Votes at a glance: Kirkwood board approves agenda, consent items, financial statements and paid parental leave for support staff

The Kirkwood R-VII Board of Education recorded several unanimous voice votes during its May 19 meeting. Key outcomes:

- Agenda approval: The board approved the meeting agenda as presented after a motion by Andrews and a second by Kathy. The motion passed by voice vote.

- Consent agenda: The board approved consent agenda items 5.02 through 5.19 after a motion by Andrews and a second by Hepburn. The motion passed by voice vote.

- Financial statements: The board approved the April 2025 financial statements after a motion by Kathy and a second by Andrews. Presenters reported operating revenues for April and noted a collection rate of 85.2 percent; the motion passed by voice vote.

- Paid parental leave resolution (support staff): The board approved a resolution extending paid parental leave to all regular full‑time Kirkwood School District employees who are not included in the KSDK NEA collective bargaining agreement for the 2025–26 school year. The motion was moved by Hepburn and seconded by Neiman. Dr. Fields said the resolution was developed in coordination with the bargaining unit and intended to support retention and climate; the motion passed by voice vote.

Vote method and tallies: All four items were decided by voice vote; the transcript records board members saying "Aye" and the chair declaring the motions passed. No roll‑call tallies were recorded in the public transcript.

Ending: The board continued to other agenda items (class-size discussion and preliminary budget presentation) after these approvals.