LINN — Tasha Haslag was recognized as 2024 Teacher of The Year by the Osage County R-2 School District Board of Education meeting on June 20, and Billie Jo Brown as Staff Member Of The Year.

“They both build positive school community,” said Superintendent Bob James. “They adhere to not only our expectations, but they go above and beyond to act as great examples for other staff and students, and so you can can count on both of these folks to be very true Wildcats.” 

Haslag has also agreed to enter into the process for application to be a regional Teacher of the Year. 

The district has been looking into whether or not to build an additional storm shelter to meet 2018 IBC code, citing that the code has not been adopted by the State of Missouri but is the accepted practice where no local code exists. The estimates are between $240,000 and $400,000. Counsel advised that there is legal risk if the district does not build the storm shelter. James will continue to research the issue, however the board voted to readopt the 2012 IBC code, so a local code is now in place.

James noted that the district had budgeted $500,000 for the track resurfacing, lights, and baseball irrigation, however the work will be completed for approximately $425,000, leaving $75,000 in the account. 

“So, the question becomes what we want to do with that,” James said. Because Field House work is already planned during Phase 2, staff felt that the baseball and softball field should be the next area of improvement, followed by restroom repairs.

“The big thing that I really want to do was just show you the amount of opportunities we’re able to have this summer,” said HS/MS Assistant Principal/Athletics Director Chris Minnix, during his athletics report. “Almost all of our teams are at 20 contact days, or close to it, which is not something that’s been done here in the past.”

“As far as facilities are concerned,” Minnix continued, “I’m sure you’ve seen, the track is looking beautiful.” 

He also expressed excitement about the upcoming stadium lighting installation.

“Our stadium lights will be up (in) mid-to-late July,” Minnix said. “The amount of light increase that’s going to happen is very, very exciting. Our average candle light right now is six, and our average candle light next year will be 30.”

Minnix also presented updated GPA tracking information, and expressed pleasure at how well the students were doing.

“I’m very excited to see where our students that are participating in activities, whether in sports, or some of our other school activities, they’re leading the charge,” Minnix said. “They are above the all-student average, and they are significantly higher than students that are not participating in activities. 

“I credit a lot that to our students, obviously, for taking initiative, and our coaches for leading the way. And then Emily (Gibson, activities administrative assistant) was phenomenal with running reports and helping with that piece of it.”

“Some things that I thought (we) drastically improved on,” Minnix continued. “Obviously, academic performance. When I was hired, Neal Johnson asked me what we were going to do about academics and athletes, and so that’s something I’m super proud of, that we’ve worked through and worked with our students to make sure that they’re being successful, not only on the court but off the court.”

Minnix also cited facility enhancements, programming, higher participation rates, and increased marketing.

Maintenance Director Cliff Wilson said his personnel are working really well as a team this year. They have a lot of summer maintenance projects going, and will be starting a French drain project soon.

In his superintendent’s report, James focused on climate and professional development. “(I’m) really glad to see all of our folks resting and have an opportunity to rest,” he said.   

The district will not qualify for free lunches for summer school next year. James said this change is due to a decreased number of families in the district who qualify for free or reduced lunches, which he attributed to changing criteria at the state level. Staff feel that free/reduced lunches increase student participation in summer school, so James intends to factor the cost to the district for providing free lunches for summer school next year, and will present that to the board at a later date.

The Elementary School Handbook was updated, with clarifications to busing procedures and minor changes to wording of absence letters.

The Athletics Handbook was also updated. The revised handbook contains a media policy, a place for parents to designate transportation contacts, and clarification of academic standards.

Their next regular meeting will be July 18 at 6:30 p.m.