School discusses track financing, graphic arts program

Members of the Houston board of education met Tuesday night to discuss financing options for a new track and a potential graphic arts program.

Dr. Justin Copley, superintendent, provided the board with track lease purchase financing information from LJ Hart & Company of Chesterfield, Mo. Three options were presented for $520,000; $1.05 million; and $2.07 million.

“In my opinion, this would not be the best route for the financing of the track project,” Copley stated.

Marty Merckling, board member, questioned the difference in lease financing and a bond for the track project. Copley explained that a bond would be backed by a debt service levy and financing would not.

Copley will present how an increase in the tax rate levy could affect future decision making at the August meeting. According to some members, the district has operated on the lowest levy for several years and would consider increasing the levy to provide better wages and amenities to the district. The Licking School District has a levy measure on the August ballot.

Copley provided an update on the Graphic Arts Occupation Program. The district’s application for a three-hour high school block is pending with the

Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). If approved, the program would be offered at the Piney River Technical Center in Houston instead of at Southern Missouri Technical Institute in West Plains. According to Copley, the program goals would be for students to successfully obtain and apply skills in graphic design, digital media, social media management and related fields.

The board discussed the implications of adding a graphic arts program on the availability of transportation to West Plains for other programs. Communication with students will take place that transportation changes are possible next year, according to Copley. No motions were made.

In other matters:

• Members agreed to keep the 2024-2025 calendar as previously approved. Discussion occurred last month to adjust the calendar to capitalize on a 1% state incentive.
• The board approved an administrative procedure (Policy JFCI-2 AP1) that addresses several things including extracurricular drug testing. Changes were made to align with the district’s current drug testing process. Discussion was had about the lack of an employee drug testing process.
• The annual tax rate hearing was set for 5:20 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 13 in the high school library.
• Members approved bids from Advanced Care Physical Therapy for physical therapy at the Exceptional Child Cooperative and physical therapy for the district. A bid from Children’s Behavioral Services for behavioral therapy at the Exceptional Child Cooperative was also approved.
• The board tabled discussion until the August board meeting on adult breakfast and lunch prices.
• Members approved the assessment program evaluation as presented.
• Copley stated that the Career Technical Education (CTE) Enhancement Grant was approved by DESE. All applications received a 30% reduction. Review of the grant will be conducted with recommendations in August.
• Copley also noted that Houston Alternative Learning Opportunities (HALO) remodeling is still underway at Ozark and First Streets. Additionally, the Building Trades House at Primrose Lane has begun the “sale” process.
• Board members were updated that a standard, annual audit was taking place.
• Stakeholder surveys will take place during the 2024-2025 school year for Comprehensive School Improvement Planning (CSIP).

Board member Dustin Hartman was absent from the meeting. The next regular meeting is 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 13 in the high school library.

The full minutes can be read here:

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