LINN  —  Linn R-2 board members, at their February meeting, agreed to solicit requests for proposals (RFQs) from architectural firms regarding long-term facility planning.

“We want someone to tell us what they’re all about and what they can do for us,” said Superintendent Bob James. “I think it’s a good idea for long-range planning. There are a lot of good companies out there who can help.”

“So this is not just for planning, but to select a district architect,” said Board President Dr. Shawn Strong. “When we get to the point of doing something with the middle school, we’ll have something to present to the public with a concept drawing. That should be the first step.”

Dr. Strong noted that in Missouri, the district selects an architect or designer and then negotiates a price. “That’s counter-intuitive,” he added. “You would think, okay, we’re going to find the cheapest person out there, but you find the most qualified person and then negotiate the price.”

James said the process is specifically outlined to prevent school districts from bargain-basement shopping. “They want you to choose someone who will do a good job,” he noted. “The idea is they’re putting a stop-gap in there to keep you from just choosing the lowest bidder.”

In other business, James said the suggestion was made during meetings with the calendar committee to swap out some Mondays to provide for a spring break.

“The group felt that wasn’t something they were willing to do at this time, but it was considered,” said James. “I am concerned. It can be emotionally exhausting to teach from Christmas break all the way through the next five months. A lot of times, you’re giving so much of yourself. I would like to see us breaking up those four or five months in the spring and giving our staff a mental health break at some point. I will miss spring break this year.”

Board members approved the calendar as submitted, which shows Aug. 22 as the first day of school. The final day is slated to be May 17, and the district has planned for 1,107 hours of instruction.

• A new program was approved to improve data tracking and improvements.

James said that tracking student improvement is essential, and there is a program specifically designed for Special Education students called Sped Track that costs about $4,000 for the first year.

“We can use it for a few years for a few hundred dollars less if we commit to a longer contract but I would like our staff to use it for one year, then evaluate and see if it’s the tool for us,” said James. “This is the best program around.”

Sped Track will cost about $1,500 more per year than the module through Infinite Campus. However, James said the premium is worthwhile because it’s the best tool to run the Special Education program.

Currently, the district has no specific program to track Special Education students, with each teacher using their own methods. In addition to streamlining the process and providing consistency, James said this program would have data tracking to improve.

• James told board members that the district is nearing the end of a three-year transportation contract, which has a provision allowing Linn R-2 to extend it one year.

“I reached out to Joe and asked if he was interested in that,” said James.

Inflation has hit every industry hard, and the superintendent noted there would be increased costs for various transportation-related items.

James and Rudroff Bus Co. owner Joe Neuner plan to meet and discuss a proposal, which will be presented to the board.

At that time, board members will have the option to extend the contract or solicit bids, which is not required.

• The school is required to solicit bids for auditing services and has already received a couple of submissions.

In his report, James told the board there had been no change in his approach to culture, climate, and relationships at the school, noting he continues to be present and engaged in various aspects of the community.

Culture is a component of Linn’s improvement plans for 2023-24. Equally important in the district plan is the use of metrics, which he will continue to fine-tune and present to teachers.

In personnel issues, James said he is considering the addition of a fourth-grade teacher to accommodate the increase in enrollment in grades K-4. He added the school is on the cusp with 46 third-grade students, which would be two classes of 23. “That’s way too many,” he said. “It’s in our best interest to keep class sizes smaller.”

Interviews are taking place now for the spring hiring season. “People are beginning to look for jobs,” said James, adding that closed-session meetings will likely take a little longer as a result.

James reminded the board that the Professional Development (PD) approval process would be adjusted for the next school year. The plan was approved a few years ago, and the approval process will be tied directly to district and campus improvement plans, with room for self-selection.

James noted the new process outlines steps one through six to get it approved. “The element we’re adding is that where teachers want to go needs to be in line with district improvement plans,” said James.

For example, engagement will involve principals, who will audit the request. “This will be a significant change for staff,” he added.

Facility improvements include changing light bulbs, adding wire cages to the lights in the elementary gym, and other projects.

In the upcoming spring season, James said there would be about three days in which the school can resurface and paint the track. The weather has been an issue in completing improvements to the shot-put pit.

Drainage issues will be addressed on the baseball infield as well.

Funding athletic programs is a priority that James will be tackling throughout the budget process.

In budget and finance, James said he is planning for next year’s budget. “We have a lot to consider, including increased costs due to inflation, preventative maintenance programming and repairs, and creating competitive salary adjustments,” he added.

James said one question is whether to add a step to the salary schedule or just increase the base.

“We are in a good position to do what we have been, and I will be looking at how to place us in a better position to catch up on aging infrastructure and update or renovate aged interiors and non-instructional spaces like the Ag building, athletic facilities, etc.,” said James.

Note: A story on the school district’s testing data will be published next week.