St. Joseph School Board prepares for key updates in classrooms and facilities

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) --  The St. Joseph School Board was meeting to have its first meeting after the first day of school. Key items on the agenda include upgrades and revisions to report cards.

Board members took a closer look at revisions to Kindergarten through second-grade report cards, aimed at giving parents clearer insight into how students are progressing toward grade-level expectations. 

They also reviewed plans for expanding parking and drainage at Hillyard, a project designed to better handle larger vehicles, like buses. 

The board talked about replacing the gym bleachers with new self-storing rails that meet ADA guidelines.  

Board members also went over several other updates during the meeting. One of those included HVAC change orders at Edison, E. Field and Mark Twain schools, which will add fire alarm duct detector wiring. 

They also touched on attendance — noting that teachers and staff are expected to be present at least 90% of the time, the same rate expected of students. 

Assistant Superintendent of Academics, Stacia Studer, shared an evaluation of professional staff, emphasizing the need for high-quality performance to boost student achievement in classrooms. 

The board approved a master agreement with K & K Insurance out of Fort Wayne, Indiana. The coverage provides voluntary accident insurance for students who take part in school activities. 

Policy updates were also on the agenda. One change prohibits students from using personal communication devices during school hours. Another update outlines how students who misbehave could be placed in virtual courses or an alternative school setting. 

Superintendent Ashly McGinnis wrapped up the meeting with a presentation of the board service budget. The next school board meeting is set for Monday, Sept. 8, at 5:30 p.m.