LINN — Linn R-2 Superintendent Bob James told board members at their May 21 meeting that Band Properties, which developed State Tech student housing in the former nursing home south of Wildcat Drive, has approached the district about partnering on a sidewalk project that would improve pedestrian safety while providing future infrastructure opportunities.

James explained that the proposed project would include extending the curb line approximately 24 to 30 inches and constructing a five-foot-wide sidewalk extending roughly 790 feet along Wildcat Drive.

Tech students currently living in the former nursing home facility already regularly use Wildcat Drive while walking to campus. James noted that the sidewalk would connect with a planned Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) sidewalk project extending toward Hwy. 50, and simultaneously provide a measure of protection for students and visitors during events.

“When we do track meets, that sort of thing, we have a lot of people walking in the road,” said James, noting it has been a long-standing safety concern. “It’ll give us an alternative to that.”

The superintendent noted that discussions have also included the possibility of extending a sewer line beneath the roadway toward the track and football field area while construction is underway.

James told the board that Band Properties owner Caleb Bax acknowledged the district’s desire to install additional restrooms near the track. “Caleb said, ‘While we’re putting in our sewer line, would you be interested in us core-drilling across there? And we’ll just cap it, but if you ever use it, you’ll have a sewer line sticking out over there.’”

Although the district does not currently have plans for development in that area, James said installing and capping a sewer connection now could provide flexibility for future projects.

James noted that he asked Bax to provide figures for the project, and the district would consider splitting the project in a reasonable way.

Board members want to see cost estimates before making any decisions regarding district participation. James said any district contribution would be funded through existing bond proceeds rather than operating funds.

In other business, the board approved several scheduling changes for the upcoming school year.

Rather than holding a traditional July meeting, members agreed to conduct a board work session on the regularly scheduled July meeting date. During discussion, James suggested the work session could focus on board priorities and decision-making principles as the district prepares to navigate future challenges.

“I think probably my number one goal in a work session would be to decide how we’re going to make decisions,” James said. “I don’t know that everyone all the time means what’s best for, or has the same definition of what’s best for students. When we say what is best for students, what do we really mean?”

James added that this kind of workshop is necessary. “As we have very difficult conversations, which we’re going to have over the next year, especially with budget, it helps to have a guidepost to remind yourself while you’re having a terrible time making decisions that you’d rather not have to,” he said.

• Board members also voted to move the August board meeting from Aug. 20 to Aug. 18 because the original date coincides with the district’s Open House and planned unveiling of bond-funded construction projects.

• The board approved an overnight FBLA trip to the National Leadership Conference in San Antonio, Texas, from June 29 through July 3. Linn students Miranda Berry and Lily Wolfe qualified through state competition and will represent the district at the national conference. Students and advisors have already raised approximately $3,000 toward the estimated $4,561 trip cost through fundraising and donations.

• Board members approved a two-day Linn FFA summer points trip planned for July, which will include visits to natural resource sites, team-building activities, and a float trip on the Huzzah River. Approximately 25 students are expected to participate.

• James informed the board that central office summer hours will be reduced following the conclusion of summer school. The office will operate from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the summer before returning to normal hours in August.

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

High School/Middle School Principal Erin expressed her appreciation for everything over the last four years as she prepares for her role at Owensville. “I want to sincerely thank the Board of Education, staff, students, and community for the support, encouragement, and opportunities you have given me during my years here,” she said. “It has truly been an honor to serve this district and work alongside such dedicated educators and amazing students. While I am excited for my next chapter, I am also saddened to leave a school and community that have meant so much to me.

“The lessons I have learned, the growth I have experienced as an educator and administrator, the memories we have created, and most importantly, the relationships built along the way will stay with me forever,” Sassmann continued. “Thank you for allowing me to be a part of Osage County R-II and for all you have done for me throughout my time here. I will always look back on these years with gratitude and pride.”

• Sassmann said that graduation week was very successful. “Having worked with this senior class throughout all four years of their high school career, it was especially rewarding to witness their growth and accomplishments as they walked across the stage and into the next chapter of their lives,” said Sassmann. “This group has earned an impressive amount of scholarships, and many students will continue their education.”

Of this year’s 49 graduates, 44 (or 90%) plan to attend four-year universities, two-year colleges, specialty schools, or apprenticeship programs. The class earned more than $1.06 million in scholarships, while 14 of the 38 students who qualified for Missouri’s A+ program will utilize the funding.

“Their success reflects their dedication, perseverance, and commitment to achieving their goals,” said Sassmann.

One student earned an Associate’s Degree, and James said he would like to look into how more students can use dual-credit classes to graduate with the same head start.

• She also congratulated eighth-grade graduates and noted strong attendance at the recent ceremony. “We are proud of all our eighth-graders for their accomplishments, and excited to welcome them into the high school next year,” said Sassmann.

• State testing concluded successfully, she noted. “Students approached the assessments with focus, determination, and effort as they worked to demonstrate what they had learned throughout the year,” Sassmann said. “This year, we implemented strategic testing breaks to allow students time to reset and refocus during the testing process. Our teachers worked incredibly hard all year long, continually adjusting and strengthening instruction to help students succeed. We look forward to reviewing the results in July and using that data to help guide instructional decisions for next school year.”

• Sassmann told the board that teachers and staff worked diligently to prepare for the upcoming classroom move connected to the building addition. Classrooms have been packed, organized, and carefully labeled to help ensure a smooth transition over the summer months. “This added a significant amount of work to the normal end-of-year procedures, and we greatly appreciate the extra effort and flexibility shown by our staff,” she said. “Their hard work and preparation will pay off as we move into our new learning spaces next fall.”