[{"_1":2,"_134":-5,"_135":-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",[32,75,87,99,111,122],{"_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":56,"_74":56},"mediaId",6268972,"mediaKeyId","3048380-10920748a6099237602b6db1fcf49318","parentId",3048380,"title","Votes at a glance: Francis Howell R-III board actions April 17, 2025","audioSeconds",12547,"startMs",459000,"endMs",13006000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3048380-10920748a6099237602b6db1fcf49318&start=459&end=13006","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3048380-10920748a6099237602b6db1fcf49318/thumbnail_459000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6268972/Missouri/Votes-at-a-glance-Francis-Howell-R-III-board-actions-April-17-2025","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6268972-1f5ef2faf925fbec3543b9b85caffa4f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771009725&Signature=jX5dS6Bwr4rtRHFV6gA-NnbBdJq4og1WcaTLwHAQNFG1AAJDMi9lzMR3IGLCYWXkRHeHln3KyB3ImLCw-z80IjKbs3QVfQwD5l4DEZJd-FJCVuwMSPYjCGkF3Q88elz7EqKD3HuHR-8Dqe4e4ValJFUjtwaJ9nYC-22kln1mjHfN8czNkKbyK~fZY4zi0TYV5V3tLI4oyLo3eY7Gep21fv12Za1Tg2rfBvUO7yQvOObJ2c4oZZyV9DnTg66sTlLO0f-nWbg~H9FhfRA9zjovVpv~ll45LvpL0qE39XECELJqxk2E8UqjzLWANDXBUJauK0cUFHR~Dcbvn0hFJYJvdA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-04-18T08:23:48.033Z","article","Here are the formal actions taken by the Francis Howell R-III Board of Education on April 17, 2025, drawn from meeting minutes and the public record. Where the transcript recorded specific mover/second information, that is shown. For voice votes the transcript generally recorded \"motion carries/passes\" after a voice tally.

- Agenda approval: Motion to approve the agenda for 04/17/2025 as presented (moved by Jane; seconded by Mark). Result: motion carries (voice vote).

- Consent agenda: Motion to approve the consent agenda for 04/17/2025 (moved by Jane; seconded by Mark). Result: motion carries (voice vote).

- Purchases: Motion to approve purchases as presented (moved; seconded). Result: motion carries (voice vote).

- Authorize bid letting: Motion to approve exploration to let bids for projects as presented (moved by Jane; seconded by Mark). Result: motion passes (voice vote).

- Track replacement at Francis Howell High: Motion to use TIPS job order contracts and award work (moved by Jane; seconded by Mark). Total cost stated: $501,000. Result: motion passes (voice vote).

- Finance and operations report: Motion to approve the finance and operations report as presented (moved by Jane; seconded by Mark). Result: motion passes (voice vote).

- Technology lease purchase financing: Motion to approve lease-purchase financing for technology equipment (moved by Jane; seconded by Amy). Result: motion passes (voice vote).

- 2026-27 calendar approval: Motion to approve the 2026-27 calendar as presented (moved by Amy; seconded by Jane). Result: motion passes (voice vote).

- 2025-26 calendar revision: Motion to approve the 2025-26 calendar revision as presented (moved by Jane; seconded by Mark). Result: motion passes (voice vote).

- Employee Insurance Committee selection: Motion to approve the committee membership as presented (moved by Jane; seconded by Mark). Result: motion passes (voice vote).

- Policy committee selection: Motion to approve the policy committee membership as presented (moved by Jane; seconded by Mark). Result: motion passes (voice vote).

- Sunshine fee waiver requests: Two waivers were considered separately. The first waiver (scope: parent request concerning emails; invoice estimate substantial) was approved by the board (motion to waive sunshine fee; voice vote recorded as \"motion passes\"). The second waiver (data for districtwide reading program reports) was considered and the motion to waive the sunshine fee failed (the board recorded an opposed vote and the motion failed as shown in the transcript).

- Curriculum first reading: Curriculum items presented for a first reading; second reading and vote scheduled for May 15, 2025.

- Multiple additional routine motions (bond fund reporting, letting of bids, consent items) were approved during the meeting; where the transcript recorded individual mover and seconder names they are listed above. The board regularly conducted these votes by voice vote and the transcript recorded the motions as carrying.

Notes about vote tallies: The meeting transcript recorded roll-call style names only when a speaker moved or seconded a motion (for example, many motions were \"Jane as first and Mark as second\"). The transcript generally recorded voice votes with \"All those in favor, say aye\" and the chair recorded \"Motion carries\" or \"Motion passes.\" Where formal roll-call tallies were not provided in the transcript, the summary above uses the meeting's recorded outcomes and does not invent individual member vote records.

Ending: For specific motion text, contract numbers, vendor names, and supporting documents, consult the district agenda packet and posted minutes for April 17, 2025.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","FHSD Board of Education Meeting-April 17, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The board approved routine agenda and consent items, purchases including a $501,000 track replacement and a district Chromebook lease purchase, calendars for 2026-27 and 2025-26 revisions, and committee appointments. Two sunshine-fee waiver requests were voted separately; one waiver passed and one failed.","taxTitle","Francis Howell R-III, School Districts, Missouri","taxId",13570,"location","Missouri","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6268976,"Resigning district librarian, staff unions and community members urge board to reinstate BrainPOP, restore anti-racism resolution",433,1484000,1917000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3048380-10920748a6099237602b6db1fcf49318&start=1484&end=1917","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3048380-10920748a6099237602b6db1fcf49318/thumbnail_1484000.jpg","/articles/6268976/Missouri/Resigning-district-librarian-staff-unions-and-community-members-urge-board-to-reinstate-BrainPOP-restore-anti-racism-resolution","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6268976-3ace339446831d8848fb601868840c97/orig.mp4?Expires=1771009725&Signature=XVjrjKeRMHc3y4kS5htiUAtqZrGuu8OlD0Cl-9r9WH1DrLBTr4V02QDqGNNlZyyg2TY34gPpSz5YJCwj3Hh1r0Fg-I2fJ1A9VbXDcx81RWzS62Ln8N~wKhTUkqba7ScgjLSQ-YW5qyhXM3ohNmIocdkHWP0BXSZvKXyFrZNgmoU2moxCij55XiafUc8K7SooQxzMjNDqX2TgyGAV5PDp4wR3CbmQtRZV0urp4jdzdKcoVvnDqr0Ie5tRAqaDCFsSoo55XdbHBNSbTGFbRYwuBPfCdQK57BoZDDJHtqa70C21xOEUF0svSY7ewaVdQ--aNr4~NgYFPqUNmFgOWSaOxQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several public commenters and staff representatives used the district public-comment period Thursday to urge the Board of Education to restore curricular and library resources and to re-examine a previously removed resolution against racism and discrimination.

Felicia Hines Thapa, a library media specialist at Independence Elementary, said she is leaving the district after eight years and accused recent leadership of actions that \"fostered inequality and exclusion,\" including removing librarians from the book challenge committee and discontinuing the district's BrainPOP subscription without consulting librarians. Thapa said the previous board's approach \"prioritiz[ed] the personal beliefs of adult community members over the needs and rights of students to access diverse age-appropriate literature.\" She said she was seeking a new district to work in that better matched her values.

Other speakers, including Chris Hyman and Harry Harris, urged the new board to meet with librarians, listen to staff concerns, and move toward restoring BrainPOP and the resolution against racism and discrimination. Several speakers said they had petitioned for the resolution's return and noted it had been removed about 637 days earlier; they called for a community process to accompany any reinstatement.

Union and staff groups spoke on related issues. Francine Hill, president of the Francis Howell Education Association (FHEA), welcomed the new board members and called for collaborative work to address staff concerns and to pursue a restoration of the removed resolution. Tracy Edelen, vice president of the interpreters association (GISPA), also urged the district to act on a building-odor problem at Francis Howell North, saying staff members had missed work because of headaches and other symptoms.

Why it matters: commenters framed these issues as matters of student access, staff morale and district transparency. Several asked for direct consultation with librarians and staff to guide any changes.

Board response and next steps: multiple board members acknowledged the comments and asked administration to consult librarians and assemble feedback. President Blair said the board would review options for a forum or retreat to discuss the resolution against racism and discrimination; staff said they would begin the process of gathering librarian feedback for the board to consider at an upcoming meeting.

Ending: Public commenters asked the board to prioritize communication and to restore lost trust through inclusive community engagement and policy review.","During patron comments multiple speakers urged the newly seated board to engage librarians, reinstate the district subscription to BrainPOP and revisit the removal of the resolution against racism and discrimination. A librarian said the previous board's actions prioritized adult beliefs over student access and led her to leave the district.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6268981,"Board OKs $501,000 replacement of rubberized track at Francis Howell High",267,2593000,2860000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3048380-10920748a6099237602b6db1fcf49318&start=2593&end=2860","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3048380-10920748a6099237602b6db1fcf49318/thumbnail_2593000.jpg","/articles/6268981/Missouri/Board-OKs-501000-replacement-of-rubberized-track-at-Francis-Howell-High","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6268981-2ac812cf53e99f8564b902f4604fa7a1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771009725&Signature=QK0HdveRwSQZeM3iJkLGm3XvdjKYpUwRaznxUp0xulrol9E-s9VigTsRjLWnqsvjkyxJu3RjQ6zjIUU7H8wWO0ump4g~OtArbcZ1HGOAo0yl~5qGfJ5Wu~IU1a6TcR1l2a7TD9SrJ~NRr7Hbonk0o34tj8DNb02NO2GN84M62s2BYOxumeZpygeKPh-~eyqxvo1aj-qPZL1ZbPRN7fSNlR2IyqQQ6LnFLbSpFCkFSuVtYW61VvXyKP5OV6oIHTY0mICI5M6f7ea8JcQvqp7N9zhd0LuTH~JUgqTaJ0wAXUYAC4xXWkuLFqRHAJ8bMlaF~t--xCPlefTzCzzMbL2rsg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Francis Howell R-III board approved a contract Thursday to replace the rubberized track surface at Francis Howell High School using job-order contracts procured through TIPS; the total cost reported in the meeting was $501,000.

Why it matters: the athletic track is a high-use facility for students and community events; the board's decision will allow the district to replace a surface that staff said had been resprayed three times since the original installation.

During the item the board asked about the expected lifespan and warranty. District staff said typical life expectancy for a rubberized track surface is about 25 to 30 years; the district noted the existing surface had been sprayed multiple times and the original installation dated to about 1998. Staff said the recommended system offered a standard five-year warranty and that extended warranties are available for purchase.

Board members asked about higher-end track systems (post-tension concrete) used at elite facilities; staff said those systems can reach about 30 years but cost substantially more'on the order of $1 million to $1.5 million'because of the more durable base. The district said replacement is needed because the current surface had reached the end of feasible resurfacing cycles and had begun to create safety and performance concerns.

The motion to approve use of job order contracts (TIPS) and to award the project was moved and seconded; the board carried the motion by voice vote.

Ending: Staff said work will proceed under the approved contract and the district will inspect the base and repair subgrade where necessary during the replacement project.","Board approved a $501,000 contract to replace the rubberized track at Francis Howell High School; staff said the track had been resurfaced multiple times since its original install and that expected life for a new rubberized surface is about 25-30 years.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6268986,"Board approves $1M+ lease financing for new Chromebooks after district averts tariff spike",415,3430000,3845000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3048380-10920748a6099237602b6db1fcf49318&start=3430&end=3845","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3048380-10920748a6099237602b6db1fcf49318/thumbnail_3430000.jpg","/articles/6268986/Missouri/Board-approves-1M-lease-financing-for-new-Chromebooks-after-district-averts-tariff-spike","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6268986-b8986f8fa89a5af308b3474abb21485b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771009725&Signature=b1xPegynnnehgwh7brSyEZY1pRgg2N8dtF6Dosk9rd9zBJx238WI9lvaKLsh3OMzDkdrVHuFr8yE~iX09tf8jZPuS-5bYr5aa0beGwmMmw~vvxE91-pR-jXtFAioy3C98XzEN7NWKJkHqM6H1592L~dPH2zBwOKy2ZDviCiT9qJWBw2YklxhBTx3cTf0P5wZoxXTcy06OsnRpy1nZhsOkAD8A9tlJcItAbQisPeshU4Z8hNxGOpWVXArE2gpG~3GrolrVO4h0MttZYl7vHhJYIOCx3KpRBi7GfjHQLhkU~z8ycXPBH6hl~GGPZ1lQQiNdyjqoom4KhPoCT5PoeLeEw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Francis Howell R-III board voted Thursday to authorize a lease-purchase financing agreement to acquire a new set of district Chromebooks and related financing documents with Clayton Holdings LLC/Commerce Bank as lessor.

The technology purchase was presented by Scott Gowen, who said the district sought a touch-screen Acer Chromebook with higher processing power (8 GB rather than 4 GB) and other features to extend useful life. Gowen said the district selected the vendor that offered the \"lowest best bid\" for the specified device rather than the absolute lowest bid for a different model.

Why it matters: the technology purchase affects device reliability, classroom instruction and the district's capital replacement cycle. Gowen said the district is shifting Chromebook purchases to a four-year purchasing cadence to smooth capital needs and to buy higher-spec devices for longevity.

The board discussion also reviewed an emergency authorization used earlier this year when vendor bids were threatened by a proposed 45% tariff on devices imported from China. Staff said close vendor negotiations and early action produced substantial savings compared with the potential tariffed cost; a district official said the emergency action likely saved on the order of a half-million dollars versus the tariffed price the district briefly faced.

Gowen answered board questions on the disposition of retired Chromebooks: older devices in circulation will be retired in phases and some have been purchased by parent-teacher organizations in the past; the district said it will move toward more continuity across schools as part of a multi-year capital plan. He said the purchase included a standard five-year limited warranty; districts can purchase extended warranties but typically the base warranty is five years.

The motion to authorize the lease financing was made, seconded and carried on a voice vote in the board meeting. The board also approved the recommendation to proceed with the particular vendor and model after review of device durability and long-term suitability.

Ending: District staff said they will proceed with the financing documents and continue capital planning to spread Chromebook and teacher device purchases across multiple years as outlined to the board.","The board authorized a lease-purchase financing agreement for district Chromebooks, selecting a higher-spec touch-screen model judged more durable for the long term. District staff said a swift emergency procurement and vendor negotiation averted a steep tariff increase and produced substantial savings compared with worst-case tariffed prices.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6268992,"Francis Howell finance staff warn of mounting health-fund shortfall; $4 million transfer already made",0,10983000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3048380-10920748a6099237602b6db1fcf49318&start=10983&end=10983","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3048380-10920748a6099237602b6db1fcf49318/thumbnail_10983000.jpg","/articles/6268992/Missouri/Francis-Howell-finance-staff-warn-of-mounting-health-fund-shortfall-4-million-transfer-already-made","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6268992-3320bb1cb2645b6b1dd96e34e713fb72/orig.mp4?Expires=1771009725&Signature=e1xbwz3NpPoQ-NPli6z18Xut0zSi-XGZ1qB32zInPB8ZbJXNOVseqzyAmckpnHzFn7BwQWo2599~TngmmT17ehtRoPWXp6tROnFM1N-6HFDUHIo8hzhbC9iLtMCmWf02WiiA~jOabFXdmByE9GACc5Owi0Udo9v7NOLncLPHDI5mobqYCcNxJUbdF8gf1NCzW5CBIox-dJfnN4bWbcz5bj3vh1naOTreNbRInmR-cdEFChJ~H539l5E19fRS20C-atjfVETQ2oGOzxWY0ymnhfjS29dCfb0YMwmTivlj-BINMru5izgoL3mmWRd-782JYgicodyQWnXGYAwrS-mlgw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Francis Howell R-III finance staff told the Board of Education on Thursday that the district's self-insurance (health) fund faces substantial pressure and will need corrective steps to remain solvent.

Julie Walsh, director of finance, and Miss Embry (presenter for the budget segment) reported that the district transferred $4 million into the self-insurance fund earlier in the fiscal year to cover claims and that current projections show the fund remains below recommended reserves.

An actuary engaged by the district recommended an increase in funding needs for plan year 2025; the staff reported a preliminary estimate of a 23.5% increase driven by utilization and high-cost claims. The district said that, under commonly cited best-practice guidance, a healthy reserve for a self-insured plan would be roughly three months of claims and three months of administrative costs'which the district estimated at about $7 million. The district said it is well short of that level.

Why it matters: the self-insurance fund pays medical, dental and vision claims for employees and retirees; a shortfall shifts costs to operating budgets and could require changes to plan design, employee contributions or further transfers from the general fund.

The finance presentation included enrollment and cost details: the district reported approximately 4,134 covered lives in the most recent census and listed vendor partners including Cigna (medical), Express Scripts (pharmacy), Delta Dental and Tokio Marine HCC (stop-loss insurance). Staff said they had one large, expensive claim being processed that would further pressure the fund if not offset by rebates or stop-loss recoveries.

Board members asked for clarity about how the $4 million transfer was booked; staff said the transfer was posted to operating funds this year and confirmed the transfer method dates back several years and is allowed by practice but may warrant reconsideration to reduce reliance on operating reserves.

Miss Embry and Walsh said the district will convene an Employee Insurance Committee (membership approved at the meeting) and will work with its broker and actuary to recommend measures for FY26 budgeting: potential levers include plan-design changes, varying employer contributions, stop-loss terms and eligibility changes. The board was told the broker and actuary will continue to analyze monthly claims and that a recommendation for corrective action is expected in coming weeks as more data arrives.

Ending: Finance leaders said they expect to return with specific recommendations for the board as claims data matures in late spring; they warned that absent correcting actions the district may need further transfers or budget adjustments to cover medical claims.","District finance staff reported a shortfall in the self-insurance (health) fund and wider budget pressures, citing a $4 million transfer into the fund this year, a preliminary actuarial projection of a 23.5% increase in costs and recommendation to consider plan design or employer-employee contribution changes.",{"_33":123,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":124,"_41":125,"_43":126,"_45":127,"_47":128,"_49":129,"_51":130,"_53":131,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":132,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":133,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6268996,"Francis Howell North odor persists; contractors, district increase testing as staff report illnesses",2778,4822000,7600000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3048380-10920748a6099237602b6db1fcf49318&start=4822&end=7600","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3048380-10920748a6099237602b6db1fcf49318/thumbnail_4822000.jpg","/articles/6268996/Missouri/Francis-Howell-North-odor-persists-contractors-district-increase-testing-as-staff-report-illnesses","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6268996-67b5e3f79f074adc835a54d2fc30a7ef/orig.mp4?Expires=1771009725&Signature=Yp8O~Mzqc3Sq3iZ2QoH169zPcdblT9UyGooZnwvx45Qx5EdJYeSWAGmnsvGWkbqkfnuJRzQC2F-k9QjFa-AbSDg4Dv~-xEF9YgtMz37Iyhn1sXbx-pFqhEfFzly5t5ZBPnzivI0QrdQ8D6f~6DDfj5PE4mg4POVYyNslDvlbw5fV7M5OsE5t2V8SlUuoTTo9wAAZpgs3zvVqHJFaikE7HThj6DX5nmN3avALhWS-pUtvO7y3PSKY37yt80kSkkam0kcFeeW~3mzIb~MsH668hI35JbN2A-7u~Wl2LUeo3FBnkC11FgQv8s9J~l7y-ymO0coTAucm~TdxGKmgcXfV9g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Francis Howell R-III trustees and contractors outlined an intensified investigation into a recurring, intermittent sewer-like odor at Francis Howell North, after staff and some students reported headaches and other health problems.

The update came Thursday from Matt Frank, project director for SM Wilson, and Salim Stutzer, the district's director of facilities and operations, who told the Board of Education the smell has been reported intermittently since the building opened and has resisted earlier fixes.

District and contractor leaders said why it matters: staff and students have experienced symptoms and some employees have sought medical attention, and the odor has intermittently closed parts of the school. The district said it has spent staff time and contractor resources investigating and that the odor's intermittency makes it difficult to reproduce and identify.

Frank described the sequence of work since December: crews cleared a major clog in an exterior sewer main that briefly reduced the odor; crews then inspected exterior and interior sewer lines with camera equipment and found them flowing and properly graded. In February crews discovered and repaired a floor drain in a mechanical room that lacked a trap; crews also repaired a chipped plumbing vent in the nurse's station and a damaged pipe above an auditorium restroom. A grease interceptor was cleaned and a clog removed; the odor returned days later.

The district has engaged an independent engineering firm, Case Engineering, to perform a peer review of the building's design drawings and to recommend and observe tests. Case engineers will be on site during a weeknight full-investigation day to open ceilings, run smoke tests, monitor pressure differentials on vent lines and inspect traps and drains, the board was told. The district will also perform targeted camera inspections of vent lines and use manometers to measure pressure differentials at roof vents.

\"We share your frustration,\" Frank said. \"This is a 400,000-square-foot building with miles of piping and 23 rooftop air handlers. The odor appears and disappears quickly, sometimes within minutes, which makes it hard to reproduce.\"

Stutzer told the board handheld four-gas monitors and a multi-hour third-party air sampling run earlier this year did not detect hydrogen sulfide or other gases at levels that laboratory testing identified as causes. He said the district would explore continuous electronic monitoring devices and leave monitoring sensors in place to capture intermittent events.

Board members and public commenters urged faster communication and more visible accountability. Several board members asked the district to provide weekly updates to both the board and Francis Howell North staff; President Blair and Stutzer said the district would send weekly summaries of findings and next steps.

Board members and commenters pressed for a contingency plan if the source is not found before summer programming begins. The board asked staff to bring a contingency plan for summer school and to be prepared to escalate to outside agencies if this concentrated investigation does not identify a cause.

Why it matters: district leaders said the issue affects teaching conditions, staff health and operations. FHN staff and union representatives told the board they have had headaches, migraines and lost work days; the district confirmed three staffers had sought medical care and two students had been documented in relation to the odor.

Officials said more invasive and targeted testing will take place the next day when the building is closed, with four engineers on site along with multiple plumbers, the commissioning agent and SM Wilson staff. The district promised to increase transparency with weekly updates and to consider outside agencies if the next-phase testing does not produce an actionable finding.

The district did not announce a timeline for a final resolution and said some investigative steps may take time because of the building size, the number of mechanical systems and the odor's intermittent nature.

Ending: The board asked administration to bring a summer-school contingency plan to the May meeting if the odor problem is unresolved; administrators said they would report back after the intensified on-site testing and then propose next steps if testing fails to identify the source.","District and contractor SM Wilson reported a stepped-up investigation into an intermittent sewer-like odor at Francis Howell North after reports of headaches and other health complaints from staff and some students. The district said multiple tests have been negative so far and outlined more targeted testing and monitoring steps.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Francis Howell R-III board actions April 17, 2025

Resigning district librarian, staff unions and community members urge board to reinstate BrainPOP, restore anti-racism resolution

Board OKs $501,000 replacement of rubberized track at Francis Howell High

Board approves $1M+ lease financing for new Chromebooks after district averts tariff spike

Francis Howell finance staff warn of mounting health-fund shortfall; $4 million transfer already made

Francis Howell North odor persists; contractors, district increase testing as staff report illnesses