[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6595415,"mediaKeyId","3032898-8bd3fdb9a5b4937561804faf100602bf","parentId",3032898,"title","Oak Grove R‑VI board approves 2024‑25 budget revision as leaders warn of payroll shortfall","audioSeconds",483,"startMs",596000,"endMs",1079000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3032898-8bd3fdb9a5b4937561804faf100602bf&start=596&end=1079","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3032898-8bd3fdb9a5b4937561804faf100602bf/thumbnail_596000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6595415/Missouri/Oak-Grove-RVI-board-approves-202425-budget-revision-as-leaders-warn-of-payroll-shortfall","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6595415-856628888c602f489a5f1ba058f6ccc3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771154303&Signature=LqVU1ruAKMIJej~2Uj0KRLVEIQjIh~VDF1qh9uskmWbI2PhPkDNwmDAMnJA2k5tk9ru1NrMXdkXHIW4ZQZtz-TsZLu4mafxPEPDlehgcA-~YbcGKk3lglQd2PfmEM7~1eyTbo02u31c8ojdibQWjjyMNUdnq0KTkfV9XbCnbjeQPBBg9J-bdjuZ3aQNtYOD~Ylp3vriRfc7jb2Fm4aVx3ZfuPUIpVybGvdi5U3goKbs9EO2vRKwRYWi9w7CfWa6KO0~2VXQQeTG0YpL0FXEIS8ZPd8VYy6cxt3Xpd2SFCasZlBlXf2EZg4DvrRuJpx7Q6jO-y2Od2ixr8dK4bFgg7w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Oak Grove R-6 School District","date","2025-04-17T02:23:40.627Z","article","The Oak Grove R‑VI Board of Education on a unanimous voice vote approved the district's 2024‑25 budget revision No. 2 after staff presented adjustments that reflect added grant revenue, bond proceeds and rising expenses.

District officials told the board the overall budget across all funds showed a positive variance of about $1.3 million, but that fund 1 and fund 2 (the general operating funds that pay salaries and daily operations) remain in a deficit. Staff said the bond proceeds — roughly $17 million noted in the revision — are restricted to capital projects and cannot be used to cover payroll or operating costs. Based on the revision, staff projected year‑end reserves in fund 1 and 2 at about 8.6 percent and said that, without further action, the district might not be able to meet payroll in December.

Why it matters: fund 1 and 2 pay virtually all employee salaries and represent roughly 70 percent of district expenditures. Officials said the timing of state and local revenue — the district's largest state payment does not arrive until October and some local receipts are concentrated later in the year — forces the district to carry larger cash balances to cover summer and early‑fall payroll.

Key budget adjustments and context
- Revenue increases included adjustments to Jackson County distributions, several new or late grant awards (including early childhood and ARC/title funds) and about $230,000 in high‑needs payments. Special education carryover and tuition adjustments also were entered.
- Expense adjustments reflected higher property insurance costs, additional substitute and summer payroll carryover, spring proctor and safety coordinator staffing and bond principal and interest entries tied to capital projects.
- Staff emphasized the distinction between all‑funds presentation (which shows bond receipts and expenditures) and a no‑bond view of operating funds, and provided a no‑bond tab to the board to clarify operating impacts.

Board direction and next steps
After approving the revision, the board spent the bulk of the meeting discussing options to address the structural gap in operating funds. Superintendent (name not specified in the meeting record) outlined several near‑term actions staff will present at the May work session and the May 21 board meeting, including:
- Identifying approximately $1.0 million to $1.1 million in budget reductions through unfilled vacancies, program consolidations and operational changes so the district can provide a modest base increase (the district estimated $900 to the salary base would cost roughly $158,000).
- Considering a one‑mile student pickup/bus radius that staff estimated would save about $126,673 in transportation costs in the coming school year.
- Exploring whether to place a levy transfer measure on the August ballot. The superintendent recommended a transfer‑only measure (no tax‑increase ballot language) as the quickest means to generate operating revenue within the current fiscal year, but also outlined a 95‑cent transfer scenario that would yield materially more revenue while significantly reducing future bonding capacity.

Board members asked staff for specific, line‑by‑line scenarios for cuts and for comparative class‑size data from similarly sized districts; staff pledged to return to the board in May with modeled options, anticipated savings by line item and sample ballot language for multiple scenarios. The board scheduled a public work session for 5:30 p.m. May 7 to review ballot language, financial projections and cut scenarios ahead of the May 21 regular meeting.

Votes and formal action
The board approved the 2024‑25 budget revision No. 2 by voice vote; the meeting record reflects a motion, a second and an \"all in favor\" response. The meeting record does not contain a roll‑call tally with individual member votes.

Ending
Board members and staff said they will return with a prioritized list of proposed cuts, school‑by‑school implications and draft ballot language so the board can decide whether to seek voter approval in August and, if so, at what level.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Oak Grove R-VI Board Meeting 04-16-2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Oak Grove R‑VI Board of Education on a unanimous voice vote approved the district's 2024‑25 budget revision No. 2 as staff warned that operating reserves may fall to levels that would jeopardize payroll without further cuts or new revenue.","taxTitle","OAK GROVE R-VI, School Districts, Missouri","taxId",67289,"location","Missouri","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6595404,"Pathways program reports surge in course completions, plans hands‑on spring projects",644,3406000,4050000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3032898-8bd3fdb9a5b4937561804faf100602bf&start=3406&end=4050","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3032898-8bd3fdb9a5b4937561804faf100602bf/thumbnail_3406000.jpg","/articles/6595404/Missouri/Pathways-program-reports-surge-in-course-completions-plans-handson-spring-projects","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6595404-aeba426456a2054806456369541a83c8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771154304&Signature=ovzOzs1gqYGbMSsg5MT8NwXY-oG8yP2Xy1N8yENPS349QOjs60jOkezcybqLC1Ziov5dytH4YeowWA~GTV-Db6VIwAaZHzQYu5QjyNwoaQWlKkSG5f04A4-WTAY-wwVzhiTBNzHzWsoQXUR3VAzbwb4K3YtHPHDVxN0hnAXmmVawOB82rhoyNiiobpO2fLLf3EhRU1cuIlCZ5HABREPlteEP6Upnv8y~x02b6rW-6PltzWhRULnYL1FBwKUb9euECz1VpISZ622zlBLPlBc3L9BTkVrl9lQVcy6FhM3ppq0yisgBm~GBGRFer7oaIPXvSyRmN8WCO67RAzS~GAfkzA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Oak Grove's Pathways alternative education program updated the board on student supports, course completions and a suite of hands‑on learning projects funded in part by local grants.

Program operation and student supports
Mr. Johnson (Pathways presenter) described the program's daily schedule and intake process: students check in through the Pathways office, leave phones and backpacks, and begin an individualized online curriculum focused on core courses in the morning and hands‑on or exploratory activities in the afternoon. Staff meet weekly with each student, send parents weekly progress reports and text frequently with families to track progress and maintain communication.

Credit completion and incentives
Johnson reported that Pathways students completed roughly 85 credits (about 70 classes) so far this year, up from 75 credits the prior year; the program uses a certificate and coupon incentive system where students earn small rewards for completing classes. Staff said they run the program with intensive adult supervision and an expedited intake for new transfers so new students can complete required credits quickly.

Hands‑on projects and partners
The Pathways program described a fourth‑quarter unit on home maintenance and repair sponsored by a Home Depot grant (about $2,800), which included framing, basic electrical work and maintenance tasks. Staff plan a landscaping and mural project and a lawn‑mower maintenance unit that offers small paid services as experiential learning. Johnson said community partners and local volunteers have supported workshops and projects.

Ending
Pathways staff said the program will continue to refine intake procedures and expand community project work as funding and partners permit. Board members praised the program's completion totals and student engagement.","Oak Grove's Pathways alternative program told the board it completed dozens of credit‑bearing courses year‑to‑date, described intake and monitoring procedures for students with attendance or behavioral barriers, and outlined hands‑on projects supported by community grants and partners.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6595408,"Oak Grove launches \"Aspire\" registered youth apprenticeship program; first apprentices hired",1385,2002000,3387000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3032898-8bd3fdb9a5b4937561804faf100602bf&start=2002&end=3387","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3032898-8bd3fdb9a5b4937561804faf100602bf/thumbnail_2002000.jpg","/articles/6595408/Missouri/Oak-Grove-launches-Aspire-registered-youth-apprenticeship-program-first-apprentices-hired","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6595408-4a9ca518e4abac4589ac53dde575cea4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771154304&Signature=GshTRCbA4RjisKecHmt7YOahj9FelfzC66L8wYwZ-oODVhztV9O77KBtSd~fZ9pJ8imJk2aZQ3P58I~JuP9RIWcmG3VTBuNLNI2yj3ZMughd8LJBoIu0eL66VEJ22GO5lrSBL00RI9XTd3ftsL6TCR9q2SR45UzN2emjg3EZIwSD48fVh5-7HjCkz5hKmBO1mGsbQATUUwlxmr3NLo7IBTXPEZ4cIwv8irn5Y~pQUhEacJLpAmQ3jag-OSWzEogJ~8nrtOUGfvj57vzzPMVhtG9sM1xlzKuALd1Ms3Mis4p90Bw2jarEGYiQ8tbVMNg9tY-Xe2oAATi6Ie96fRqddA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Oak Grove R‑VI introduced a district‑sponsored registered youth apprenticeship program the board heard at its meeting, and staff presented the program's structure, first cohort and plans for expansion.

Program model and partners
Tony Leon (staff presenter) said the district branded its local program \"Aspire\" and is operating as the program sponsor under the Department of Labor youth‑apprenticeship framework in partnership with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Leon said the district chose to pilot the program in‑house this first year rather than immediately place apprentices with outside employers.

Eligibility, work hours and credentials
Leon said the federal youth apprenticeship model covers ages 16–21 and requires a combination of related instruction (often 144 hours for the district's selected occupations) and on‑the‑job training. The department requires workplace competencies and a registration process; apprentices receive a RAPIDS ID and the Department of Labor issues certificates when apprentices complete program requirements. Leon said on‑the‑job training goals typically total 4,000 hours but do not need to be completed by graduation; prior work experience and post‑graduation summer work can count toward the total.

First hires and employer incentives
Oak Grove hired four students for the initial cohort: two early‑childhood apprentices (Kirsten Eisenhower, junior; Adeline Jones, sophomore), one IT generalist (Peyton Parks, sophomore) and one custodial apprentice (Jared Hubbard, junior). Leon said the program partnered with Safel Partners and the Early Childhood Workforce Connector, which can provide incentive funds and support for related instruction and certification testing. For IT apprentices, Leon said partner funding will help pay for online training and certification tests.

Expansion plans and employer role
Leon said the district's next steps are to recruit community employers — for example in manufacturing, automotive, construction and IT — and to register employer‑specific apprenticeships with the Department of Labor. Employers will post openings, interview applicants and make hiring decisions; Leon emphasized that the employer, not the district organizer, makes hiring decisions and that the district will help coordinate interviews and register apprenticeships.

Ending
Leon said the district submitted a request for roughly $230,000 in state apprenticeship expansion grant funding to support program growth and staff capacity; the district expects grant notification in June. The board encouraged outreach to local employers and the chamber of commerce to expand placements.

Provenance and evidence
The presentation and hiring announcement were made during the meeting's presentations segment; staff provided examples of related instruction, employer partners and the cohort of four students.","District staff described a new registered youth apprenticeship program (branded \"Aspire\") organized under Department of Labor/DESE rules; Oak Grove hired four students into apprenticeships in early childhood, IT and custodial work and is seeking employer partners to expand the program.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6595412,"Oak Grove R‑VI switches employee health plan to Blue Cross to avoid a 12.6% premium spike",885,1116000,2001000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3032898-8bd3fdb9a5b4937561804faf100602bf&start=1116&end=2001","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3032898-8bd3fdb9a5b4937561804faf100602bf/thumbnail_1116000.jpg","/articles/6595412/Missouri/Oak-Grove-RVI-switches-employee-health-plan-to-Blue-Cross-to-avoid-a-126-premium-spike","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6595412-ca71390da8f48ea3f51349524babe361/orig.mp4?Expires=1771154304&Signature=lNdxOJ6LhsB~~o2xl9SpE7hDRk9bGGWOj2VqmusfYYo5omMDOaeiwnurNsXljyphbjYTszZJ9KI4DNGks2oCjmLveDLPQkVx4uu7qcTNC8lwZzM6un7At9O-QQcxJxmU-B~C23siMKaaqjvkoXvZ0KtNoTJa3iQIdqQ6iGsSRWYSJ2yMzpaq9eNa039Dgn8jRqN0zl0G4rgJ3CoNvb-IC00VDULiLU8KuiwK0wFuGu8Kx4zjwfUzJeAWJbbpAj9BmhXDkr4nBSj494QTgVU8jt3EWi2n8pieDRUr2DfmydjHDDyTcgvfv~70O~AdRFkCs58m9fxaRIYPSYwRA8oVXg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Oak Grove R‑VI Board voted to approve the district's 2025‑26 employee health insurance plans after staff presented the results of a market solicitation and negotiations with competing carriers.

Bids and staff recommendation
District staff said UnitedHealthcare, the district's incumbent, returned a renewal proposal that would have raised premiums about 12.6 percent — an increase the business office quantified as roughly $287,000 on current plan enrollment. The district's broker sought competing bids; Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) offered a plan with a 0 percent increase for plan year one, Aetna proposed a roughly 4.01 percent increase, and another entrant proposed about a 12.39 percent increase. After negotiations, staff recommended BCBS for a one‑year contract with a negotiated maximum rate cap for year two; that cap was presented in the meeting materials as 14.9 percent and could be reduced to 9.9 percent in year two if a high proportion of employees enroll in BCBS's primary‑care Spira network.

Plan features and costs
Staff said the district will continue to offer the same four plan designs (HSA high/low deductible and PPO high/low deductible) and add two BCBS Spira options designed around primary‑care delivery through Spira clinic locations. The business office reported the district's employer contribution would remain $713.23 per covered employee per month under the BCBS proposal. Staff also said the district would maintain a one‑year contract (not a multi‑year commitment) so it could re‑solicit next year if needed.

Board action and discussion
The board approved the insurance plans as presented by voice vote after brief discussion about year‑two renewal caps, network continuity for staff, available benchmarking and broker commission. Staff said they would arrange multiple on‑site meetings with employees to review providers and that deductibles and year‑to‑date deductible credits would port to the new plan where applicable.

Ending
Staff will finalize contract documents and hold employee information sessions about the new plans and network options before open enrollment.

Votes and formal action
The meeting record shows a motion, second and an \"all in favor\" approval of the 2025‑26 insurance plans; no roll‑call vote tally is recorded in the transcript.","After receiving multiple bids, the Oak Grove R‑VI board approved a one‑year health insurance renewal with Blue Cross Blue Shield that carries a 0% first‑year increase and negotiated caps on year‑two renewal rates; staff said the move avoids an immediate $287,000 increase proposed by UnitedHealthcare.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Oak Grove R‑VI board approves 2024‑25 budget revision as leaders warn of payroll shortfall

Pathways program reports surge in course completions, plans hands‑on spring projects

Oak Grove launches "Aspire" registered youth apprenticeship program; first apprentices hired

Oak Grove R‑VI switches employee health plan to Blue Cross to avoid a 12.6% premium spike