Board Meeting Report

Jennifer Hancock and Justin Wilmes were recognized for being named finalists for the 2021 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, which is the highest recognition that a K-12 mathematics or science teacher can receive for outstanding teaching in the United States. Jennifer teaches seventh-grade mathematics at South Middle School, and Justin teaches Advanced Algebra, Geometry, and Essentials of Math at Holt High School. Hancock and Wilmes represent the eleventh and twelfth WSD educators since 2012 to be named finalists for the prestigious recognition for excellence in teaching. Four WSD educators: Laura Parn (2012), Katherine Schack (2014), Stacey Wade (2017), and Terri Politte (2018), were all named recipients of the Presidential Award during that time.

The Wentzville Fire Protection District and the Wentzville Chick-Fil-A were recognized for their roles during the March 20 Vaccination event that helped vaccinate more than 900 staff members from schools and districts across the county. The Wentzville Police Department and St. Charles County Ambulance District were also previously recognized for assisting the WSD in hosting the event alongside the St. Charles County Department of Health.

The Board of Education approved the hiring of Erin Gaebe for the position of Director of Elementary Learning, effective July 1, 2021. Ms. Gaebe is currently the K-6 Literacy & K-8 Science Curriculum Coordinator and Instructional Coach for the School District of Washington. Prior to becoming a Curriculum Coordinator in 2014, she taught at South Point Elementary in the School District of Washington for seven years. Ms. Gaebe has served on the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Item Analysis Review Committee, Item Specifications Committee, and the Priority Standards Review Committee. Additionally, she has presented at the Interface Math/Science Conference, the Fox Summer Literacy Institute, and the SMCAA Conference.

The WSD Board of Education approved the hiring of Priscilla Frost for the position of Director of Secondary Learning, effective July 1, 2021. Ms. Frost is currently an Assistant Principal at Lindbergh High School. Prior to becoming Assistant Principal in 2012, she taught English and Journalism and served as Department Chair at Lindbergh Schools for six years. Ms. Frost started her teaching career in the Hazelwood School District in 1999.

Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Dr. Megan Stryjewski and District Instructional Coach for Literacy/Title I Coordinator Margo Mann presented an evaluation of the District’s Federal Programs. Some of the program highlights include the addition of Reading Interventionists added to every building, establishing an Entering Kindergarten Program in partnership with Parents As Teachers, and a District reading website to support parents and students with reading.

Assistant Superintendent of Student Services Dr. Jeri LaBrot and Lead Educational Support Counselor Christina Turner presented the new Mental Health Resources Hub on the WSD website. It features links to resources and services related to mental health, counseling, substance abuse, suicide prevention, grief/loss resources, and dealing with common mental health issues in school-age children. The Hub can be found from the home page of the WSD website, under the announcements on the left side, and also under Departments > Student Services > Mental Health.

Chief Financial Officer Rick Angevine provided a budget update to the Board of Education and shared that the District is finalizing the 2021-22 budget for the June meeting. Mr. Angevine reported that an operating fund balance percentage in the range of 17% to 22% in the 2021-22 budget could be expected.

The Board approved the naming of the street from West Meyer Boulevard to North Point High School as “Grizzly Way.”

The Board approved change orders for North Point High School, the new middle school, and the additions at Frontier and South Middle Schools. For details about each of the change orders and all documents related to the open session of the Board meeting, visit public access to Boarddocs on the WSD website and click on the Agenda for the May 20, 2021 meeting.

Next Special Board Meeting - June 2, 2021

Next Regular Board Meeting - June 17, 2021