[{"_1":2,"_119":-5,"_120":-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",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_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",6595414,"mediaKeyId","3032895-3d25ab42c3a23253ea43b939c40a6b9b","parentId",3032895,"title","Superintendent outlines district funding mix and legislative items under watch","audioSeconds",99,"startMs",1425000,"endMs",1524000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3032895-3d25ab42c3a23253ea43b939c40a6b9b&start=1425&end=1524","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3032895-3d25ab42c3a23253ea43b939c40a6b9b/thumbnail_1425000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6595414/Missouri/Superintendent-outlines-district-funding-mix-and-legislative-items-under-watch","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6595414-71bc0b52454413c1c5360ea54f374e29/orig.mp4?Expires=1770921327&Signature=T0C8vt5D4AYp9eQ~ywcFv3UBBDZpRggNglqc4GfLJYcTJWeOBMGy2Dlll0CPy8l9yR8nZP4cnlj4geLF99y42t1dpdFk73cRCQs~~XTrtD4qNQhDnyhj3S95xs1kvBM83-arvAyN86afkBlTL5shC2xBmd3Qi39CMEuIo26dfweUf3YKIv1S22Bis4jiY6VbB0YSoVOFX4kRGB~HhSNRDLfw11dPATghpXHCF-qc2km2ft49Elz6f3MR3zw3UFnrXGO9qFl7GcgQAVH4jBY4Fbly8K0~txBuKYd6wqeKxH5oRekOEpY2-K81XXAo7kDDjydy6nFyEuXJUolR4NMDZw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Kearney School District","date","2025-04-17T02:23:35.473Z","article","The superintendent provided the Kearney R‑I School District Board with an overview of local and state fiscal issues and identified specific legislation district administrators are monitoring.

On federal funding, the superintendent said the district receives roughly 3% of its revenue from federal sources — primarily special education, child nutrition and federal program dollars — and sought to correct public reports that had overstated federal funding’s share of the district budget. The superintendent cautioned that while federal funding changes are watched, the district is more affected by state budget decisions.

At the state level, the superintendent said the governor’s proposed budget includes a possible flat funding recommendation for schools and referenced a proposal (House Bill 711) that would expand open enrollment and voucher programs; the board was told that participation in any open‑enrollment voucher program would be a district option and that state money would follow students, while local revenue would remain with the sending district. The superintendent also noted the district is monitoring Senate Bill 727 (referenced as last year’s omnibus bill) and Senate Bill 190, which creates a senior citizen tax credit that can cap revenue increases for eligible owners during reassessment years and could limit district revenue growth in reassessment years for homeowners 62 and older.

The superintendent reiterated that the district is watching the legislative session and the budget process and expects additional clarity around May 9 (timeline cited for when state budget actions affecting schools may be finalized). District staff recommended continued monitoring and planning for potential impacts to collective bargaining, contracted services and utilities.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","April 16, 2025 Kearney R-1 Board of Education Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The superintendent presented a financial overview noting federal dollars are about 3% of the district budget, summarized state budget developments and identified several bills the district is monitoring, including House Bill 711 (open enrollment/voucher expansion) and Senate Bill 190 (senior citizen tax credit implications during reassessment).","taxTitle","KEARNEY R-I, School Districts, Missouri","taxId",53780,"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},6595418,"Hawthorne Elementary students present rotating student council, recycling and playground improvements",249,91000,340000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3032895-3d25ab42c3a23253ea43b939c40a6b9b&start=91&end=340","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3032895-3d25ab42c3a23253ea43b939c40a6b9b/thumbnail_91000.jpg","/articles/6595418/Missouri/Hawthorne-Elementary-students-present-rotating-student-council-recycling-and-playground-improvements","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6595418-e5b9a39b90f0a4e5fc9515d74506fb8e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770921327&Signature=YZCFGnuyhzbN9L~0wIpVnMM4suYcKZsS-XUraYdAqmPYxy7mVyaPnBpjvFJ22t76mPAjqIKHs5HUnzYsutWzZIcCA~-LL8RIzM7gADOI91hcXfNS6-PY8u0EpgbqG7mE~iNRC1c-iNudV1TAuk9Ak08fqJUnaTiIfhlPwvb8TRG7URNcr~qmBqug~ALPcARiDeDglSyiXG67bz3r255veI~mFgpMPHwsk7o~CkcnGsWGqF8OBs-6Lb36V6dd~1AofiPATQ-FA2FCxkwtXQRjzi-e4OLtQH5v9aaKpBraV0YdruijydWt4-NKKV9j2AKbXG-H51DFStdxI7bxpzNgiQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Students from Hawthorne Elementary presented the school’s rotating student council model to the Kearney R‑I School Board during the meeting’s school spotlight.

Staff explained that the school converted its “Bulldogs of the Month” recognition into a student council, rotating roughly 12 students each month so that by the end of the year about 80 students participate. Students said the council meets monthly (now weekly on Friday afternoons), identifies issues and proposes solutions, and helps implement projects. Examples presented included: purchasing a large wheeled container to collect and transport playground balls to reduce litter and lost equipment; installing a consistent lost‑and‑found rack with hangers to make returned items easier to locate; and piloting classroom recycling boxes to build a schoolwide recycling habit.

Students described a mentoring approach in which older students help younger classmates with recycling and other projects; staff said members wear small identifying stickers when acting in council capacity. The presenters said the program builds belonging and student leadership and that the school plans a large campus cleanup project toward the end of the school year involving all student council participants.","Hawthorne Elementary students described a monthly rotating student council model that has produced projects on recycling, lost‑and‑found organization and playground ball storage.",{"_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},6595423,"Early Education Center showcases programs and student‑created promotion projects",111,725000,836000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3032895-3d25ab42c3a23253ea43b939c40a6b9b&start=725&end=836","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3032895-3d25ab42c3a23253ea43b939c40a6b9b/thumbnail_725000.jpg","/articles/6595423/Missouri/Early-Education-Center-showcases-programs-and-studentcreated-promotion-projects","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6595423-1a34a52ff361f0ab0edb0cc07c046026/orig.mp4?Expires=1770921327&Signature=j~8zLP1usMl7QTpx20lVElFUsHoa1tpcgEutdFHDanXYS46Z2zCy6gAV0Wmg39~6u9PvRBRK7NBaPaJuBDm-TLVM9LgrUG254LMzQdkwwhyUvIcVx~b-cA1VV2h0urYYihFKe0bFJVLoSi1kC45BG5yGKRaIzekDtKQJKySkNXhO~k~F8jFyKN-uQrdPdt8aOJykJHaU2y8j1euSP-ETAP0OfY7pU-f4qBnW3ZslsCKHKiv-Aw50NVsqnef0Lvp4g~EVQ-PfOfCfvYTfWRFSFpJN0pMe1K4YfXizjNxk0i~x7Mu6dvbJNwMk0~gfSJ5wqpQNotoDTkgTnZHMviCrGw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Kearney R‑I Early Education Center (EEC) presented an overview of its services and a student‑produced promotional video at the board meeting, highlighting free early education programs and recent collaboration with Kearney High School.

Amy Ba, principal at the Early Education Center, told the board the district has focused on connecting programs within the EEC, across district schools and with the broader community. Mary Watkins, a five‑day pre‑K teacher at the EEC, described a classroom‑to‑classroom partnership developed with a high school English class: 35 high school students completed a “client connected” project in which the EEC was the client and students created promotional materials. Watkins said 18 presentations were produced, including flyers, videos, social‑media mock‑ups and brochure designs; several groups proposed creative outreach ideas such as a mural downtown.

Two high school students presented the short promotional video concept that the class selected. Presenters said the video emphasized documented benefits of early education — improved test performance, lower retention rates, gains in social skills and school readiness — and outlined four programs housed at the EEC: a staff childcare/preschool that serves birth through 5 years, a Parents as Teachers program available to district residents, a five‑day pre‑K classroom for 4‑ and 5‑year‑olds, and early childhood special education (services for eligible 3–5 year olds). Presenters emphasized that all EEC services are free to families, with the exception of a reduced‑rate childcare option for district staff.

Watkins and EEC staff said the partnership with the high school yielded strong student ideas and practical promotional items that the EEC can use to explain its building and services to community members who may not be familiar with the center. Staff said they plan a spring showcase and continued collaboration in future semesters.","Kearney’s Early Education Center presented program offerings and a student‑created promotional video developed in partnership with Kearney High School English students.",{"_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},6595428,"Board divided on Hope Squad; proposal for peer‑support program fails after debate",1223,3215000,4438000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3032895-3d25ab42c3a23253ea43b939c40a6b9b&start=3215&end=4438","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3032895-3d25ab42c3a23253ea43b939c40a6b9b/thumbnail_3215000.jpg","/articles/6595428/Missouri/Board-divided-on-Hope-Squad-proposal-for-peersupport-program-fails-after-debate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6595428-f2281a7dd8e8e95e06b0f0c31d10649f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770921327&Signature=GhruMFuCHRm5Pec-vlaMdpj4ycArXlviAgn4xiwKWzq~v1-5EGvcW5hZ7d0l4eMfZDt5WMLrmjY935OqXjT0ChKOJHXDy4l2VPhCcGT6kxoN2BBodh2MlbeJTQjDv9pMZF8DEKOadnjF6j1J1gdyhDx4xHuNgKDpskZvYwAf2~xcYQopl-HNAPkPW6E-hM~ZBCemROwSRtpedAasQv3sMYuJc5O-DdxYHU6DCZy~NhG1jvoCQ0ioeWJxIHQyU8DRzxA6z9Hu8Dq4UpZuwllZyS9oMTcVOSUl5O5qNz-~F4RMrfyqHulK7nyKhvRs2hj362i3LB0RX-6F01TkaD78WQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A Kearney R‑I School District proposal to implement Hope Squad — a peer‑nomination, peer‑support program intended to train and equip nominated students to recognize peers in distress and report concerns to adults — failed to pass after extended debate at the board meeting.

Proponents said the program equips students with tools to recognize peers in need, normalizes asking for help and builds leadership among nominated students. Presenters told the board the program would be limited in scale, require parental consent, provide adult facilitation (two paid facilitators per school) and include age‑appropriate training. Staff cited examples of other nearby districts such as Smithville that have used the program and recommended a phased start at grades 4–7 with close adult oversight.

Opponents raised concerns about placing responsibility on young children and possibly creating anxiety or pressure for students asked to serve in peer‑support roles. Several board members argued the district already provides tiered supports — counselor lessons, character education and the Children’s Fund services — and questioned whether this program duplicated existing efforts or might be better started at older grades.

Board discussion explored operational details: selection would be by nomination with staff selection (not elected by peers), parents would provide consent and staff facilitators would receive stipends. Presenters and administrators emphasized that student participants are trained to report concerns to adults rather than counsel their peers, and that adults check in regularly with the students so they do not carry burdens themselves.

After discussion, the motion to approve Hope Squad was put to a vote and — with six members voting — did not receive a majority and therefore failed. Several board members asked staff to obtain more information from peer districts (for example, Liberty and Smithville), provide comparative outcome data, and consider reintroducing a revised plan after additional due diligence.

Proponents and staff indicated willingness to continue conversations and gather alternate implementation options, including deeper coordination with existing tier‑one programs, Children's Fund services and counselor initiatives.","After extended discussion about age appropriateness, staff workload and parental consent, the Kearney R‑I Board did not approve the proposed Hope Squad peer‑support program for elementary grades.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":115,"_53":116,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":117,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":118,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6595432,"Board approves multiple contracts and capital projects; Hope Squad program fails to pass","/articles/6595432/Missouri/Board-approves-multiple-contracts-and-capital-projects-Hope-Squad-program-fails-to-pass","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6595432-72fca96461aef6a5bf7ed95bdc3a7b89/orig.mp4?Expires=1770921327&Signature=ZUI16BwG9jLbDC0BJCUMS3TbImmBPBIFtiTTbumLMYzI1-t0UZaiwxlLa8Mfj45uKk9u7rfm8kDNmLXzxSe7jZ7QTJCmA10iiRBncUIqOS8lNacMCAsW1adWTlSYYLdAnJcsrjkRH3dyAvonO7jm0cglxab2-ZDskJt8dIcTlGjeyth8bylJQO6ZY4AvJBYhy3jkTM8gPUnhwugmadwK8Iuy0BhzV-f3i3ZHK~Cf9ooXjD1h333nWMNk5OAdJ1rDKmeZhf4OYH2EIk3JuDjf4bCZ1Oi~rSpqh6khBXLWlbr5SUA-gOtAMt4wjYeOUwZVQ0lRX7SEk7v378NWO17hnQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Kearney R‑I School District Board of Education on an administrative agenda ratified a series of vendor contracts and construction amendments, accepted multiple program agreements and curriculum services, and heard construction and financial updates. A proposal to implement the Hope Squad peer-support program for grades 4–7 failed to pass after discussion and a roll-call vote.

Board members voted on a package of operational and capital items including: Amendment No. 10 to the Newkirk Novak contract (deferred maintenance projects), an expanded scope for Quality Roofing on the middle school facade/soffit work, ratification of a Musco Sports Lighting purchase to replace stadium poles and lights, approval of boilers from American Boiler, a three-year agreement for Linewize/Classwize classroom and filtering products from Strike Security, an agreement for additional security cameras with American Digital Security, a copier lease and print‑study implementation with Sumner1, a residency‑verification agreement with Thomson Reuters, a pilot physical‑therapy telehealth agreement with Aware Health, Wallsworth yearbook purchase, and Project STEM curriculum for the high school. Most of these items were approved by voice vote after brief staff presentations.

Several items were described in board discussion before votes. Amendment No. 10 was presented as a package of four deferred‑maintenance projects (roof ladder accesses at the high school; districtwide security film; middle school west/north facade work; and a kitchen hood replacement at Hawthorne) to be managed by Newkirk Novak using bond funds. Quality Roofing’s scope expansion was described as tying into the Newkirk work to replace rotten fascia/soffit and install a continuous metal top cap, with a 25‑year Garland warranty. The Musco purchase was presented as a time‑sensitive safety and reliability decision after one stadium pole snapped in high winds; insurance will cover two poles and the district opted to replace all four poles with LED fixtures to ensure consistent lighting and warranty coverage.

Several service and curriculum agreements were approved: Strike Security’s Linewize/Classwize suite for filtering and classroom management (three‑year term), Sumner1 copier/printer lease following a print study that reduced devices from 105 to 57 and produced annual costs of $92,811.60 for five years, a residency verification product with Thomson Reuters to narrow families requiring manual verification, and Project STEM materials to expand computer science options at the high school. The Aware Health tele‑MSK pilot (May–June, staff only, free pilot) was approved to evaluate potential cost savings on musculoskeletal care. The board also approved routine purchases including American Digital Security camera installs for new buildings and Wallsworth yearbooks.

In contrast to the approvals, a staff recommendation to adopt Hope Squad — a peer‑led, evidence‑based early intervention program that would train nominated students and two staff facilitators at each participating elementary — drew extended discussion and ultimately failed to pass on a 3–3 split. Board members who opposed or expressed hesitation cited concerns about student age and whether peer responsibility could create unintended pressure, while supporters highlighted survey data and the program’s track record in other Northland districts and emphasized parental consent and staff oversight. After debate, the board chair announced that with six voting members present the measure did not carry.

Other business included certification of recent election results, oath of office and seating of newly elected board members, election of board president and vice president, and approval of district designations (treasurer, alternate treasurer, secretary, alternate secretary). Board members were also given a bond‑project construction update and financial forecast report.

Votes at a glance (motions summarized from meeting record):
- Approve agenda as presented — approved (voice vote).
- Amendment No. 10 with Newkirk Novak (deferred maintenance package using bond funds) — approved (voice vote).
- Addition to agreement with Quality Roofing (middle school fascia/soffit work, warranty) — approved (voice vote).
- Ratify purchase of Musco Sports Lighting (four stadium poles and LED fixtures; insurance covers two poles) — ratified (voice vote).
- Approve agreement with American Boiler for replacement boilers at Southview (RFP; bid award) — approved (voice vote).
- Approve Strike Security (Linewize/Classwize) three‑year agreement (filtering/classroom management) — approved (voice vote).
- Approve American Digital Security camera agreement for new buildings — approved (voice vote).
- Approve Sumner1 copier/printer lease following Print Study ($92,811.60 per year for five years) — approved (voice vote).
- Approve Thomson Reuters residency‑verification agreement (annual residency checks) — approved (voice vote).
- Approve Aware Health MSK telehealth pilot for staff (May–June, free pilot) — approved (voice vote).
- Approve Wallsworth yearbook agreement — approved (voice vote).
- Approve Project STEM curriculum agreement for high school computer science expansion — approved (voice vote).
- Approve board policies on first reading (C‑140‑P, C‑155‑P, G‑235‑P, I‑100‑P, I‑140‑P) — first reading approved as presented.
- Approve certification of election and administer oath of office to newly elected board members Jason Clint and Christina Lindsey — approved (roll call for certification; oath administered).
- Dissolve outgoing board and seat newly sworn members; elect board president (Darlene Bailey) and vice president — completed per roll call.

Notes and clarifications: where the transcript recorded only a voice vote with no roll‑call tally, the record indicates the motion was approved after the board chair called for “All in favor/Opposed.” For the Hope Squad item, the clerk announced that, with six members voting, the motion did not receive a majority and therefore failed. Several approvals were explicitly identified as funded from the 2022 bond (deferred maintenance, roofing, construction). Insurance coverage was noted for two stadium poles; the district chose to replace all four for warranty and lighting consistency.

The board set application and interview dates for a board vacancy created by the resignation of Lynn Broughton (application deadline May 8; interviews 05/21/2025; selection at the June regular meeting), and staff provided updates on bond project construction progress and the district financial forecast.

Provenance for actions in this article is drawn from the meeting transcript sections listing agenda motions, presentations and roll calls.","The Kearney R‑I School District Board ratified construction and equipment contracts, approved service agreements and curriculum purchases, and received updates on bond projects. A proposal to implement the Hope Squad peer-support program for elementary grades did not receive a majority vote.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Superintendent outlines district funding mix and legislative items under watch

Hawthorne Elementary students present rotating student council, recycling and playground improvements

Early Education Center showcases programs and student‑created promotion projects

Board divided on Hope Squad; proposal for peer‑support program fails after debate

Board approves multiple contracts and capital projects; Hope Squad program fails to pass