LINN — At the Linn R-2 meeting in May, Superintendent Bob James updated the board on legislative developments, including SB 63, which addresses homeschool student participation in activities and sports approved by the legislature. “There are some guidelines, and we’re going to have to figure out how to manage it,” he said. “There are some positives and some things I think are challenges. My hesitation is that our student-athletes meet a very high bar, and it doesn’t deviate based on individual students. Everyone has to meet that bar or they do not compete.”

However, under the bill, James noted there is no quality-control mechanism. “There’s no guarantee in consistency,” he said. “I’m sure some parents will hold their kids to a higher standard, but there’s no way to enforce that.”

James added that R-2 students are held to academic and behavioral standards to maintain eligibility in terms of playing time. That includes consequences for missing practice or failing grades.

“Extracurricular participation is a privilege you earn through outstanding character and conduct,” said James. “We don’t really have any quality control over that. Again, some homeschool parents are amazing and do a good job; others don’t.”

Extracurricular activities include athletics, band, choir, and any sanctioned competitive event; however, James does not believe it applies to clubs, though he will confirm that.

Provided Gov. Kehoe signs the bill into law, it would be effective in the 2025-26 school year.

Another issue is that homeschool parents pay school taxes.

“Additional formula money we receive, like Prop C, pays for those programs, and we will not receive any of that state aid to provide programs for those who participate,” said James. “I’m not saying they don’t contribute in taxes, but it comes nowhere near the cost of educating our kids and providing those programs.”

He noted it’s unknown what the impact will be on the district.

SB 68, meanwhile, deals with a ban on cell phones. “It will require us to have a policy and expectations,” said James, noting that a code of conduct and consequences will have to be outlined. “School districts have been banning cell phones for a long time. I think the law will add a level of gravity, which might be helpful, but in the end, it will come down to consistent enforcement.”

James anticipates some potential issues with the law, including emergencies. “There are also exceptions for students with unique conditions,” he added. “We already encounter a significant number of students who say that without their phone, they suffer separation anxiety. I anticipate we’ll get a lot of notes saying kids need to feel connected to their world, and this contributes to anxiety. I think it’s a paper tiger. If we want no cell phones, it’s going to depend on staff members saying we don’t do that, put it away, and here are the consequences. If we get every staff member on board, it’s more powerful than state legislation.”

In other business, the board agreed with Director of Special Services Rylee Glenn’s recommendation and approved a contract with Making Connections of Jefferson City for speech and language therapy.

Making Connections agrees to develop therapy and treatment plans for speech and language disorders; provide direct therapy services according to the students’ IEPs; maintain data for each student and report quarterly progress; comply with the annual requirements of IEP review and revision; evaluate students for initial assessments or triennial assessments; establish treatment goals and benchmarks for students; conduct case manager duties for students receiving IEP services; provide FAPE to students with disabilities or in need of accommodations; consult with staff to maximize student success; work with the school staff on RTI protocols or 504 plans; provide staff in-services as needed; provide professional liability insurance for Speech and Language Therapy which will hold Linn R-2 harmless for possible incidents that may occur during treatment provided by Making Connections; and provide an SLP who is fully licensed by the state of Missouri with experience in the educational setting.

The cost for in-person services is $75 per hour.

Glenn also recommended Warrior Therapy Contractors of Owensville for approval. The company will provide a licensed physical therapist assistant (PTA) and physical therapist (PT). PTA services will cost $70 per hour, and PT will be invoiced at $80 per hour. Services will be determined by the PT, regular classroom teacher, special education teacher, parent(s), and members of the IEP team. The board agreed and approved the contract for the 2025-26 school year.

• According to a report, 12 of Linn’s 39 graduates plan to attend a four-year college, or 28%, down slightly from 37% in 2024. The majority (27 students, 63%) plan to study at a two-year school, while three are entering the workforce, and one has enlisted in the military.

A total of $418,350 was earned in scholarships for the 2025-26 school year, with 25 of 38 eligible students earning A+ Program funding.

• The board approved the FFA’s request to take a two-night/three-day trip to St. Louis this month. The excursion will include advisors Megan Niederhelm and Terry Shepherd, one extra chaperone (that is approved by the school), and  25 FFA members (freshmen through seniors) who have excelled in their participation in activities and been recognized at the chapter banquet as the most outstanding members. Stops of interest include a St. Louis Cardinals Stadium tour, and tours of Basskin and Skinner Wholesale Florist, Union Station Aquarium, Grant’s Farm, and the Soulard Farmers Market. Niederhelm and Shepherd noted there would be other stops, but these are some of the highlights of the trip. 

• James told the board that summer hours are adjusted each year for the central office to accommodate the reduction in patrons and staff needs. Contracted hours are made up through extended hours during the busy portions of the school year or participation in training outside of contracted hours. After summer school, office hours will be reduced by one hour from 7:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. Normal business hours will resume in August.

• Linn R-2 typically has a light July agenda with board members setting milk and lunch prices and a summer school summary. James suggested forgoing a July meeting in favor of approving milk and lunch prices in June and moving the summer school report to August. Depending on staffing and hiring, the board could have a special meeting. James noted he would still provide transfers and bill information to all board members via email, with approval in June covering July. However, he would need board members to sign checks. As it was only a discussion item, no vote was taken; the matter will be revisited in June.

• James encouraged anyone interested in helping with band boosters to contact the school.

• Linn R-2 does not have an LPN or RN applicant to serve as a summer school nurse. James said there are some options, including employing a health-room aide trained in CPR, medicine distribution, etc., for $500.

• The school has a checking and investment balance of $3,013,103.74 , including investments of $503,911.36 through Mid America Bank.

• In her report, Elementary Principal Cammie Higgenbotham told the board that Teacher Appreciation Week was a great way for students to show instructors how much they care. “We had an amazing time celebrating our teachers,” said Higgenbotham. “Thank you to our teachers for all that they do!”

• She noted that students are working hard to be the best they can be and help lead within our building to create a positive culture. Many students are taking on leadership roles.

• Students worked hard to meet their second attendance challenge goal and celebrated with dodgeball.

• Knowledge Bowl competitors represented the school very well, Higgenbotham noted.

• The first-grade living zoo and the spring concert (grades 2-3) were very successful.

• Higgenbotham reported enrollment of 281 students.