Linn R-2 making progress among students with failing grades

By Neal A. Johnson, UD Editor
Posted 4/27/22

Linn High School Principal Jeff Jacques told board members at their April 19 meeting that progress is being made in reducing the number of students with Ds and Fs.

“We’re …

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Linn R-2 making progress among students with failing grades

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Linn High School Principal Jeff Jacques told board members at their April 19 meeting that progress is being made in reducing the number of students with Ds and Fs.

“We’re dropping,” he said, noting that 18% of students have at least one D or F. “We’re struggling with a handful of students.”

He added that 36 students have two or more Fs. “We’re looking at creative ways to build relationships for this year, and next year, we’re looking at building an at-risk home room,” said Jacques.

This extra 15 minutes during fifth hour will replace the seminar period. Jacques said the hope is that teachers will have more time to develop relationships with students in a home-room setting.

“We’re doing better and the teachers are doing a great job of working with them,” said Jacques. “Trying to get those students more engaged is where we’re struggling right now. It’s the same students this semester as last year.”

Newly-elected board member Brett Phillips asked if only students with a failing grade are part of the home room.

Jacques explained that the 22-minute seminar period doesn’t work very well. “The kids aren’t necessarily with their core teachers,” he said of the seminar period. 

Next year, the plan is to utilize two ISS teachers to work with at-risk students, checking their grades daily to ensure work is being done. During fifth hour, students will be with teachers who know what work is missing and therefore can be encouraged to complete it.

“We’re looking at getting those kids engaged, and by taking that seminar time, it will allow us to add time to core classes so they have more time with their core teacher instead of being in a class without a teacher tied directly to their studies like math or science,” said Jaques.

He added that while administrators and teachers never want to see Ds and Fs, the percentage of students with those grades is dropping, and Jacques said focus also needs to be applied to students who are doing well.

“We have some fantastic kids,” he said. “We still have a handful we need to bring up to speed. It’s not that they’re incapable; we just need to find the trigger that will get them engaged. Our teachers are fantastic too. We have a great staff.”

In other business, results from the April 5 General Municipal Election were certified and approved by the board showing that Brett Phillips garnered 300 votes and Jamie Bish received 221 votes to win the two open seats. Scotty Dudenhoeffer was next with 170, followed by Andrew “AJ” Womack (151) and Albert Rieke (100). Write-in votes were cast for Sam Niederhelm (3), Cassey Dudenhoeffer (2), and Jaimie Bowser (1). No votes were cast in Gasconade County for this slate of candidates.

Following certification, Phillips and Bish were sworn in by outgoing board member Tye DeCramer, and board officers were elected as follows: Dr. Shawn Strong (president), Hannah Swann (VP), Mark Baker (secretary),  Naomi Klouzek (treasurer), and the custodian of records will be the superintendent.

In other business, the board approved an amendment to the Fresh Ideas Food contract to outline meal prices for the 2022-23 school year.

Superintendent Dena Smith explained these costs mirror what the district agreed to pay when signing the five-year contract at the beginning of this school year.

“This amendment is just outlining the prices that we designated in the original proposal,” said Smith.

Dr. Strong asked how things were going with Fresh Ideas Food.

“We had quite a few hiccups, which you’re always going to have in a transition,” Smith replied. “(We) have a brand-new food service director who has never done it before, so that’s a learning experience. Things have gotten better.”

Smith has discussed any issues still occurring with administrators to ensure they are being addressed.

“Krista (Schmitz) is very open to talking and trying to problem-solve,” said Smith of the food service director. “I know earlier in the year one of the issues we had is that it was taking forever for elementary kids to get through the line. She and (Elementary Principal) Tracy (Kingsley) had a conversation and came up with a system and that’s no longer a problem.”

The cost to the district for lunches for students and non-students for the 2022-23 school year will be $3.062 and breakfasts will be $2.165.

The cost to the district for after-school snacks will be $.96.

The meal equivalent factor for a la carte sales and sales accruing from school-sponsored catered events and those not directly invoiced to Linn R-2 for the 2022-23 school year will be $4.19. 

  Athletic Director Billy Garrett did not have a written report for this meeting. He competed in the Boston Marathon, finishing 2,937th among 30,000 competitors, with an average time of 6:49 per mile. In his age group (18-39), he placed 1956th in a time of 2:58:42.

“That’s very impressive,” said Dr. Strong.

  Board members hired Chris Minnix to serve as the assistant principal and athletic director next year. An intro story will be presented next week.

  Resignations were accepted from Ashland Dochtermand, Trisha Ely, Nick Vick, Ron Lebel, Brandi Moore, Natalie LePage, and Andrew Medley.

  Retirements were accepted from Lisa Walsh, and Nancy Noland.

  Agriculture Teachers/FFA Advisors Megan Niederhelm and Terry Shepherd were granted approval to take Linn FFA chapter members to Dallas, Texas, from July 11-13.

Shepherd and Niederhelm will take 25 FFA freshman through senior members who have excelled in their participation. 

  Bills were approved for payment in the amount of $479,778.75. The school has a checking and investment balance of $4,496,123.77, including investments of $476,797.81 through Mid America Bank.

FORUM RESPONSE

In response to concerns raised during the open forum at the March 15 meeting by Larry Hunt about how the school spends money, Board President Dennis Gravedoni said the process has the necessary oversight to prevent fraud.

“He mentioned that bills should be questioned in public,” Gravedoni said. 

He noted the current process for making purchases requires it to be done in writing, with supervisor approval and approval by the superintendent. When checks are cut, they are reviewed and signed by two board officers.

Gravedoni said that all expenses are provided to the entire board for review each month. “If there are no questions or irregularities, the board approves the transfer (of funds) and payment of bills,” he added.

Gravedoni noted that a system of checks and balances is in place, along with an annual audit. All records are public.

“Mr. Hunt also said there is a need for more open discussion in public meetings,” said Gravedoni, noting that all board members may add an agenda item if they so desire. “If any citizen feels there’s an issue that needs to be brought to the attention of the board, they may contact the superintendent or sign up to speak to the board during the open forum.”

Remaining business will be presented next week.