[{"_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",6426323,"mediaKeyId","5892084-d7f121edb234065985cc19a72725125e","parentId",5892084,"title","Board weighs expanding student recognitions and moving patron comments to workshops to give public earlier input","audioSeconds",1942,"startMs",2606000,"endMs",4548000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5892084-d7f121edb234065985cc19a72725125e&start=2606&end=4548","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5892084-d7f121edb234065985cc19a72725125e/thumbnail_2606000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6426323/Missouri/Board-weighs-expanding-student-recognitions-and-moving-patron-comments-to-workshops-to-give-public-earlier-input","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6426323-2d0c2728fc82a9c648122147a673a0ff/orig.mp4?Expires=1770742053&Signature=bDJwGHSX~5ijV702s72QPbFVcLyFSAmTaQA1LQt5tu5cJ7zIGrGiN79o6wnIBvcSk8vG744hNoq3IKMp6WFVrssMbX70JmnwtUN98rxBpsWDk6fVzhPBimoWSK6huY65mrY0G7pnrDwYAgJTGtBZj76w33mDpI5IkEf8QrD-5IKSOmtmXZiifo1-tpAp16eMhEvBwj16cWo7IB306uz4TitY-NZ7kw~Xgh~XtwVFOGveL2-YycuRRQvYhMRZTWeb38gk6w2K~hOHD2BEUJLVem3u6VGVqo80yYsRzmkScSl0Y2ZSo~6WEwKVqItATnuY45npqZawipM~TnYKLDTNqw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Grain Valley Schools","date","2025-10-03T19:00:55Z","article","District administrators and board members discussed how the board recognizes students and where patrons may speak during board business.

Administrators told the board that existing student recognition events have traditionally favored state‑level high‑school accomplishments and that the district may be missing opportunities to recognize elementary and middle‑school students. An administrator said the district could use administrative judgment to invite notable younger students — such as winners of local STEM competitions, service projects or other achievements tied to the district's academic priorities — while remaining selective so the recognition remains meaningful.

Several board members proposed a range of options: occasional in‑person performances (choir or a short demonstration), bringing small groups before the board, or visiting schools during the school day to see work in context. Members cautioned against overburdening staff with extra evening appearances and suggested principals and parents would help identify standout students. The board agreed to explore criteria and consult principals before changing practice.

On patron comments, administrators proposed moving the public‑comment period from the regular business meeting to the monthly workshop so residents could provide input before action items are on the business agenda. Board members debated whether to allow public comment at both meetings or to limit comments to agenda topics. Concerns included consistency and public perception: if patron comments are not available at a particular meeting, the public might feel shut out. Administrators noted that policy language already allows public comment at \"regular meetings of the board\" and that the board president may place patron comments on workshop agendas at his discretion.

After discussion, the board president said his intent was to move patron comments to the monthly workshop beginning next month and to include patron comments on business‑meeting nights in months without a workshop, giving patrons at least one opportunity per month to address the board. Administrators agreed to make the calendar and policy language clearer to help patrons know when comments will be scheduled.

Board members asked administrators to prepare criteria for recognizing students at future meetings and to work with principals to identify possible candidates; administrators said they will return with proposals and suggested examples at a future meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","School Board Workshop October 2, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Administrators and board members discussed expanding student recognitions to include more elementary and middle‑school accomplishments and agreed to move patron comments to the monthly workshop (or the business meeting in months without a workshop) so the public can provide input earlier in the decision cycle.","taxTitle","GRAIN VALLEY R-V, School Districts, Missouri","taxId",57882,"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},6426346,"Operations department highlights custodial certifications, in‑house facility upgrades and improved retention",646,1050000,1696000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5892084-d7f121edb234065985cc19a72725125e&start=1050&end=1696","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5892084-d7f121edb234065985cc19a72725125e/thumbnail_1050000.jpg","/articles/6426346/Missouri/Operations-department-highlights-custodial-certifications-inhouse-facility-upgrades-and-improved-retention","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6426346-b9fb3bbb3760356eb538638eae799417/orig.mp4?Expires=1770742053&Signature=MmEnd9aigZwJABcWy-bFBwTOS68hyvcXF5nM4BYWzFi0uJfMP7QJrq~gXDLbk9DSKg~mR5NznjjvBh5uza00avkXxCyyObBjWoUs2KYuMKIkcp7sPVV~cuNUlrN~IHPf1kgYSO2-rtUut-zXK61j5lBRLvJevEy4rGa9z430qq42Df9F7PQ8XqODDM3BZ71R4P~kcv5ZjvbYNcASewuaucuK~hGweBjtANl7YbF7PG~nkBIjqtz808F1hev3cwrMRuK2EoKZXhfMhq4H2Me1Yn8m5jHSKtjXgoZop5pAFuY~1wb-4wqYtDFA-IKnJLs3Xo13B4STHMXDo0~qpzgxIA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Gary Getz, director of operations for the district, presented a two‑year program evaluation for the operations department and highlighted staff professional development, facility projects and staffing status.

Getz said custodian professional development has been a priority. He told the board the district now has six custodians who have earned a DESE‑associated gold‑seal award after completing workshops and an essay review process. He also noted that custodial supervisor training under the Missouri School Plant Management Association (MSPMA) has produced a new graduate, naming Dave Figgins as having completed the MSPMA core certification program.

Getz reviewed recent in‑house projects: carpet replacement and interior upgrades performed over summers, a substantial renovation of the Matthews gym, and construction of a new shot‑put, discus and javelin throwing area at the high school that he said coaches from other districts have complimented. He said the improvements were coordinated with school coaches and building staff and largely completed by district personnel.

On staffing, Getz said custodial openings have stabilized compared with prior years. The department currently has four custodial vacancies and four applications under review; earlier years averaged five to seven openings. A night custodian recently resigned for family reasons and will leave the state, he said; interviews for replacements are scheduled. Getz said recruitment and retention have improved as the district became more competitive with salaries and that the operations team has recruited candidates from nearby districts.

Getz described ongoing priorities for the next two to five years: continuing professional development, supporting upcoming capital projects and developing leadership within the department. Board members asked clarifying questions about the DESE training content, lead custodial roles and the status of staffing at the early‑childhood facility; Getz said the district requires employees to be employed for one year before attending some training and that the early‑childhood site is a current recruiting priority.

Board members thanked Getz for the report and for the department's work on in‑house projects and staff development.","Director Gary Getz reported custodial staff achievements (gold‑seal certifications and MSPMA core certification), recent in‑house facilities projects at Matthews and at the high‑school throwing area, and said custodial vacancies have stabilized with four openings and active recruitment.",{"_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},6426355,"Grain Valley R‑V audit receives clean opinion; single‑audit report remains a draft pending OMB guidance",593,304000,897000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5892084-d7f121edb234065985cc19a72725125e&start=304&end=897","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5892084-d7f121edb234065985cc19a72725125e/thumbnail_304000.jpg","/articles/6426355/Missouri/Grain-Valley-RV-audit-receives-clean-opinion-singleaudit-report-remains-a-draft-pending-OMB-guidance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6426355-9aa0f0f697ccc8e7f5091a98b0f1a9b9/orig.mp4?Expires=1770742053&Signature=fZylQySRHgVpd2pnsq2hDHqdGbkch3OQbEAjJLrERbXQi7MRYC260bTULzLq7YFxPy1EUfwAe3XtiA480YPl~KbEebwSuG6PbfnRvwkrD5863sDnYopWfJ8D~Y-KR8mQRrUf706YHQK0RUyuE9iit5kAIe2~y8WE5zAbcl~OS2vJCZuY9rmPCivCuzW8g5iGheHoB0xpK-6ULodHhgXNNZORe6d2nIel22vfiP1l~cfUmWHrXK838U1dhle6Z2PqzDIHE51oMFo~WqVJIAaXwKtAE9CARSa8fFKMgvpz6K~49XtW2knhCqFcUxIqeQqpfYlpIFP~yX-sj9Jw3ffFug__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Bria n Eckoff, an auditor with Westbrook and Company, told the Grain Valley R‑V School District board at its workshop that the district's financial statements received an unmodified (clean) opinion but that the single‑audit report must remain stamped as a draft until the Office of Management and Budget finalizes its annual data compliance supplement.

Eckoff said the district's audited statement of activities shows the district recorded about $73 million in revenues and $94 million in expenditures for the year, with an overall decrease in fund balances of nearly $12 million. He said food service operations cost the district about $527,000 this year, while community services were approximately breakeven at $17,000.

The auditors reported about $31 million combined across the district's four major funds as of June 30: nearly $14 million in the general fund, $9.5 million in debt service and roughly $8 million in capital projects. Eckoff highlighted that the district's unassigned general‑fund balance (day‑to‑day operations) stood at roughly $12.8 million.

Eckoff described the federal audit requirement that triggers a single audit: because the district exceeded $750,000 in federal expenditures it must undergo the Uniform Guidance single audit. He said the OMB \"has not released\" the final data‑compliance supplement and that, until it is released, auditors are not allowed to finalize and publish the single‑audit report. \"We are not allowed to release a single audit until this is finalized,\" Eckoff said. He added that if changes are required after the supplement is finalized, the audit firm will perform any additional work and return to the board as needed.

On federal program testing, auditors focused on the child nutrition cluster and Title I programs. Eckoff said auditors did not identify deficiencies in internal control over financial reporting or federal programs; the auditor's report calls the financial statements \"presented fairly.\" He also noted that because the district presents cash‑basis financial statements rather than accrual basis, it will not qualify for a \"low risk\" auditee status under Uniform Guidance and therefore must be subject to a higher percentage of program testing.

Eckoff drew attention to two operational recommendations: a correction to attendance records made during the audit process and a recommendation from the state auditor that districts adopt procedures to limit when and how long staff may modify student attendance records. \"You should put in some sort of policy or procedure to limit how often and how long they can modify the attendance,\" he said. District administrators told the board work on attendance procedures is underway.

Board members asked clarifying questions about audit scope, and Eckoff confirmed Westbrook and Company's engagement was limited to a financial statement audit; the firm can provide separate agreed‑upon procedures or consulting engagements for operational testing if the district requests them.

The board was not asked to approve the audit at the workshop; administrators told members the single‑audit finalization will be brought back for approval in a later meeting once OMB releases the data compliance supplement or when any required follow‑up work is complete.

The audit presentation closed with board members thanking the audit team and noting they would review the detailed communication and required‑communication attachment added to the board packet.","District auditors delivered a clean opinion on the 2023–24 financial statements but said the single‑audit report must remain in draft until the federal OMB data‑compliance supplement is finalized. Auditors highlighted falling reserve ratios, a $527,000 food‑service loss and roughly $31 million in fund balances across funds.",{"_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},6426338,"Board approves three staff additions: elementary secretary, ELL para, special‑education para; estimated cost covered by current surplus",517,1927000,2444000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5892084-d7f121edb234065985cc19a72725125e&start=1927&end=2444","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5892084-d7f121edb234065985cc19a72725125e/thumbnail_1927000.jpg","/articles/6426338/Missouri/Board-approves-three-staff-additions-elementary-secretary-ELL-para-specialeducation-para-estimated-cost-covered-by-current-surplus","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6426338-3324589f10558afadeda38bb10c6413a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770742053&Signature=U305H-WtVmlmrS72E7AP6Kk2JiRJtqKtLhq7Fhk6qNrlBckL0zbPl9ykWM7T5s0tJcscvldKm1jNBumlKXBKrNEhTRqJYq17DvIJJiHHrkyJkGGQy8Ez~4ra0AlTrmDHrPh77HoxyiSnRqT8lgnRCC1mBuuOr4OzJHAa9XlwkTnDuKXtysfUwDaNvy6Yo9VpxNf-Hm~UuHtpjUYQ1P2Wkga5ixU7uIhW-4A1TIKXLmKUWKG--6T9h6mBiu0gu5X2hL2CB8qhA9MFnTRBSpvSpFkeyy4D~NtbLzY41ybCsN6CpKgZqzKs65YnOrOFAzqxiqB~~ZGpHj2q4UKaVi-E7Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Grain Valley R‑V School District board approved three personnel additions at the workshop: one elementary secretary FTE for Prairie Branch Elementary, one English‑language‑learner (ELL) paraprofessional FTE to support newcomers, and one special‑education paraprofessional FTE for a 1:1 student placement. All three motions carried without recorded dissent.

The elementary secretary position was requested after increased fourth‑grade class sizes at Prairie Branch and to allow a current paraprofessional to refocus on classroom reading interventions. Administrators said the second secretary will split office duties so the paraprofessional can return to instructional time; the change is intended to be permanent while Prairie Branch maintains its current enrollment levels.

The board approved adding an ELL paraprofessional after administrators reported 58 students qualified for the ELL program this year, up from 43 last year. District leaders described the para role as supporting newcomers with little or no English by following schedules, providing in‑class or pull‑out support, and using technology for translation where appropriate. Administrators said the role will serve secondary and high‑school newcomers with entry‑level English skills and will help teachers provide accessible instruction.

The board also approved a 1:1 special‑education paraprofessional to provide individualized support for an elementary student whose IEP team recommended one‑on‑one assistance. Administrators said the decision follows the IEP team's determination of appropriate placement.

Administrators gave a rough cost estimate of about $36,000 for a full‑year paraprofessional position; the three additions together were estimated at about $100,000 if hired for a full year and roughly $120,000 for the remainder of the current school year. The district said the cost will be covered by budgeted surplus and stronger‑than‑expected new revenue from reassessment and construction activity.

Board members who voted in favor included Jared, Sarah, Julie, Jason and the board president; no recorded votes opposed the motions. The motions did not include named movers or seconds in the public record; each motion was approved by voice vote.","The board voted to add one elementary secretary FTE at Prairie Branch Elementary, one English‑language‑learner paraprofessional FTE, and one special‑education one‑on‑one paraprofessional FTE. Administrators estimated roughly $36,000 per full‑year position and said the three hires are funded from existing surplus/new revenue.",{"_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},6426322,"Board reviews and marks multiple policies for revision or continued review; several will return on consent agenda",4553,4559000,5716,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5892084-d7f121edb234065985cc19a72725125e&start=4559&end=5","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5892084-d7f121edb234065985cc19a72725125e/thumbnail_4559000.jpg","/articles/6426322/Missouri/Board-reviews-and-marks-multiple-policies-for-revision-or-continued-review-several-will-return-on-consent-agenda","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6426322-7f2188bccc1f1e1f09d7dba0e9b2e717/orig.mp4?Expires=1770742053&Signature=SuxpMxrB0cdUjz2cdNhlu2IRmF-nGEdvgqJGNGgxXnigUJ59jp61lQ7HfbkpYScNjJf9xpKrtyMY-qcOfIDXQsU-W6rlBFzIhCEeWjXKeXv8dgF26a~oK-dvwmRLYAFJQTDmJ4gJcQfcYhgXgV-aRPd5BaaDbhcJRPFWziy7tZ0iXokZIxA95e7DoQjEFbxVNhY8kdW2Q9Svtp6n5nvt3XBNzEITo5lLq5Ulob9cS-SfTLkbzTwYzacQlJ42ZaA2DLKyYT4XuIpSLVjRVEIH7TDfG-2m0-Yed-zipu4pc7Ledyi81cmbROPjkQ-Un1fmMg51ZQ0mSj4NgNPfTqSSxw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The board conducted second readings and administrative reviews of several local policies that the district said had not been updated in years. Administrators described changes or noted the policies' statutory context and asked the board to mark them reviewed or accept suggested revisions for a future consent agenda.

Policies discussed included DED (disposition of unbudgeted revenue), FB (facilities planning), FEB (selection of architectural, engineering and land surveying services), GBB (staff involvement in decision making), GBBDA (family and medical leave), GBCC (staff absences and tardiness), GBH (staff and student relations), GBM (staff grievances) and JCB (student transfers within the district). Administrators said some policies are tied to state or federal statute and would require legal review for substantive edits.

Board members asked whether certain policies were necessary or redundant and whether statutes required them; administrators said they would check statutory or accreditation requirements (for example, facilities plans related to MSIP‑6 accreditation). A specific proposed edit to JCB was described as clarifying that when students are assigned virtual instruction for disciplinary reasons, the district must ensure and document required due process protections.

Administrators said several policies will be revised where edits were agreed and returned on a future consent agenda; other items will be marked reviewed with no change. The board moved to process the revisions and plan to approve them at a future consent meeting once legal or administrative edits are finalized.","Board members conducted second readings of a set of local policies including facilities planning (FB), disposition of unbudgeted revenue (DED), staff‑related policies (GBB, GBCC, GBH), and JCB (student transfers). Several policies will be returned as revised or marked reviewed on a future consent agenda.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board weighs expanding student recognitions and moving patron comments to workshops to give public earlier input

Operations department highlights custodial certifications, in‑house facility upgrades and improved retention

Grain Valley R‑V audit receives clean opinion; single‑audit report remains a draft pending OMB guidance

Board approves three staff additions: elementary secretary, ELL para, special‑education para; estimated cost covered by current surplus

Board reviews and marks multiple policies for revision or continued review; several will return on consent agenda