Maries R‑1 board adopts annual budget message, dyslexia plan and multiple coordinator appointments; accepts propane bid

The Maries R‑1 School Board of Education unanimously approved a package of administrative and fiscal items at its Sept. 23, 2025 regular meeting, including the district’s annual budget message, a Dyslexia Plan, multiple coordinator appointments and several personnel and contract actions.

Board President David Long presided over the meeting. Teresa Messersmith presented the Annual Budget Message and financial reports. Denise Wilkinson moved to approve the budget message as presented; Lori Hayes seconded and the motion passed 7‑0.

The board adopted a district Dyslexia Plan after a motion from Jacob Hallahan, seconded by Kevin Heavin; the motion passed 7‑0. The board also approved a slate of role and coordinator designations: the Special Education Director was approved to serve as Safety Coordinator, Homeless Coordinator, Gifted Coordinator, Foster Care point of contact, Migrant Coordinator and ELL Director; the high‑school counselor was approved as At‑Risk Coordinator. Those motions were moved by Matt Novak, seconded by Denise Wilkinson, and carried 7‑0.

The board approved a contract with Discovery School as presented (motion by Denise Wilkinson; second by Jacob Hallahan) and adopted the district testing schedule (motion by Matt Novak; second by Kevin Heavin), each by unanimous vote.

On personnel, the board approved hiring Kayla Hertzing as a paraprofessional after a recommendation from Joe Edwards; the motion was made by Kayla Wansing and seconded by Lori Hayes and passed 7‑0.

On facilities procurement, bids were received to replace several in‑building propane regulators. The two bids presented were AA Propane for $8,485.59 and IFS for $5,000. Matt Novak moved to accept the IFS bid for $5,000; Kevin Heavin seconded and the board approved the IFS bid 7‑0.

The board also approved the proposed Vienna Eagle 10‑event gate passes for athletic events, priced at $27 for adults and $18 for students; Lori Hayes moved approval and Matt Novak seconded (7‑0). The passes will be punched once per event when presented at athletic events.

Votes at a glance - Approve agenda: mover Jacob Hallahan; second Lori Hayes; vote 7‑0 (approved). - Approve Aug. 19, 2025 minutes: mover Denise Wilkinson; second Jacob Hallahan; vote 7‑0 (approved). - Approve bills/direct deposits: mover Matt Novak; second Kevin Heavin; vote 7‑0 (approved). - Add Iian Hoy to substitute list: mover Lori Hayes; second Kayla Wansing; vote 7‑0 (approved). - Appoint Special Education Director as Safety, Homeless, Gifted, Foster Care P.O.C., Migrant Coordinator, and ELL Director; HS Counselor as At‑Risk Coordinator: mover Matt Novak; second Denise Wilkinson; vote 7‑0 (approved). - Approve Dyslexia Plan: mover Jacob Hallahan; second Kevin Heavin; vote 7‑0 (approved). - Approve Annual Budget Message: mover Denise Wilkinson; second Lori Hayes; vote 7‑0 (approved). - Approve Discovery School contract: mover Denise Wilkinson; second Jacob Hallahan; vote 7‑0 (approved). - Approve testing schedule: mover Matt Novak; second Kevin Heavin; vote 7‑0 (approved). - Approve Vienna Eagle gate passes (10 events): mover Lori Hayes; second Matt Novak; vote 7‑0 (approved). - Hire Kayla Hertzing, paraprofessional: mover Kayla Wansing; second Lori Hayes; vote 7‑0 (approved). - Award propane regulator replacement bid to IFS ($5,000): mover Matt Novak; second Kevin Heavin; vote 7‑0 (approved).

Why it matters: The coordinator appointments and plan adoptions (Dyslexia Plan, Title IX/ELL/foster care assignments) position district staff to carry out compliance and student‑support responsibilities for the school year. The propane regulator award affects building‑maintenance costs; the gate‑pass decision sets the district’s pricing for athletic events.

The board moved into closed session later in the meeting to discuss legal, staff and coaching concerns; no public action from that closed session is recorded in the open minutes.