the budgeted amount for the project, Bextermueller said the project would be severely limited.
“So how much are we talking per square foot?” Dr. Strong asked.
Bextermueller said there are two options. “If we do the infrared scan and find out the roof is a restoration where we can leave it in place and go over the top of it, I think you’re looking at somewhere in the $200,000 to $230,000 (range,” he said. “If you’re looking at a full tear-off and replace, it could be $400,000 to $500,000. It’s not an inexpensive roof. That could be drastically be affected by the materials.”
Dr. Strong said Navigate’s fee is not really 20% of the total project cost in that case.
“No,” Bextermueller agreed but said his fee is based on the number of hours he spends on the project, not on a percentage.
Like most other things, roofing costs have increased dramatically of late.
“So that said, what’s wrong with the roof?” Dr. Strong asked. “Does it leak? How old is it?”
Bextermueller said the roof is 20 years old and does leak at the seams.
“When we walked on it, we squished water out,” said Bextermueller. “That’s why we’re concerned about how wet the insulation is.”
Smith said her biggest concern is the southeastern corner where water funnels.
Some water comes through in the cafeteria as well.
An infrared scan will only cost about $1,500 but Bextermueller said it’s very helpful when going out for bids. Areas in need of insulation will be marked, which helps contractors solidify their estimates.
“Do we have $400,000?” Dr. Strong asked.
Smith said none of the expected funds from Elementary & Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER) III, which is slated to provide almost $700,000 to the district, have been budgeted.
“The other thing in the budget that’s a high-cost item is the track, with the interior being a football field,” said Smith. “I’ve got that in the budget for this year but I think it’s unlikely to happen. We have to determine what we want to do and when we want to do it but I’m skeptical all of that would come out of the budget this year.”
Bextermueller suggested having the project bid in January to assure enough time is available for contractors to take it on.
This project will be competitively bid and Bextermueller said local vendors will provide the best estimates because they don’t have as much in travel expenses.
Bextermueller added that a list of local vendors would be helpful.
Dr. Strong asked what the benefit would be to have Navigate prepare specs as opposed to a local roofing contractor come out and look at the roof.
“If your local roofing guy is going to come out and look at it and then turn around and bid on it himself, that seems like a major conflict of interest,” said Bextermueller. “You could design a package to have a benefit, and we as a third party, don’t have a benefit other than showing you the best process.”
Bextermueller added that since Navigate is an outside third party, the firm will go through all of the school’s options regardless of who bids on the job.
Maintenance and warranty considerations will also be conveyed by Navigate, Bextermueller noted, adding that training can be provided to help extend the life of the roof.
“Legally, we can’t have someone who plans to bid on the project spec it for us,” Smith said.
Board members approved the measure by a 5-2 vote, with board member Naomi Klouzek abstaining, and Mark Baker voting against it.
In other business, Linn R-2 is projected to get approximately $690,706 in ESSER III funds.
Smith said there are some additional requirements for this money.
The school was to have a “Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services Plan” on its website no later than June 23.
“Our plan from last year is acceptable,” said Smith. “I just changed the title and revised some minor things that had to be included. It is already on our website for viewing.”
Linn must submit its application to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) by Aug. 23 and there are several items required, including accounting for lost instructional time, identifying students most impacted by the pandemic, and making sure that interventions meet student needs.
Smith recommended the district offset salaries as much as possible and free up local money to use in other ways.
“This helps make sure we are following the guidelines to use ESSER money,” she added, noting that funds must be obligated by Sept. 30, 2024.
Smith said about $400,000 can be drawn at once and the balance will be apportioned to the school.
“I think it would be foolish not to use it all toward salaries,” said Dr. Strong.
“That would be easiest,” Smith agreed.
* Board members approved the resignation of Alexandria Claycomb.
* Handbooks were approved for all three campuses, along with the Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP), which is reviewed and approved every five years.
* Board members approved the student support program, which will allow teachers to be paid for tutoring outside of contracted hours. Tutoring will be allowed for credit recovery, writing intervention, test prep, math intervention, reading intervention, homework tutoring, science intervention, and social studies intervention.
Smith said Elementary & Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund-II (ESSER) funds will be used to pay for this program for the 2021-22 school year.
OPEN FORUM
Kurt Baker took issue with what he said were allegations of lies and false rumors spread by him made by administrators and staff at the school.
Baker said he was not speaking as Linn Athletic Booster Club president but said he can only make decisions in that role based on information presented to him.
Baker said a text was sent out to a group on May 28 asking if the booster club would be willing to cover the cost of hotel rooms for the baseball team while in Ozark for the Class 3 state championship tournament.
“I questioned this because this is a state event and it seems to me the school could cover this cost,” said Baker.
He noted the text indicated the school would pay for transportation and a meal the night before the tournament.
Per the booster club’s by-laws, no payment over $500 can be approved without a meeting. Former Athletic Director Clay Crouch at that time wanted to know how much the booster club would kick in to put the boys up in a room.
Two days later, Crouch informed Baker the cost for the rooms would be $1,089.
When asked how much the booster club was being asked to contribute, Baker said he received a text from Crouch that noted Superintendent Dena Smith wanted the LABC to pay for the hotel and the school would pay for the other things.
“We’re a volunteer organization and the public needs to know what’s going on,” said Baker, noting he set up a Zoom meeting for the following day.
At that meeting, Baker said the request to pay for the hotel was unanimously approved and he thought the issue was resolved.
However, Baker said he then received an email accusing him of fabricating false information and inciting board members, family members, and the public to go to the administration office at Linn R-2 and complain. The message also accused Baker of publicly saying the school refused to pay for the hotel.
“I was in Colorado, 840 miles away,” said Baker. “If I publicly stated anything about Linn R-2 schools, the citizens of Colorado couldn’t care less.”
Baker said he did ask on social media why the school wouldn’t pay because the golf team asked the LABC to pay for rooms because they had been denied a request to pay for rooms when three members went to the state meet.
“Again, that was my personal understanding and I’ll be happy to be wrong,” said Baker. “I also asked the question because two years ago, when I became president of the organization, I was told the booster club paid for athletic uniforms. Since then, we’ve been asked by coaches to buy volleyballs, hats, helmets, a ball rack, record-keeping software for both basketball teams and volleyball, various warm-ups, and a mascot costume.”
Baker noted the booster club was also asked to pay for new catcher’s gear after the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) changed the safety requirements. Most recently, the club was asked by the track team for a javelin and metric measuring tapes.
“This prompted my spending question more than anything,” said Baker. “The school sponsors track and field and part of that is javelin and to participate, our kids need one to throw.”
After conversations with the athletic director and track coach, it was Baker’s understanding that the school wanted the booster club to purchase these items.
“I didn’t perpetuate the rumors and lies I’m being accused of,” said Baker in closing. “I never publicly stated anything negative about Linn R-2 to anyone. I will continue to question expenses levied upon the booster club simply because the booster club has to have budget restraints. If we continue to spend money like we’ve been spending, a future school board member will have to come to the booster club and tell athletic teams they can’t have new uniforms.”
Board member Tye DeCramer asked if the booster club had paid for the golf team’s stay.
“It’s my understanding we did,” said Baker, adding the club did in fact pay for the baseball team’s stay in Ozark as well.
Carol Branson also addressed the board.
“I’m here this evening to clarify some facts surrounding an issue that surfaced a few weeks ago regarding who was going to pay for the hotel rooms for the high school baseball team to stay overnight in order to compete at the state Final Four in Ozark,” she said. “I voiced an opinion about this issue after reading an announcement of a called Linn Athletic Booster Club meeting in which it was stated the booster club needed to ‘discuss a request brought to us by the school’ for the Club to pay $1,089 for the hotel rooms. My opinion, which I shared with the board members, is that this is a responsibility of the school district and not the booster club. Following my texts conveying this thought, I received an email from Ms. Smith, in which she implied there had been some ‘fabrication’ of the facts on this issue. Then I learned there was subsequent discussion in which Kurt Baker, as a booster club officer, and I had ‘conspired’ on this issue. First of all, I didn’t discuss this topic with anyone before I voiced my thoughts on the school district paying for this bill. As a matter of fact, I learned later that Kurt was actually on vacation when all this was taking place. I don’t even know where he was at that time. Further, I don’t know who the booster club officers are and did not discuss this with any of them either. I’m telling you this at the risk of sounding like a junior high tattle-tale, but I think it’s important for the public to know the truth. I stated my opinion based on my own individual thoughts without input or discussion with anyone else.”
Branson went on to say that her opinion on this topic has not changed.
“I believe the resolution to this issue is for the board to adopt a policy in which it states the school district shall pay for transportation and lodging if necessary for a student or group of students to compete at a state-level competition,” she said. “A policy such as this should serve to avoid this kind of miscommunication in the future. In the big picture, this kind of expenditure is well worth the cost of supporting our students who have worked hard to represent our school district in one of the most positive ways possible. It seems to me this is the least our school can do to show them and their parents our support.”
REGULATION CHANGES - FIRST READING
* A first reading of an update to Regulation 1420 notes that in accordance with the law, buildings may be used for free discussion of public questions and subjects of general public interest, for the meeting of organizations of citizens or for use by individuals and for such other civic, social and educational purposes as will not interfere with the use of the building for school purposes. No part of the building is to be used without permission being granted by the Superintendent/designee.
Also, no use of equipment shall be granted unless an instructor or attendant, approved by the board, is in charge of the rooms or equipment. At no time will the weightroom or indoor batting cage be available for use by outside groups or individuals. A facility use agreement reflects this change.
Dr. Strong asked what the school would save by removing liability insurance but Smith said she was advised to leave it alone.
* A first reading of an update to Regulation 4320 will mean employees must use all vacation days in the year in which they are earned unless otherwise specified by contract terms. Vacation time may not be accrued. Smith clarified that current vacation days held by employees will not be taken away.
* A first reading of an update to Regulation 2310 notes that if the principal is unable to contact the parent/guardian within three (3) days or the parent/guardian does not give a reasonable explanation for the absence within three (3) days, the building principal shall contact the appropriate authorities to request a well check be completed.
Also, the number of absences per school year for elementary students will be reduced from 17 to 12, and at the middle school/high school level, students will be allowed six absences per semester instead of 10.
Board members will review changes and make any suggested revisions before next month’s second reading.
PROGRAM EVALUATIONS
A+ Coordinator Shannon Wolfe in an evaluation of the program noted the goal is to have each student graduate with the A+ Scholarship. This year 46 of the 63 graduates (73%) earned the scholarship.
* Objectives can be measured using documentation of signed agreement, tutoring hours, volunteer hours, GPA, attendance, completion of FAFSA, and registration with Selective Service.
* Criteria gauging success include a signed agreement; Algebra 1 EOC, top two levels or a math ACT score of 15-17, depending on the student’s GPA; a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA; 95% attendance; two years at an A+ high school; 50 hours of tutoring and 25 hours of volunteer service; good citizenship; completion of FAFSA; and males must register for Selective Service.
Wolfe noted the school follows guidelines set by the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development.
A review of the Title I program by Melanie Brandt and Beth Plume indicated the goal is to ensure that every Linn student has a fair, equal, and significant opportunity to obtain a high quality education and show growth throughout the school year. The ultimate goal is to help children learn how to use independent reading strategies successfully, succeed in the regular educational setting, attain grade level proficiency, achieve basic or more advanced skills, have students show progress toward meeting the desired outcomes of their grade level, and finally raise their reading comprehension level.
* The objective as Title I teachers is to instill a love of reading, provide tools to help students become strategic, independent readers, and help them become problem-solvers using real-time data.
* Success will be gauged by a significant growth on Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) and Evaluate test, as well as classroom observations, all of which are documented in the Title I annual binder.
* The procedures used to evaluate collected data include grade-level meetings, parent meetings, and professional development collaboration with point-of-contact educators.
REPORTS
In his report, High School Principal Michael Fible said the Linn choir sang “God Bless America” at the St. Louis Cardinals game on May 23.
* Academic award night was held on May 19.
* Eighth-grade graduation night was held on May 20.
* The band trip was held at Disney World.
* All BSIP goals and handbooks have been updated for the 2021-2022 school year.
* Enrollment in grades 7-12 was reported at 320 students.
Fible also shared final spring athletic results.
* State Golf Results: Alek Peters shot a 78 to finish eighth overall for All-State honors, Jett Maassen carded a 90 to earn a tie for 47th, and Britt Winslow finished with a 104, earning a tie for 55th.
* State Track Results: Myra Baker placed ninth in the 800m run with a time of 2:26.95, Zach Dodson pole vaulted 3.38m and tied for 14th, and the 3200m relay team of Ramsie Tschappler, Erika Platt, Ellie Monnette and Myra Baker finished 14th with a time of 10:53.06.
* Baseball: The Wildcats finished second in Class 3 at the state tournament in June, playing for a state championship for the first time in the program’s history. Linn had a final record of 16-10.
Elementary Principal Tracy Kingsley noted that a master schedule has been shared with staff for next year, which includes a 90-minute reading block, systematic opportunities for intervention in reading and math, as well as a one-hour math block. Title staff will do more push-in for reading this year as teachers focus on core instruction. Mrs. Brandt will also be working with students in grades 2-4 with math interventions to close the learning gap there as well. Grade-level meetings will now take place at the end of the day instead of during plan time, which will allow more time for Kingsley to observe, and more planning time for teachers.
Linn will be offering band in fifth and sixth grade next year with a new instructor who is excited to begin, Kingsley noted.
* A first- and second-grade teacher have been added to the team to help close the gap in the lower grade levels.
“We are excited to expand these teams and confident that smaller class sizes, implementation of systematic phonics and phonemic awareness instruction, a cohesive Title I push-in/pull-out program that is data driven according to scientifically research-based practices, and a more developed and aligned math curriculum, will lead to closing this gap,” Kingsley added.
* Support for students who are at-risk will be a part of the new PE teacher’s schedule. His time will not be shared with middle and high school this year, which will allow additional opportunities to support trauma-informed students as well as those who just need a break, outlet, or a calm-down opportunity. Students placed on his schedule will be planned ahead of time, Kingsley said.
* All teaching positions have been filled and many are already working with their teams, reaching out to get settled, and anxious to begin their work as Wildcats.
* Linn ended the year with awards ceremonies, parents in the buildings, trips to the park, and the opportunity to celebrate the school year and great students. “Kudos to the staff for a smooth and energizing end of year,” Kingsley said.
* Reading: Linn is set to hold 12 Professional Development (PD) days and seven virtual PD hours with Dr. Jill Dunlap-Brown over the course of the next year. “Our focus will be on understanding and implementing practices based on the science of reading,” Kingsley said.
— The school has purchased Heggerty for phonemic awareness work in grades pre-K3 and is set to purchase Saxon Phonics for grades K-2 for use in the fall.
* Math: The math team met for an all-day math workday on Monday, June 14. “We continued building our math curriculum and aligned our units with DESE’s priority standards,” said Kingsley. “It was a busy and productive day.”
* PTO: “Our wonderful elementary PTO is working to improve our playground,” said Kingsley, noting that plans are being drawn up for phases 1-3, which will include many improvements and additions.
Currently the PTO plans to purchase new basketball goals for younger students, and add fresh paint to the firetruck and games on the concrete. The group is also hoping to purchase a set of swings for the lower playground this summer. For now, plans are tentative, but the PTO hopes to roll out the official three-part plan in the fall and will kick off fundraising with a carnival in October.
“I’m excited for the future of PTO and encourage parents to join in the fun,” said Kingsley.
* Enrollment in grades K-6 was reported at 301 students.