Smithville R-II superintendent warns of state underfunding as board approves sports complex, furniture and Chromebook leases

Dr. Moss, the Smithville R-II superintendent, told the board on April 1 that the state is ‘‘currently underfunding schools, and it's just not Smithville, but all public schools in the state of Missouri by almost a $150,000,000, which equates to about a $195 per student,’’ and she warned that the district faces a projected $1,000,000 shortfall across the next two years if the legislature does not change appropriations.

The superintendent delivered a routine update and several recognitions before business votes. She introduced new board member Mr. Bauer and recognized students and coaches for recent honors: SHS art winners at the Albrecht Kemper Museum of Art, multiple speech-and-debate qualifiers (including a national qualifier), Missouri Scholars Academy selections, HOSA winners and the Smithville Dazzlers dance team. Student Emma Keith and several teammates were acknowledged; staff and coaches joined the presentations.

On bond projects, staff reported steady progress. Construction representatives said the baseball field has reached substantial completion and that the softball field remains on track for mid-to-late June substantial completion despite recent rain. High school steel, joists and decking are in place and sanitary sewer work tying the sites together was completed over spring break.

The board then moved to several formal votes. It approved a Mammoth Sports Complex construction package that includes concessions, restrooms, the drive and a parking lot. Dr. Moss said design changes (including a switch from pumping sewer up the hill to a septic system in some areas) led to the final package and that ‘‘the bids came in fantastic and on budget.’’ Board members asked about turnover timing for the parking and concession areas; staff discussed mid-June to late-July target windows.

Separately, the board approved the administration's furniture-vendor recommendation. Staff said Circadia rose to the top of a tight competitive review because its proposal offered the most flexibility and fit within the bond budget; references and prior work in nearby districts were cited as part of the selection.

The board also approved a Chromebook lease proposal for grades 3–6. Discussion centered on device policy: administrators said the district will scale back 1:1 distribution at primary levels (K–2) and keep Chromebooks in classrooms at those grades while still providing devices to older elementary students for home use when needed. Board members thanked technology staff for navigating procurement challenges amid tariff and supply pressures.

Procedural business concluded with routine consent-agenda approvals (minutes, bills, audit services and personnel reports) and adjournment. Several items will return to staff for scheduling or follow-up; no additional formal actions were tabled.

Votes at a glance

- Adopt agenda: motion moved and seconded; chair called for a vote and the agenda was adopted. - Consent agenda (03/18/2026 minutes; April bills; audit services; personnel report): approved. - Mammoth sports-complex construction package (concessions, restrooms, drive, parking): motion moved, seconded and approved; staff noted mid-June to late-July turnover targets. - Furniture vendor recommendation (Circadia): motion moved, seconded and approved. - Chromebook lease for grades 3–6: motion moved, seconded and approved. - Adjourn: motion moved, seconded and approved.

What comes next

Dr. Moss said the district will continue to press state legislators to fully fund previously passed education legislation and to consider releasing Prop C funds for schools. Bond-construction managers expect continued progress through the spring and summer; staff will return with schedule updates as needed.