Board Meeting Report

PAEMST FINALISTS... Amy Bielke, a third grade math teacher at Wabash Elementary, and Rebekah Messick, a sixth grade science teacher at Heritage Intermediate were recognized for having been selected as Finalists for the 2020 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. The award is the highest recognition that a K-12 mathematics or science teacher can receive for outstanding teaching in the United States. Amy is one of only three educators in Missouri to be chosen as a state finalist in math and Rebekah is one of only two educators in the state to be chosen as a finalist in science. They represent the ninth and tenth WSD educators since 2012 to receive this prestigious recognition for excellence in teaching.

HOLIDAY ASSISTANCE PARTNERS...Each year in December the District’s Holiday Assistance Program helps to provide gifts for our students in situations where their family may be struggling financially for a variety of reasons. Every year, the program evolves as new partners join in the effort. Twelve schools participated in the District’s traditional "Adopt-a-Family" program, which matched families in need with caring donors. Seven schools partnered with Morning Star Church and their Christmas Shoppe and Heritage and Wentzville Middle partnered with Calvary Church to participate in a Christmas Store as well. When all was said and done, 350 families received assistance and 991 students had gifts to open for the holidays. The following groups, organizations, and congregations were recognized for their efforts:

• WSD school counselors
• Calvary Church
• Wentzville United Methodist Church
• The Way
• Bridge Church
• Morning Star Church
• Wentzville Firefighers Community Outreach
• Wentzville NEA

The Board approved hiring Derrick Docket as the District’s new Chief Communications Officer, effective February 1. Mr. Docket has worked for the WSD since 2018 as the Director of Marketing and replaces Mary LaPak, who has accepted a position in the Rockwood School District. Prior to working for the WSD, Mr. Docket served as the Associate Commissioner of New Media & Technology for the Missouri Valley Conference for seven years. He has a bachelor of arts in graphic design/digital imaging with a minor in advertising and promotion from Missouri State University.

The Board approved a new health care clinic partnership with Mercy. The clinic will be located in the lower level of Pearce Hall with a separate exterior entrance. Assistant Superintendent of Student Services Dr. Jeri LaBrot shared that opening a health clinic has been a long term goal of the District. "With the increased need displayed in the last year, coupled with the available space, this is the optimal time to move forward," said Dr. LaBrot. "Our goal is to increase access and ease of receiving quality healthcare for students, staff, and staff families covered by the WSD insurance plan. We hope this opportunity will help improve health outcomes, increase attendance, and provide quality and accessible care for everyone." The WSD plans to open the clinic beginning in August of 2021 as a one-year pilot program. Mercy has commited to paying all costs for any renovations to the space, the equipment and furniture necessary, as well as the cost to staff it with a nurse practictioner and possibly a health service aide, with a doctor on consult. The clinic will be "payer blind" or, in other words, treat students and staff regardless of their ability to pay for services.

The Board approved revisions to the Public Forum Policy #0142 that were discussed at the Board Workshop on January 6. The new policy will allow for a maximum of ten speakers (allowed up to three minutes each), which extends Public Forum up to 30 minutes. The policy also moves the start time for open session up from 7:00 to 6:30 p.m.