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KIRKWOOD R-VII approves elementary and middle-school staffing plan; net increase of 1.37 certified FTE
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Summary
The Kirkwood R-VII board approved a staffing plan that redistributes certified staff across elementary and middle schools: about a 3.0 FTE reduction at several elementary schools and requests totaling roughly 5.37 FTE at middle schools, yielding a net increase of approximately 1.37 FTE.
The Kirkwood R-VII Board of Education approved a staffing plan for the 2026–27 school year that reallocates certified positions between elementary and middle schools and creates a small net increase in certified staffing.
Board President Ben Motika introduced agenda item 5.03 and Dr. Rich and other administrators described the district’s new approach to staffing sections. Dr. Rich said the intent is "providing stability" and "eliminating last minute hires," explaining the district will lock in elementary class sections now to reduce late changes that previously disrupted teachers, families and class lists.
At the elementary level the district presented school-level adjustments: at Kaiser kindergarten sections would drop from four to three and third grade from five to four; North Glendale will shift a third-grade section to first grade; Robinson and Tillman showed no net change; Westchester would reduce second-grade sections from six to four while retaining one teacher and moving that position to third grade. The administration said those elementary changes produce a reduction of about 3.0 certified FTE districtwide without asking for additional elementary hires.
For middle schools staff requested additions to address an enrollment "bubble" and staffing inequities: NYFA requested 2.37 core teachers so core teachers would teach four courses and use the fifth period for intervention and encore opportunities; North Kirkwood Middle requested two core positions and one health and wellness teacher to accommodate a large incoming cohort. Taken together the middle-school requests total roughly 5.37 FTE; after accounting for elementary reductions and other adjustments the administration presented a net increase of about 1.37 certified FTE for the district.
Board members asked about communication plans, the impact on 11 educators who hold one-year contracts and what "alt ed" reductions would mean for students. Dr. Rich said the 11 one-year-contract educators were informed of timelines, would be invited to apply for any open positions and that the alternative-education programming varies by building; Matt Bailey and other administrators said the district expects the core additions to meet students’ needs more effectively than the prior alt-ed models.
Andrews moved and Sharon seconded a motion to approve the elementary and middle school staffing plan as presented; the board approved the plan by voice vote. Administrators indicated hiring would start promptly so vacancies can be filled before spring break and principals can plan for the fall.
