Independence 30 officials report perfect MSIP 6 score and outline CSIP priorities at work session

Chair Anthony J. Von Dane Sr. called the Independence Missouri School District's work session to order and invited a presentation on the district’s MSIP 6 review and Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP).

Dr. Boatwright, who led the presentation, told the board the district earned a perfect score on the MSIP 6 evaluation: “we did receive 42 out of 42,” adding that the district “earned 100% of the available points.” He said the result shows the district is in compliance with state standards and is maintaining operational fidelity, particularly in governance, professional development and leadership oversight.

The presentation explained that MSIP 6 (the Missouri School Improvement Program) now focuses in cycle 2 on sustainability and monitoring, rather than the structure-building emphasis of cycle 1. Dr. Boatwright described the documentation and review timeline (artifacts submitted August–December, area review panels in late winter) and said the district worked closely with area supervisors and a review panel in preparing narratives and evidence.

Dr. Boatwright walked the board through CSIP requirements and how those requirements were scored. He said the district submitted a five-year CSIP (worth five points) and supporting narratives tied to the prior CSIP; three sections of the submission accounted for nine of the 42 points. The presentation also described a fidelity-of-implementation rubric used in cycle 2 to assess how the district is implementing its stated strategies.

On specific priorities, Dr. Boatwright said the CSIP requires evidence for five priority areas. Priority 1 artifacts included stakeholder meeting minutes and agendas; Priority 2 required two items such as data dashboards or academic achievement reports; Priority 3 asked for examples of evidence-based strategies with data measurements; Priority 4 required budget documentation and board review of CSIP items; and Priority 5 called for plans developed and presented across the year for professional development, assessment, facility safety and Title I work.

Dr. Boatwright described examples the district submitted to the review team: expanded literacy initiatives and data-driven instruction, use of screening tools and MTSS to identify students needing academic and behavioral support, and leadership-development programs such as Leader in Me, AVID and academies. He said the district has implemented a K–12 math focus group and updated its curriculum alignment to state standards, which he cited as required by Senate Bill 681. Attendance remains a priority, with schools working toward a 90% attendance goal.

On staffing, Dr. Boatwright said the district has attended multiple career fairs, used university partnerships to market openings, partnered with Kelly Services for substitute support and emphasized mentoring and competitive compensation to improve staff retention.

Facilities and operations updates included successful passage of a facilities bond, routine inspections and a maintenance-tracking system to prioritize high-traffic areas. On technology, Dr. Boatwright said the district is in year one of a six-year Chromebook plan at the elementary and middle levels (noting middle schools are using devices faster than expected) and maintains a four-year plan for high school devices. He also reported that configuration of wireless systems is underway and the district will maintain its current phone system until a planned cloud migration. The district completed a new work-order system rollout (Frontline Education) during the year, he said.

Dr. Boatwright described community-engagement steps: a new district website designed to meet ADA requirements, the districtwide transition to ParentSquare for family communication, and targeted feedback sessions for English-language families. He said the district conducts a culture/climate survey annually via a University of Missouri third-party partnership to collect and return data and comments for local use.

The board did not take action on policy items during the session. Chair Von Dane asked for questions after the presentation; none were offered. A motion to adjourn was made and seconded; the board voted in favor and the meeting ended. Dr. Boatwright said the district will finalize priorities for 2026–27 under Dr. Murillo’s leadership once she arrives.

Votes at a glance - Motion: Approve the agenda — Moved and seconded during the opening; vote recorded as voice approval (ayes recorded by Chair and presenter) and the motion passed. - Motion: Adjourn the meeting — Moved, seconded and approved by voice vote; motion passed.

What this means The district’s perfect MSIP 6 score reflects the reviewers’ evaluation of documentation, alignment between the CSIP and school-level plans, professional-development alignment and evidence that governance and school climate processes are in place. Board members were given a road map of the district’s CSIP priorities and the kinds of artifacts and metrics (dashboards, meeting records, budget review) the district submitted to substantiate progress.

Next steps District staff said they will finalize CSIP priorities for the 2026–27 school year under Dr. Murillo’s leadership and continue monitoring fidelity measures and the district’s technology and staffing plans.