Camdenton R-III board approves major grade‑level reconfiguration to relieve Dogwood overcrowding

The Camdenton R-III School Board approved a districtwide grade‑level redistribution Jan. 12 intended to relieve severe overcrowding at Dogwood Elementary and accommodate a FEMA‑funded early‑childhood center. The plan, approved by voice vote, is slated to begin in the 2026–27 school year.

District presenters told the board that Dogwood is the district’s most pressing facility need; they estimated the building is over capacity by about 245 students and identified structural problems including foundation and plumbing issues. The FEMA project was awarded last year and will fund an early‑childhood facility; construction is expected to begin this spring with a target opening in 2027. Staff said a bid alternate could add four classrooms during FEMA construction but would not eliminate disruption at Dogwood.

To address capacity, staff proposed and the board approved a configuration that would keep preschool through first grade at Dogwood while shifting other grade bands: Hawthorne would serve second and third grades; Oak Ridge would serve fourth and fifth; the middle school would be configured as grades 6–8. Osage Beach and Hurricane Deck were cited as outlying campuses with capacity to host preschool through fifth in some scenarios. Staff described this as the recommended (Option 1) approach because it most quickly relieves Dogwood’s overcrowding.

Presenters emphasized implementation work that remains: staffing and certification reviews, classroom moves, transportation adjustments, food‑service portion changes, library media reallocation and counseling ratios. For example, staff noted the district’s current meal breaks align to K–5, 6–8 and 9–12 and that changing where sixth graders eat may alter portion sizes and cost (staff reported a 5¢ breakfast and 25¢ lunch difference tied to meal components). Technology staff said infrastructure exists but that Chromebook replacement cycles and device allocations will need to be rebalanced across buildings.

District leaders highlighted a tight timeline tied to Missouri DESE rules: attendance‑center change requests are accepted beginning Jan. 1 and must be submitted by March 1, creating a narrow window for final decisions and communications. Board materials and presenters stressed that more detailed timelines, site visits to successful 6–8 middle schools, staff consultations and parent advisory input will follow before student assignments are final.

The board moved and approved the grade‑level distribution plan for implementation in the 2026–27 school year. The action followed extensive discussion about teacher transitions, use of attrition to fill vacancies, and logistical planning for moves and supplies. The board directed staff to continue fleshing out the timeline, personnel choices and communications so staff and families would have information in advance of the next school year.