Board Accepts Technology Agreement

By superadmin | May 21, 2025

By Mark Requet

The Shelby County R-IV School board met in regular session on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, in the South Shelby Middle School Library.

Superintendent’s Report

Superintendent Dr. Billy Daleske updated the board on the project list for the summer, which included repairs to the middle school and high school roofs; sewer line repair in the high school leading from the restrooms out the hallway past the weight room/locker rooms; running a new waterline to ensure proper water flow to the concession stand; foundation work for both the middle and high schools; and ceiling work for the kitchen.

Dr. Daleske stated in his report that while revenues are anticipated to increase for the 25-26 preliminary budget with the increase in Student Adequacy Target, the budget remains conservative and reflects the projects that were listed above for the summer.

He brought up House Bill 711and said the Senators have filibustered the last three days and nothing has advanced regarding that bill.

“One thing they did pass was the state budget and it is sitting on the Governor’s desk,” said Dr. Daleske. “That includes fully funding the foundation formula and agrees to pay schools at a state adequacy target of 74.45, which results in a pretty good increase for public schools across the state.”

Dr. Daleske said they were currently sitting at 94.01 percent of their total expected revenues for the year. They have expended 79.45 percent of their total expenditures with two months left in the fiscal year.

“We are budgeted to have a deficit of over $500,000 this year. I’m still cautiously watching this. We’ve had some revenues come in higher than expected,” said Dr. Daleske. “We still have some big expenditures to go out yet, such as payroll for the summer months that comes out in June, but overall, I expect that gap to close the closer we get towards the end of the budget year.”

Dr. Daleske said after double checking with DESI on the calendar, he said school would dismiss on Friday, May 23, at 12:41 p.m.

Maicyn Ratliff, South Shelby FFA, was introduced to the board. The South Shelby FFA Chapter received a Gold Emblem and Top Chapter Award out of 365 chapters in the state.

Ratliff said she and Sophie Dovin started in January and were able to figure out what activities they did throughout the year, filling out a long application with all the details of each event. A month and a half later they found out that the chapter had received a Gold Emblem, which she said was their goal.

“When we got to state, they sat us down in the section on the floor, which we thought was just a random thing, but we actually got put in the top 10, which was really crazy to us,” said Ratliff.

Ratliff told the board when they were on the stage, they were in an area where they couldn’t hear or see anything. Other chapters would leave the area, and when it narrowed to just two left.

“The kid beside us walked out and we were just in complete shock because we had won,” said Ratliff. “I didn’t realize that it was such a big deal until if felt like 15,000 people wanted to interview us after it ended.”

High School Principal Tim Maddex said the board wanted to express their gratitude to both Ratliff and Dovin for filling out the paperwork.

“We’re extremely proud of you guys,” Dr. Daleske said to Ratliff.

Principal’s Reports

Elementary Principal Katie Stueve spoke about Food for America Ag Day, where the FFA came and presented to the elementary kids. They brought some animals, and the kids got to take a tour of the greenhouse while learning where food comes from.

On April 15th the Cardinal Choir presented Aladdin KIDS’ the Musical at 7:00 pm. A second performance was held for the elementary students during the school day on April 17th.

Stueve said they had the DARE graduation for the 5th graders and officer Mefford was there with other local law enforcement to present DARE essay winners with some prizes. Winners were Edwin Langhammer, Levon Myers, Lochlann Baker, and Slade Bode.

Stueve also mentioned the spelling bee winners were Kannon Bailey and Gavin Johnston for the older grades and Payton Magruder and Kaitlynn Knapp for the younger grades.

Leadership days has been going on. She said classes picked somewhere in the community to do service projects. Preschool delivered treats and motivational gifts to the third, fourth and fifth graders who were taking the MAP testing; Kindergarten did cleanup at the Shelbina Lake; First Grade went to the Senior Center and did a reading activity; Second grade cleaned tables at the Shelbina Christian Church; and the Third Grade went to the Shelbina Library to help with their Summer Reading Program. Fourth and Fifth Grade will be doing activities as well.

She said three elementary staff members received recognition and grants at the Northeast Region MSTA Banquet last month. Fourth Grade teacher Kelly Reinkemeyer received a $500 Classroom Mini Grant, Fifth Grade teacher Desirae O’Neal received a $1,000 Technology Grant, and Fourth Grade teacher Jen Gill received the Joe Bex Excellence in Leadership Award.

“We are very proud of the continued dedication of our staff and all they do to support students,” said Stueve.

Middle School Principal Curt Bowen said they were wrapping up their MAP testing. He wanted to thank Mrs. Langhammer for doing an excellent job coordinating and preparing the teachers to give the MAP test.

“Many checkboxes have to be marked to ensure state standards are met. This is a very stressful time for teachers,” said Bowen. “We are always hopeful to receive the results in time to adapt our teaching going into the next school year.”

The Middle School Archery team participated at Nationals in Louisville on May 8th-10th. He said he would have the results at the next meeting.

“Probably the biggest takeaway is I had two different people come up, and Mrs. Stevenson did as well, talking about our kids and how respectful they were, how well-mannered they were, and how well they represented our school,” said Bowen. “To me, that was the biggest win of the whole weekend. That’s a huge testament to everyone sitting here and all of our teachers, with just the steps they take to be adults in our community. When you see and hear that, it’s pretty cool.”

Bowen said everything is wrapping up with the end of school nearing and it’s a busy time for everyone.

Principal Maddex gave his report for the high school. He said every one of the seniors were on track to graduate. Maddex said he has been working with kids and seniors to finish out the year.

“When this group of seniors were freshmen, I was kind of worried about them,” said Maddex. “But this group has turned into a great class.”

Mrs. Eleazarraraz filled out a 50/50 grant for her room and they are getting some new sewing machines, some new appliances, and some stainless-steel tables to update her room and make it safer.

Maddex said that Mrs. Stevenson got a notification that her son Caden Stevenson won a drawing for a $500 scholarship. All the participants at state archery were eligible to be drawn. Stevenson was one of the 15 to 20 kids drawn out of the 20,000 kids that participated.

Maddex said he took part in the Clarence Cannon Conference Special Needs Track Meet Day.

“It warms my heart to see that and how the conference goes above and beyond to make the kids with special needs feel just as big and important as the rest of the athletes,” said Maddex.

Maddex said the boys golf team became district champs on Monday. The state meet will be held in Sedalia on Monday and Tuesday, May 19 and 20.

Maddex also mentioned the success that the track teams had at the district tournament and said many of the athletes, including the girls who won the district title, will be competing at the Sectional Meet and hopefully move on to compete at the state track meet on Friday and Saturday, May 23 and 24, in Jefferson City.

Maddex closed his report by informing the board that the Missouri Senate and House passed a bill to allow home school kids to participate without any restrictions. He said students at public schools have to meet attendance and grade standards to participate, but home school kids will not. He said they will wait to see what guidelines MSHSAA will provide for this bill moving forward.

New Business

Dr. Daleske gave the board a quick overview of the budget to date and possible estimates.

A motion was seconded and approved by the board to approve payments of 24-25 Career Ladder Plans.

A motion was seconded and approved to accept the Technology Services agreement with RNCC LLC for a flat fee of $3,000 a month and $50 per hour for additional hours worked over 15 hours per week.

Other News

The board:

• approved the agenda as presented.

• approved the consent agenda items.

• approved the bills as presented.

Posted in News