[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-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",6223261,"mediaKeyId","3576737-de792bf6169adaedaba2ddb4cc026ec8","parentId",3576737,"title","Board OKs temporary staffing contracts for nurses and early‑childhood special education","audioSeconds",370,"startMs",1457000,"endMs",1827000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3576737-de792bf6169adaedaba2ddb4cc026ec8&start=1457&end=1827","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3576737-de792bf6169adaedaba2ddb4cc026ec8/thumbnail_1457000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6223261/Missouri/Board-OKs-temporary-staffing-contracts-for-nurses-and-earlychildhood-special-education","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6223261-f521d3dda188e2a310f1d10ea5dbd157/orig.mp4?Expires=1775007810&Signature=jcD41X4~axgiCs~ckHz38cpNyeR-a9rOuHPgT58EbB0JImGMu4hUJ8ABhCgRjaVCyJsrDeYDoX52SJcl4GUOXD9XMTC~cjD8rvYx85EFsfHxFabQPEJnE8p0sLu~sEa~QBY0iaZ35hkzCi~hMFITZ9MIiUw~A7czQ81MIkPy6Ew1m6SeubZcbqFfOjURoblvmNsghh8QL~pwHhMaQBpnWLjvKsNKgxLrqr1GjiSv8B5-3mtEOj43nKkqHXyFp06ictEDmi7TOr8dRC86neFe4eF5SED2BtuAfZuNZIUUgnfXdqJans7ybOKjh2VUGwbN-UaI0MWXuxd-NIaqyvY4kg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Ferguson-Florissant School District","date","2025-05-28T15:02:45Z","article","The Ferguson‑Florissant School District Board of Education voted May 28 to approve annual contracts with Roe Health Staffing to provide nurse substitutes and with Emergence Healthcare Staffing to supply early‑childhood special‑education teachers and aides for the 2025–26 school year.

District officials said the contracts are a contingency to cover absences and vacancies while they attempt to stabilize staffing amid budget cuts.

Board discussion focused on how the contracts would work in practice and what coverage would look like when a district nurse is assigned to two buildings. Administration described the Roe Health agreement as a day‑to‑day substitute pool that would be called only when district staff cannot cover a shift; officials said the district currently has 10 school nurses, with two vacancies posted. District Nurse Coordinator Dr. Tate Patterson told the board she manages nurses and would “sub where it is necessary.”

Administrators said budget reductions forced the changes. Presenter Michael Mitchell said the district previously spent in excess of $500,000 this year on agency nurses and that the line for next year’s nurse substitute budget had been cut; he described the current proposal as intended “to ensure coverage for nurses during absences.” Later slides and remarks showed differing budget figures in discussion: Mitchell said a prior staffing line had been reduced from $500,000 to $100,000 as a replacement for costly contracted staffing, and also referenced a $400,000 budget line in packet slides. The board questioned those differences during discussion.

Board members pressed for clarity on how clinics would be staffed on days a nurse was not present, whether classroom aides would administer medication, and whether the district would use 911 for emergencies. Dr. Patterson and Mitchell said clinic aides, office managers and other staff would continue to perform limited first‑aid duties, that some campuses with medically complex students would retain assigned nurses, and that 911 may be used when necessary. Patterson said she had contacted outside partners but that hospitals and clinics were not able to provide nurses for daily school coverage.

Separately, the board approved a contract with Emergence Healthcare Staffing to provide staff for the district’s early‑childhood special‑education (ages 3–5) program. Administration said those purchases are reimbursable through the early‑childhood special‑education grant; staff said Emergence had provided screening and services this year and that the district expects reimbursement through the annual final expenditure report.

The motion to approve the Roe Health contract was moved by Dr. Graves and seconded by Mr. Tyson; the board approved the Roe Health contract (recorded vote: Tyson yes; Graves yes; Mansory yes; Secretary yes; Dr. Martin abstained; Bailey yes; Madam president yes). The Emergence contract passed on voice vote.

Administration said each contract would be evaluated at year‑end for cost effectiveness, health outcomes, and continuity of services, and that findings would be brought back to the board for a continuing‑service decision.

Board members asked administration to return with a clear schedule showing which buildings will have assigned nurses, how substitutes will be deployed, and whether clinic‑aid duties will be expanded or require additional training.

For now, administration described both contracts as contingency measures intended to maintain required services while the district recruits permanent staff and evaluates budget tradeoffs.

The board’s action authorizes the district to use both contractors as described; it does not change the district’s existing policies on medical care in schools or guarantee nurse coverage at every building on every day.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of Education Meeting May 28 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Ferguson‑Florissant School District Board of Education voted May 28 to approve annual contracts with Roe Health Staffing to provide nurse substitutes and with Emergence Healthcare Staffing to provide early‑childhood special‑education staff for 2025–26.","taxTitle","Ferguson-florissant R-II, School Districts, Missouri","taxId",13561,"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},6223242,"Board approves most student‑policy changes but pulls uniform language for further review",216,8602000,8818000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3576737-de792bf6169adaedaba2ddb4cc026ec8&start=8602&end=8818","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3576737-de792bf6169adaedaba2ddb4cc026ec8/thumbnail_8602000.jpg","/articles/6223242/Missouri/Board-approves-most-studentpolicy-changes-but-pulls-uniform-language-for-further-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6223242-097ab7ec4149902f5deb5c2cf6fe1362/orig.mp4?Expires=1775007811&Signature=brkUVq2UURYNG-cfj4itc5bjVAhgybKhvvCXl3aegnP9NIVg1EquTVYgUwDWOqHDag7orwfA4pLaKJ9ktCw6s4r4yJI3zHx0d7bVt63EHO0LiFXVReAqtMR0htxemREwTTP7TS5VSo5PvAbP-jLiZNJLaCDuqba-lShl0mfnKjRuoDhK2R4YVx5tVKGqmt~GGRcXc3SoaoKH2cfBT-V54AH4XEr9XOQ2Z6WxNU9f6is7RWY3l3go0YM1XSNoP52V2CliRvLhq~UqFBRIZKNOcYWHv7kOu2B85aKd3Z5eEu3tyZ56wiVxM7LUs5KtHo8B6bkhP1NNXOrzxtNLvOEDuQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At its May 28 meeting the Ferguson‑Florissant Board of Education completed a final reading of its student policy package (section J) but removed the policy item addressing student dress/uniforms from final adoption and asked administration and the board to hold further discussion.

Administration presented section J after a multi‑month review that included staff, FFNEA, students and board members. Board members praised the broad policy work but flagged concerns about how uniform rules would be applied across schools and whether the district should maintain a uniform requirement or allow more flexible dress‑code procedures.

Board members expressed that no formal decision to eliminate uniforms had been taken previously and that until the board votes otherwise, existing uniform expectations remain in effect. Members also asked that administrative procedures (which define operational details) be vetted for equity and clarity so they “do not result in unnecessary barriers to school attendance.”

Rather than approve the uniform provision (JFCA) as written, the board pulled that single policy item for further work and directed administration to return with options and recommended administrative procedures; the remaining policies in section J moved forward in the final package.

The board also instructed administration to ensure procedures include communication and support for families who may face costs or access issues related to uniform requirements. Director Moore and policy team members said they would return the revised language and procedures at a subsequent meeting.","The board approved the final reading of student policy section J with one exception: the board removed the specific dress/uniform provision (JFCA) from final adoption and asked administration to return with more discussion and a proposed procedure.",{"_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},6223247,"Board moves to create retired‑staff advisory group to engage former employees",166,1265000,1431000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3576737-de792bf6169adaedaba2ddb4cc026ec8&start=1265&end=1431","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3576737-de792bf6169adaedaba2ddb4cc026ec8/thumbnail_1265000.jpg","/articles/6223247/Missouri/Board-moves-to-create-retiredstaff-advisory-group-to-engage-former-employees","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6223247-2d038996b8c869d726367a59817ad865/orig.mp4?Expires=1775007811&Signature=iv~5h8djyuXeNz~w~v76f5yye~CLZpkATv6OFr0jM7ilXoT~PJsLegk3NkpoB17Qs6EJWhE71fHMeSwFGSM316rN~HisIPRpMcb-pJ3sB4tSwqWx22olIURSHyKMixcOJfjHimKe94fSqwvZ2w~BrlXp4g844vvROct0E7iSqoRQHFG-86zt-bc3RRRfEeKQm0T9bYodMVC05HZ0BZlOe-8tFwyvgiFNhHHIjYnMTYZgpsYEFXAcbC1NmjiWrWwSKvkHxg7d2UGPr4fpUnSG~JCdcARJ3YD-O~IEMu5z42WT85P63EZi98KU5j7flp2Yj-0iSmPiLErBQZtjSO~ZdA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Ferguson‑Florissant School District board discussed creating a retired‑staff advisory group May 28 to encourage retired teachers and other former district employees to volunteer, advise and stay connected with district leadership.

Board member Mr. Bailey briefed the board on stakeholder feedback indicating strong interest among retirees. He said the district will promote the group with an email blast and internal outreach in the coming month and initially expect to recruit roughly 30–40 participants, with flexibility to expand based on response. Bailey said the group will serve to advocate, volunteer and provide a channel to communicate with the superintendent.

Board members asked whether the group should be limited to retired teachers or be open to all retired district employees (administrative staff, custodians, bus drivers and others). Bailey said the intention is to open membership to all retirees and to rename the effort to “retired advisory group” rather than “retired teachers advisory group.”

The board asked administration to include clear parameters and a plan for outreach; Bailey indicated the effort would be operational for the fall term. No formal vote was required; administration will follow up with an implementation timeline and communication plan.","Board members announced plans to form an advisory group of retirees to advise the superintendent and volunteer in district programs, with administration planning outreach and an email blast next month.",{"_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},6223251,"Board weighs changes to public‑comment process, considers online submission and time limits",242,505000,747000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3576737-de792bf6169adaedaba2ddb4cc026ec8&start=505&end=747","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3576737-de792bf6169adaedaba2ddb4cc026ec8/thumbnail_505000.jpg","/articles/6223251/Missouri/Board-weighs-changes-to-publiccomment-process-considers-online-submission-and-time-limits","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6223251-e551d0ed8e683989033390eb7fb28351/orig.mp4?Expires=1775007811&Signature=cRvRG0dwnC3Fbhjnuvcy43W2kcSUHg6cFCfzcjIQf76FrCXpBddzbjEj~ZdP5fQGMD6dxXmMAkTnB7mPjLNZ3ZCJyfSrhxuDYRgE8s7qhjuu2tYhDks6tvq3V3quEwVo6p6oocFQknr-axUp3Yvrb964bqBfXgrp-JJbuYOY0dup9pFfEHZGEVdtnzO0w39u7qVnFIXOdK9S4idlgYb320YHGKlX4ypormfD~BZoQLRz9bBVF35sKQFRW3ULqlLpuDkfYVEuclQRZVhh~ZJw6bij8tYtEheHsSx3kIvsQWTm~zMuLSxxWvW2mFjnKw3is8oq3weylKppOLsCiXsqAw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Ferguson‑Florissant School District board members discussed updating the district’s public‑comment process during the May 28 meeting, focusing on whether emailed comments should be read aloud, how to preserve commenters’ statements, and whether to impose time limits.

Board members described three principal goals: keep public comment accessible in multiple formats, create a record or repository on the district website for emailed comments, and limit meeting time spent on comments so meetings run on schedule. Director Doctor Graves (board) asked whether emailed comments “necessarily have to be read during public comment” and suggested a website repository where submitted comments and administration responses could be posted.

Several board members supported a plan that the board’s small working group will draft: create a submission platform with a screening step before public posting, maintain a limit on how long written submissions are read at the meeting (the board discussed 15–30 minutes), and set a time limit for in‑person public commenters (examples given were 2–3 minutes per speaker). Speakers suggested that administration or a designated staff member be accountable to process and route incoming comments and feedback so authors receive follow‑up.

Board member Vivian Mansory volunteered to lead a small group to develop specific recommendations, and members discussed whether the assistant secretary or another staff person should receive and track submissions. The board instructed the group to return proposed procedures at a later meeting.

The discussion clarified that the district previously read mailed comments aloud and used written submissions more broadly during COVID‑era adaptations; the board said it wants to maintain accessibility for people who cannot attend meetings while ensuring public meetings do not stretch excessively. No formal policy changes were adopted May 28.

Administrators were directed to consider existing platforms (district Gmail, meeting comments, and prior systems such as Let’s Talk) when drafting the new process and to propose guidance on screening, posting and reply timelines.","Board members debated whether emailed public comments should continue to be read aloud at meetings, whether a website submission platform should be posted, and whether time limits for reading letters and public‑comment periods should be enforced.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6223256,"District officials sound alarm on budget shortfall, recommend tax levy and borrowing",1357,3536000,4893000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3576737-de792bf6169adaedaba2ddb4cc026ec8&start=3536&end=4893","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3576737-de792bf6169adaedaba2ddb4cc026ec8/thumbnail_3536000.jpg","/articles/6223256/Missouri/District-officials-sound-alarm-on-budget-shortfall-recommend-tax-levy-and-borrowing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6223256-38c6423262a47ccd328357036dc812b6/orig.mp4?Expires=1775007811&Signature=RU91feUF8zgrQGaYoN6Mts117hXBfFn0cRQ02wBWJmY~49jkTJsIiy1HMwyUHsMfd3GxTtKNgmiQwykZQ5CFO2jLDQtssyef-7X2DEwn~8BaWpUjLDPZI69RFJnQNUAriidYCWKeLbQzxkm8vdilCMwCvcuqXgKINzKLVTiXCuZF8pmwtO4g77TBGOr4e7bElto2BhHE-CakMli8~hvWoj6oMWzN72l7gzsFcOT3IQAmVna9zELLd4x9LalNeYvwHHRAtvP2qRXyrs5aEkejG5xx2FwRMQvv2IMnbpUy3z3eAmSJD3FhKOUiguYKycu3tu-eTLWJDu14L8jWhqb4Vw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Ferguson‑Florissant School District finance staff presented an amended 2024–25 budget and a draft FY26 budget on May 28 that show the district ending the year with expenditures exceeding projected revenues and carrying a low unrestricted fund balance into the next year.

Chief finance presenter Doctor Singleton told the board the amended all‑funds revenue forecast for the current year is about $156.6 million while amended expenditures are about $167.9 million, driving the district to reduce reserves. For operating funds only, the administration projected an unrestricted fund balance of roughly 5.4 percent at year end; the FY26 draft showed an operating‑fund balance as low as 1.58 percent without additional action.

Administration attributed the largest single budget pressure to higher‑than‑budgeted purchase services, including contract labor used to fill vacancies. The presentation pointed to agency nurse costs, contracted transportation for McKinney‑Vento students and other contracted services as primary drivers. Singleton said, “contract services is the culprit,” and urged more oversight of contract labor.

The administration offered a set of recommendations to stabilize finances: pass an operating tax‑levy increase in August (with authority to re‑place it on the ballot in April if necessary), postpone major nonessential capital and operational spending until property‑tax receipts arrive in November–December, and execute a tax note of approximately $25 million as a line of credit for immediate cash needs. The presentation included a $368,000 interest estimate on a $25 million note at an assumed 7 percent rate.

Board members asked detailed questions about McKinney‑Vento billing and inter‑district invoices, and whether the district could pause reimbursements to other districts pending receipt. Finance staff said the district has taken steps to invoice partners and, where appropriate, hold payments until reciprocal payments arrive.

Administrators also said ESSER federal funds that had helped finance district projects are now winding down, leaving the district with lower federal revenue in FY26. That drop, combined with higher purchase‑service spending this year, created the central gap between anticipated revenue and spending.

The board discussed next steps, including a plan to begin ballot preparations and community outreach should the board decide to seek an operating levy increase, and to begin paperwork for borrowing so a line of credit will be available if needed. Singleton and other administrators committed to more frequent budget reporting and to meeting with department heads and principals to control purchase services.

No final levy decision or borrowing resolution was taken May 28; the FY26 budget draft will be brought back for board action before the statutory June 30 deadline.

Board members requested a clear list of high‑cost purchases that could be delayed, and asked administration to provide a month‑by‑month cash forecast and an updated position list showing vacancies and which positions are filled by contracted staff versus district hires.

The presentation and discussion framed the situation as urgent; administrators repeatedly described it as a financial crisis and urged quick action to raise revenues and control contract spending.","CFO and staff told the Ferguson‑Florissant board the district faces a tight fiscal picture: amended 2024–25 spending will exceed revenues, the FY26 draft leaves the operating fund balance near or below safe levels, and administrators recommended an August operating tax‑levy increase and a $25 million tax note if needed.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board OKs temporary staffing contracts for nurses and early‑childhood special education

Board approves most student‑policy changes but pulls uniform language for further review

Board moves to create retired‑staff advisory group to engage former employees

Board weighs changes to public‑comment process, considers online submission and time limits

District officials sound alarm on budget shortfall, recommend tax levy and borrowing