Missouri schools ramp up safety measures amid rising threats

In a recent school board meeting, Miss Cassie Schutte, the nurse at Cornerstone, was honored as the October Classified Employee of the Month. Nominated by district nurse Lainie Hart, Schutte was recognized for her dedication and collaborative efforts in ensuring the health and wellness of high-needs students, particularly during a demanding start to the school year.

The meeting also featured a presentation on the Missouri School Boards Association (MSBA) p-card rebate program. Although Mike Parnell from MSBA was unable to attend, Dr. Bullen shared that the district earned a rebate of $5,153 this year, marking the largest rebate since the program's inception and ranking as the ninth largest in Missouri. The p-card program allows the district to receive cash back on expenditures, which contributes positively to fiscal management.

Additionally, the board discussed the pressing issue of school safety, highlighted by an increase in threats to educational institutions. Bob Klausmeier, director of the Center for Education Safety, emphasized the necessity of having a robust emergency operations plan. He announced an upcoming two-day safety summit on December 5-6, aimed at equipping school leaders with crisis communication and emergency planning strategies.

As the school board election approaches, MSBA's associate executive director Cameron Whitaker urged districts to engage with their communities about the election process. With candidate filing set to open in December, Whitaker noted the importance of informing potential candidates about the responsibilities and processes involved in becoming a school board member. MSBA has developed resources and training modules to assist candidates in navigating the election landscape.

The meeting concluded with gratitude expressed to those who participated in MSBA's fall regional meetings, which fostered networking and collaboration among public school leaders across the state.