[{"_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",6701200,"mediaKeyId","3441307-b0cb606862b07be1d23f37094110b573","parentId",3441307,"title","Oak Grove R-VI board approves preliminary 2025–26 budget; staff detailed $926,000 in staffing cuts","audioSeconds",415,"startMs",2445000,"endMs",2860000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3441307-b0cb606862b07be1d23f37094110b573&start=2445&end=2860","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3441307-b0cb606862b07be1d23f37094110b573/thumbnail_2445000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6701200/Missouri/Oak-Grove-R-VI-board-approves-preliminary-202526-budget-staff-detailed-926000-in-staffing-cuts","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6701200-767c3eb74fcc2a6da94b02eefdb0e0b2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771162764&Signature=akfIN2LGtvAjUd0ZZHeyzXP~aR9Ha2Zb4SpucV17V34JjtUi8kZCwj8U6OfVzfvUAgZ7fZfwA4azqYsBZcBcuLNgu7U02ObYEKfzNdR-UMCf5VCno6a37YXBv9CT7AA3VkHsq9lcf1SLY7lXRMN8~cGREHbsDx4GChK7lq2GoHFnc3cGM5viGNGE5fC2ScU8NKigW6UCzhrfMY8qY7LL8sl7sqtlMQSl0~-EiYIraLwFCAXzyVOsba9hKssr5yPxycn745y8Ok1-KjhegNQq8mzqjM3S~UJrPYV6tJplYdecJupS-RQJRQ3Dz3ysoB5OA9f7sy-FvJm0qKzj7sk62g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Oak Grove R-6 School District","date","2025-05-21T00:00:00Z","article","The Oak Grove R-VI Board approved a preliminary budget for fiscal 2025–26 that reflects conservative revenue assumptions and a series of staffing cuts administrators said were necessary after a failed tax-levy measure.

District staff told the board the budget assumes a 5% increase in assessed valuation and that the governor will sign the legislature’s proposal to fully fund the state foundation formula; staff cautioned those are assumptions that could change the district’s outlook. The draft budget also incorporated an estimated $151,000 impact from Senate Bill 190 (a senior property-tax freeze), per staff calculations.

On the expenditure side, administrators reported the budget includes step increases and a $900 addition to the certified base; it also sets a $40,000 base (the statutory state minimum was mentioned) and includes district contributions to career-ladder and the Aspire program. After the failed levy, staff said they identified $926,000 of staffing reductions — described in the presentation as 8 certified positions and 4 non‑certified positions. Staff listed the affected positions by area (examples included central-office technology, Pathways, science, reading, math, special education, elementary grade-level positions and gifted education); the cuts were described in the meeting as already included in the preliminary budget presented to the board.

Administrators emphasized that the cuts will raise class sizes in some grades (the presentation cited third grade moving from about 19 students per class to 22, and fifth grade from about 20 to 23) and reduce paraeducator support in some buildings. The budget as presented projected revenue of about $30.77 million and expenses of about $29.50 million, producing a projected surplus that would end the year with approximately 15% reserves — figures staff said are contingent on the state funding assumptions.

Staff also raised the possibility of further cuts if the governor does not sign the state funding package and noted a specific potential cut under review: eliminating district courtesy transportation to local day-care providers and changing the one‑mile transportation policy. Staff said eliminating the one‑mile radius for some grades or removing courtesy day-care routes could save the district roughly $123,000 annually; they asked the board to wait until August to make certain transportation decisions to allow time for the governor’s action and the Aug. 5 election results to play out.

A motion to approve the preliminary budget as presented was made, seconded and approved by voice vote. Staff said they will return with final numbers and any recommended amendments after state actions and final assessment data are available.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Oak Grove R-VI Board Meeting 05-21-2025","oneSentenceSummary","The board approved a preliminary 2025–26 budget that assumes a 5% assessed valuation increase and full state funding of the foundation formula; administrators said they cut $926,000 by eliminating 12 positions (8 certified, 4 non‑certified) after a failed levy and flagged possible later transportation cuts if state funding is reduced.","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},6701204,"Board weighs summer bids for gym floor and automated scrubbers amid staffing shortfall",136,627000,763000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3441307-b0cb606862b07be1d23f37094110b573&start=627&end=763","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3441307-b0cb606862b07be1d23f37094110b573/thumbnail_627000.jpg","/articles/6701204/Missouri/Board-weighs-summer-bids-for-gym-floor-and-automated-scrubbers-amid-staffing-shortfall","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6701204-6690733d9174b645f475dc932f00b605/orig.mp4?Expires=1771162764&Signature=VTKkFAjvrwWAE0e1RWLkPfn08zP7NxZYVHHHl7n78QCjp-gNEE5E52p2ZhiY4O-uA4wNxZFGxGSdhFHyVadpC8fIhvQ1QNYO1KXTBrUzZHOf535v4h3GopUfeBtNXhH0dCgOE8T62erhFVKRQ1vvLTdDAhy74kYRXKeBMQ4F3EHxpLDZ9hCcY4Rrk9qW~c5y4k9xo~zyG-YMEydjrbrs9MTv91Is2SgLfWNLGqk~8Xu0UDpV3Dwkdx3jB~b9p8IFWTd2vx3a9KqscG5w3s2W374AKEbVhuwX-X4IyblwXj~ZkuZyxJjHEMh~0bv8j3KPm-HgR3SsDzRUDzUzqgnS4g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","District staff presented two summer maintenance bids that require board approval because they exceed $50,000: a $81,322 cooperative bid to replace the primary school gym floor with a TeraFlex multipurpose surface, and a proposal to purchase autonomous scrubbers for large commons and hallway areas.

Staff said the TeraFlex flooring had been well received after installation in the elementary cafeteria/gym last year and that the new floor would be softer for younger children, durable, and less expensive than hardwood. The quoted bid for that primary gym floor replacement is $81,322.

Administrators described autonomous scrubbers as a labor-saving investment to address persistent custodial staffing shortages. Staff and a facilities representative described vendor demonstrations and an expected five‑year bumper‑to‑bumper warranty for the model being considered. Participants cited vendor pricing ranges during the discussion: staff referenced a German-made scrubber offered at roughly $77,000 and a less-expensive alternative at about $47,000; staff also said demo units could be available at a discount (roughly $15,000 off). The discussion included claims from staff that the devices could pay for themselves in roughly three years through reduced staffing costs and overtime, while some board members worried about public perception after a failed levy and recommended delaying discretionary purchases until after the August election.

A motion was made to approve purchase of two autonomous scrubbers. A recorded roll-call or voice vote on that motion does not appear in the provided transcript; the motion’s final disposition is not recorded. The record does show the board discussed buying two machines to cover middle- and high-school square footage and that staff recommended the purchase be funded from excess bond funds rather than general operating funds.

Board members raised several operational and fiscal questions, including whether the district could pilot one machine, whether existing scrubbers could be repaired to carry the district through the summer, whether demo units were available, and the risk that tariffs and supply shortages could raise prices. Staff said bond funds would be used for the purchases and argued that the purchase would avoid hiring difficult-to-fill custodial positions. One director emphasized that the existing heavy-duty restoration machines used for floor refinishing are different from the proposed robot scrubbers and that the robots would not replace restoration equipment.

District staff said they would return with formal contract documents and clarified that any purchase remains contingent on vendor availability and final board action.","Oak Grove R-VI staff outlined two summer bids using bond funds: a replacement primary gym floor ($81,322 bid) and proposed purchase of autonomous floor scrubbers. The board debated timing, optics and staffing impacts; a motion to approve two scrubbers was made but no recorded vote appears in the transcript.",{"_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},6701208,"Oak Grove R-VI board approves ballot language for Aug. 5 levy-transfer question",491,60000,551000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3441307-b0cb606862b07be1d23f37094110b573&start=60&end=551","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3441307-b0cb606862b07be1d23f37094110b573/thumbnail_60000.jpg","/articles/6701208/Missouri/Oak-Grove-R-VI-board-approves-ballot-language-for-Aug-5-levy-transfer-question","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6701208-764c32e45b1b10d7b157646ce8bc5bca/orig.mp4?Expires=1771162764&Signature=YtbL3u6ZDvlY4AKdXCaudw-0rFIztlagYa7t3TAPmrQnwpXOCiIlhisGBB6KCD4y4o1MYrD1bKK0~GBfL-1gDyCZEYGwCAWbgjvFETUiOoea67zr1Zh0sJzIbpIdMDExX-JGD5ZjbqaYdOrjUJZ940c15x6eeeEybNl9LBPqCLkX0HfO-b3YY5mlnMkbH9YqNuCstSWsB3eP0JcrXonQ244MEgKJa5Dw-om8tRQPz~35NTVjGRabln9HreVWA2HGbWTz73vnAbyeN64lNBElvsNJYQVdzq20LF67YfWMliqeZKbiJDwkHf6J0NehvzEx29kSznN5c4vJX6A41UK8MA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Oak Grove R-VI Board approved ballot language on a levy-transfer question to appear on the Aug. 5 ballot, choosing the phrasing labeled Option 2 with a request that election counsel remove the words “estimated” and “expects” if permitted.

Board members discussed three draft endings for the ballot statement during the meeting. District staff said the question would transfer 70 cents from debt service to operations and would not increase the district’s overall tax levy as presented on the ballot. Board members expressed concern that certain wording — especially the word “estimated” — could confuse voters in a reassessment year when property assessments change.

District staff explained that the August ballot question is decided before the district formally sets its tax levy in September, so the levy shown on the ballot is necessarily an estimate. Board members asked staff to ask election counsel whether the ballot language could omit “estimated” and “expects” and instead state that approval would “result in no increase to the estimated overall tax levy” (Option 2 as revised).

A motion to approve Option 2 with the request to remove “estimated” and “expects” if possible was made, seconded and approved by voice vote. The board asked staff to return a final drafted version if the elections office allows the requested edits; if not, the board said it will proceed with the language as filed.

The discussion included repeated emphasis from board members that ballot wording should be clear to voters and not imply guarantees about individual property tax bills in reassessment years. Staff reiterated that voter approval of the transfer would constrain the district’s later levy-setting to match the voter-approved transfer when the levy is adopted.

Board members moved on to other agenda items after the voice approval; staff said they would follow up with election counsel.","The Oak Grove R-VI Board approved ballot wording for an Aug. 5 question to transfer levy authority from debt service to operations, selecting option 2 with a request to remove the words “estimated” and “expects” if allowed by election officials.",{"_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},6701196,"Construction update: parking, field work moving forward; district disputes Spire bill for gas-line work",225,4294000,4519000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3441307-b0cb606862b07be1d23f37094110b573&start=4294&end=4519","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3441307-b0cb606862b07be1d23f37094110b573/thumbnail_4294000.jpg","/articles/6701196/Missouri/Construction-update-parking-field-work-moving-forward-district-disputes-Spire-bill-for-gas-line-work","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6701196-2d85f4757058b609e7bfd34df3cdae2f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771162764&Signature=HRhomJO9gx35ZcX7DXrMOqu44-u8sth1pqTm04I7lkd9SCFNsYPKGfF07YvuXKUd~HOqtlh0fVDvl2Ly03plFZPy-EIIYBbgK9pSU4KJ~AVD-1hmE8nOaEOQ9BjZrf68pzUMQ-1prWfg5UaQHkXG3oisVozBxfJxI2orCneh11D3CPmjCR2zxIvt224TvjO58opzWCQ7vH9onbG0j5dVar1Ixrc10hbV6mCFvLlJtJnLlvpozoy95D9-9EtLrwB4dUDEj0keC6yI4iNWDLnABX8aWCw1hWxkCV34IeJ-1teC~IkjAaFchnC6LihkVLIb5pof4E2eAcIvwwRN4UwD3Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","District staff provided a construction update, reporting progress on parking-lot demolition, upcoming asphalt work, lighting and other site work. Fuller Anderson — the construction contractor referenced by staff — was expected on site to begin locker-room demolition and related work, with asphalt work slated for mid‑June and light pole installation to follow.

Staff also reported a dispute with Spire (the local gas utility) over the depth of a gas line that the district says was not lowered to the grades specified during earlier construction phases. According to staff, the gas line was exposed during excavation and was found to be shallower than required. Spire has agreed to come on‑site to lower the line but has indicated the district would be billed for the work; staff said the current demand from Spire is roughly $23,000 and that the district intends to dispute the charge and may pursue legal avenues if necessary.

Staff said other site work is underway, including reuse of dirt from the construction footprint to improve an existing practice field and plans to work with FSG on drainage improvements near the stadium. Temporary storage containers and re‑use of existing awnings were listed as logistics to support construction. Staff emphasized the goal of completing the stadium/locker-room and related projects in time for the fall season and said they are coordinating with the city on permits.

The board asked staff to pursue recovery of any improper utility charges and to keep the board apprised of progress and any legal action.","District construction progressed with demolition and planned asphalt work; board was told a gas company billing dispute may add roughly $23,000 to project costs to lower a gas line that staff say was not installed to required depth.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Oak Grove R-VI board approves preliminary 2025–26 budget; staff detailed $926,000 in staffing cuts

Board weighs summer bids for gym floor and automated scrubbers amid staffing shortfall

Oak Grove R-VI board approves ballot language for Aug. 5 levy-transfer question

Construction update: parking, field work moving forward; district disputes Spire bill for gas-line work