Mexico 59 Board of Education Update

This monthly update will be sent prior to noon the day after the board meeting.

Link to board agenda.

1. We will be student centered.
2. We will presume positive intentions and model the expectations we have for others.
3. We will keep board business to: board policies, the governance (strategic) plan, legal requirements, and the evaluation of the superintendent.
4. We will be prepared and present for meetings.
5. With items presented on the agenda, we will ask clarifying questions or request additional information at least 24 hours before a meeting. If more information is needed, questions may be asked during the meeting.
6. All agree to adhere to the chain of command and will direct others to follow the chain of command.

Jessica Ekern, Scott Nichols, Michelle Stephens, Chris Williams, Lennette Brown, Jon Calhoun, Mathew Pilger

Admin: Dr. Troy Lentz, Mrs. Julie Lower-Welch, Amber Henderson, Brad Ellebracht, Scott Daly, Robin Friedrich, Anne Billington, Chris Denhan, Kyle Louder, Katie Lehnen, Anna Richardson, Christina McCaw, Melissa Deimeke, Marci Orr

Gallery: Justin Hagedorn

Each employee receives a visit from Central Office staff, a certificate, Bulldog swag, and a $100 CD Show Me Credit Union.

• Certified Staff: Amanda Warmbrodt, Teacher at Eugene Field Elementary
  Amanda's nominating colleague shared, "Amanda has really stepped up into leadership this year and is taking on more and more for the team. She is so helpful and kind to everyone. Her students love her. She creates such a fun learning environment for her class."
• Support Staff: Beth Moore, Administrative Assistant at Hart Career Center
  Beth's nominating colleague shared, "Beth is always easy-going. It can appear to be the world’s most difficult task, but Beth has a way to work through the situation and come to a resolution that helps students."

Items approved in consent agenda:

• Board minutes from regular session 11/19/2025
• Bills Paid
• Treasurer's Report

Full Report

Dr. Troy Lentz offered his Superintendent Report, including:

Community Engagement (04:31): The highlight of community engagement this month was hosting the retired teachers association luncheon at central office. The district has also been represented at Kiwanis, Rotary, Chamber of Commerce, and Bright Futures. Dr. and Mrs. Lentz also had a very merry time at McMillan’s Christmas open house.

Finance (05:05): The 2024-2025 audit has been returned from Graves and Associates. The audit states the district financial information reported to the state in the ASBR has been fairly stated. Graves and Associates report no disagreements with management and no material weaknesses. Charts and more information in the "full report" link above.

Facilities (07:45): The MHS bond work will likely go to bid in January or February. We expect this to create a safe entrance for MHS; however, we also understand it will cause some disruption with entry into the building as well as parking. This is the last big project as part of the 2024 bond. See the architectural drawings below. Note that the color of the building will match; however, it's represented in a different color on the drawings to show where the addition will be.

Mrs. Julie Lower-Welch offered her Assistant Superintendent report on Curriculum & Instruction (12:00), Federal Programs (17:28), and District Assessments (18:49), including:

NEE Professional Evaluations (12:00): Our principals have completed 273 teacher observations so far this year, a 5% increase over this time last year. Julie explained the NEE observation process to the board and answered questions.

New Teachers' Academy (14:11): Our instructional coaches (Lara Brunk, Carey Knipfel, and Wendy Lentz) have facilitated training and support for first- and second-year teachers throughout the semester, meeting monthly. They also coordinate learning walks and reflective coaching conversations.

Special Education Teachers' Academy (15:00): Melissa Deimeke is providing targeted professional learning for SPED teachers, meeting bimonthly for full-day sessions. This strengthens skills in C&I and effective classroom management strategies.

Sub Training (15:37): In early January, our instructional coaches will host a sub training for district substitute teachers, covering safety and security procedures, technology navigation, highlights of curriculum resources, and effective classroom management strategies.

Literacy (16:02): A district book study of The Writing Revolution has been underway, with approximately 20 teachers participating and several attending discussion sessions. The final session will be held in January, and the learning from this study will inform decisions related to an ELA writing curriculum.

MHS

HCC

MEC

MMS

EF

HAW

MELC

Communications Report

MUSIC Liability Insurance Renewal Approval (25:15). MUSIC offers comprehensive insurance coverage for our district, including property and equipment breakdown, general liability, bus liability, school board liability, workers' compensation, treasurer's bond, cyber liability, and pollution liability. Serving public schools, community colleges, and other eligible entities across Missouri, MUSIC currently provides insurance to over 475 public school districts, community colleges, and educational associations.

2024-2025 Financial Audit Approval (32:30). Each year, the board reviews the audit. Board policy directs the district to have an annual audit done by an outside company. Graves and Associates, CPAs, LLC completes our district audit.

Use of MHS for Mission Trip (35:45). In the summer of 2027, the Group Workcamps Home Repair Mission Trip will use MHS facilities as home base while completing local mission projects. The campers will sleep and eat at MHS during the trip to Mexico. Justin Hagedorn spoke to the board about the Group Workcamps. Last time the camp was in Mexico, the 442 campers and 60+ workers served our community by offering mission projects at 52 houses.

Coffee Tree Proposal approved (40:14). The District will work with Coffee Tree for IT Engineering support for the remainder of the school year.

Board Candidate Filing (43:20). Jessica Ekern, Matt Pilger, and Lennette Brown's terms will conclude in April 2026. Three (3) board positions, each with a three-year term, will be open. At this time, the three incumbents have all refiled for the three seats. Filing for these positions will close on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at 5:00 PM. Filing hours on December 30 will be from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM.

Approval of Personnel (43:36). The December 2025 Personnel Report was approved as presented.

New hire includes:

• Kloie Dishman, SPED Para

Informational Personal Report

The regular session December meeting adjourned at 6:15 PM. The next regular session meeting will be held on January 20.

The best efforts are made to send this update prior to noon the day after the board meeting. These highlights are intended to offer information as a courtesy to stakeholders. This newsletter is not intended to replace board-approved minutes from the meeting. If there is something not mentioned for which you need more information, please email communications@mexico.k12.mo.us to be directed to the correct personnel. All board updates are posted to the district website.