Board approves 28 open‑enrollment acceptances, adopts career plan and a $41,500 salary adjustment

At its May 13 meeting the Herman‑Neosho‑Rubicon School District board approved open‑enrollment acceptances, adopted a state‑mandated academic career plan and authorized a district‑wide salary adjustment.

District staff reported 28 students applied for open enrollment into the district and recommended letters of acceptance; the board approved accepting the 28 applications while noting 13 students had open enrolled out of the district. Staff said two incoming students have Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) — a first grader and a fourth grader — and confirmed the elementary special‑education program has capacity to meet those needs.

Administration presented an academic career plan (identified in the packet as plan 26.7) designed to begin career awareness in sixth grade and then provide career exploration in seventh grade and pathway awareness in eighth grade. Principal Angie Hope said the plan is intended to introduce students to multiple post‑secondary options and ‘‘not to pigeonhole middle school kids into a career choice.’’ The board voted to adopt the plan and update it annually, as required by state statute.

Separately, trustees approved a district‑wide salary adjustment for employees for the 2025‑26 school year. Administration estimated the total cost to the district at $41,500. The board voted in favor of the adjustment.

Staff were directed to send acceptance letters to open‑enrollment applicants (Carrie and Jenny were named as responsible staff) and to continue reporting on implementation of the career plan and budget impacts at future meetings.