Board approves 2025–26 career ladder plan; trustees and staff say final plan remains contingent on state allocation and district budget
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Summary
The board voted to approve the district’s 2025–26 career ladder plan for submission to DESE, with presenters stressing the plan is subject to state allocation and the district’s budget approval. Trustees sought flexibility on tutoring and allowable activities used to earn career‑ladder hours.
The Excelsior Springs School District Board of Education approved the district’s 2025–26 career ladder plan and authorized submission to the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). The motion to approve the plan passed 6–0 after a presentation and extended discussion about requirements, staff burdens and funding contingencies.
Dr. Bullenmower presented the plan and told the board the state reimburses 60% of career‑ladder costs and the district covers the remaining 40%. He said the plan’s estimated total next year is about $940,000, with DESE contributing roughly $540,000 and the district’s share about $400,000; he added that the district’s current projection was closer to $360,000 for the local share this year. “DESE pays 60% of the career ladder… The district pays 40%,” he said.
Nut graf: trustees approved the plan to meet the state application deadline but directed staff to return with possible revisions after more detailed, objective participation data is submitted. Board members expressed concern that state rules requiring a portion of hours to be tutoring were difficult for teachers to meet and could exacerbate workload and burnout.
During the discussion, trustees urged staff to explore counting activities such as family literacy nights, book‑study preparation and other school‑run events toward career‑ladder hours where state rules allow. Board members emphasized they would review any staff‑level changes before final district budget sign‑off. “Can we revisit what does and doesn't qualify for a career ladder?” one trustee asked; staff replied that DESE sets limits, but the district can suggest adjustments and must resubmit a revised plan if changes are made after the initial submission.
Ending: the board approved the plan for submission to DESE to meet the April 30 application timeline but directed administrators to return with any recommended revisions and objective participation data when available.
