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Superintendent: district retention improves to 90.8%; state funding increases flagged, some federal grants still under review
Summary
The superintendent reported a 90.8% certificated‑staff retention rate for the most recent year and highlighted state funding increases (including a $497 million foundation formula boost). Several federal grants remain under federal review; staff said they will monitor outcomes and report back.
During the superintendence report the superintendent told the board the district closed the 2024–25 year with a 90.8% certificated‑staff retention rate, up from 88.2% the prior year and 81% in 2021–22. "We are closing the year at 90.8% retention rate," the superintendent said, and noted that employees who participated in the career‑ladder program had a 93% retention rate.
The superintendent also thanked volunteers who participated in Project Shine, noting 275 volunteers supported events at Bingham Southern and Proctor. On state budgeting, staff reported the governor signed a budget that included a $497 million increase in the foundation formula, raising the student adequacy target to $7,145 and increasing funding for school transportation, teacher minimum salary grants and the career ladder program. Staff identified 28 vetoes to general revenue items (26 would affect the state education department) but said details on those vetoed programs are not fully available yet.
On federal funding the superintendent said funding for several federal grants remains under review by the U.S. Department of Education; programs mentioned as under review included Title I Part C (migrant education), Title II Part A (professional development), Title III (English language acquisition) and Title IV Part A (student support and academic enrichment). Staff said the federal decision could result in funds flowing to states as block grants, depending on federal actions.
Board members asked whether the district has data explaining the retention increase; the superintendent said staff are collecting culture/climate and exit‑interview data and will report findings when available. The report closed with recognition of board awards received from the Missouri School Boards Association.
