Raymore-Peculiar School District News
Sept. 2, 2020
In This Issue
No tax rate increase
Mental health supports
Spectator guidelines
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Raymore Arts Commission Chair Loren Jones, left, presented a $2,600 donation to Ray-Pec School Board President Ruth Johnson at the Aug. 27 board meeting. The donation will be distributed among the district's art teachers and Shull Early Learning Center to use for supplies for the 2020-2021 school year. Thank you!
No increase to Ray-Pec tax rate for 2020-2021
digital dollar sign illustration at abstract blue background. 3d rendering

No increase in the tax rate. That's what taxpayers will get after the Ray-Pec School Board approved the 2020 tax levy rate at $5.1823 during last week's meeting.
 
The approval followed a public hearing. During the hearing, Cyndee Byous, Ray-Pec Chief Financial Officer, explained that this rate is adequate to support the District's 2020-2021 budget as well as long range plans for future projects.
 
Fiscal responsibility has allowed the District to achieve at high levels, while spending less per pupil and levying a lower tax rate than most area school districts.
 
With a tax levy rate that has increased only once in the past 16 years, Ray-Pec continues to make gains in student achievement and graduation rates, and also has an ACT composite score above the state average. The total property tax levy of $5.1823 includes an operating levy of $4.1502 and a debt service levy of $1.0321.

Increased mental health supports for students & staff

Recognizing that mental health is directly related to children's learning and development, the District continues to increase its efforts to provide mental health supports for students and staff.

The District employs a team of professionals who focus on how students' behavior and mental health impacts their ability to learn and be successful at school.

At its Aug. 27 meeting, the School Board was introduced to Catherine Kerr, newly hired school psychologist, as well as mental health professionals Sarah Kuchinski and Alexis Myers, and behavior interventionists Allison Scott and Melissa Darby.

The Board heard about the Multi-Tiered System of Supports, which provides increasingly targeted supports as needed. The Board also heard about the Mental Health Task Force's plans to provide professional development on building emotional resilience.

A new resource available to families, students, and teachers, is the District's Mental Health and Wellness Hub on the District website. The site includes telephone numbers for a variety of crises, including suicide, domestic violence, bullying and other situations. Meet the mental health team, learn about the partnership with Compass Health, 

 

The Hub also lists a variety of resources of families, including assistance with food, clothing, housing, utilities, and more.

 

Coming soon!

The Mental Health Task Force is creating a Facebook group for parents. Dubbed Ray-Pec Parent University, the group will provide information and resources to further support students, staff, and families.

Spectator and fan guidelines for fall activities

Important information about attendance and ticketing at fall sporting events!

Expectations at ALL home events:
  1. Masks are required to be worn at all times (coaches, staff, guests, and spectators)
  2. Social distancing of 6 feet is required. Taped locations show where to sit in the stadium and gyms.
  3. No concession stands. You may bring unopened, screw-top type water bottles only.
Ticketing is limited for varsity football and home volleyball games. Read more:

Spectator and fan guidelines

 

Friday's football game

The varsity football team will host Blue Springs on Friday, Sept. 4, at Panther Stadium. Kick-off is 7 p.m. for the game. The District plans to provide a live stream of the game for fans who are unable to attend. Details will be announced soon.