Whitley Koranja, speaking for the Missouri State Teachers Association local, told the Ozark R-VI Board of Education that union leaders and district administrators opened new forums this year that improved staff input on bargaining items.

Karanja said Dr. Link and Dr. Wilson convened calendar committees and held multiple conversations with certified and non‑certified staff, rather than relying on a single survey. "People were heard," Karanja said, praising the approach for creating "a much better culture in regards to calendar."

The MSTA representatives described the effort as more time‑intensive for both district and association staff but said the added collaboration produced "very, very much" positive feedback and improved communication and transparency. No formal board action accompanied the report.

Board members thanked the presenters for the update.