Lebanon Education Association (LEA) Update - Hillcrest Education Center
Hillcrest LEA representative, Lesli Hendrix, shared events and celebrations from HEC as follows:
“This year HEC will be graduating 14 seniors and an additional 5 through the Options program. It’s been an exciting year as we moved from a half-day Ignite schedule to a full-day. It’s been a learning experience for everyone involved. Last month, we took 4 students to Jefferson City to compete in various events among 400 other students from across Missouri. One of our students, Bri Alexander, won first place in Prepared Speaking which advanced her to Nationals. Last week, Brandon Johnson and Lesli Hendrix accompanied her to Dallas to compete against students from 38 other states, and she won third place in the nation!
Our Service Learning project has been on fire this school year. We have made 90 epoxied tumblers and over 600 pens. Two weeks ago, we introduced a new glass cup option and immediately sold 73. The new materials for this item were purchased with a grant provided by Lebanon Area Foundation. The proceeds from these sales are split equally between purchasing more supplies to sustain our program and the other half being donated to a non-profit of the students’ choice. This year, with the support of our community, we will be donating approximately $2,000-$2,500 to Claws and Paws.”
Partnership between MU Extension/Laclede County 4-H and Lebanon R-3 Schools FFA
Leslie Lawson, 4-H Youth Development Educator with Laclede County MU Extension, and Lebanon R-3 FFA instructor, Tommy Inman, presented a proposal for 4-H to partner with Lebanon FFA by relocating the Laclede County 4-H horse arena to the Lebanon FFA farm.
4-H Youth Development Program provides opportunities for young people ages 8-18 to learn leadership, citizenship and life skills through hands-on learning in each county of the state. A 4-H Club is an organized group of youth that meets regularly with adult volunteers or staff to focus on a series of educational experiences. The purpose of the 4-H program is to provide positive youth development and foster educational opportunities to meet the needs of young people in their chosen project and broaden and/or supplement the regular school curriculum. The Laclede County 4-H and MU Extension would like to partner with the Lebanon School District and Lebanon FFA, by relocating their Laclede County 4-H horse arena to the Lebanon FFA farm. FFA sponsor Mr. Inman has been the primary contact, and he is excited about the idea of partnering with 4-H as he feels it would benefit both programs. FFA members and advisors would be invited to attend and participate in many 4-H activities. The arena is currently located at the Laclede County Saddle Club.
Career Ladder Program
Career Ladder Committee Chairperson Mandy Jones presented the annual end-of-year Career Ladder report. The purpose of Lebanon's Career Ladder program is to provide enhanced educational experience for the district’s students through recognition and rewarding of productive, effective educators. Missouri’s Career Ladder Program began in 1985. The program operated statewide prior to funding being cut by the legislature in 2012. When the state cut funding for Career Ladder, districts were faced with the decision of continuing the program locally in some form or cutting it. The Lebanon R-3 Board decided to continue funding the program locally at 50%. Teacher requirements and eligible pay were set at 50% of prior levels when the program was state funded.
Update on Curriculum and Instruction
Dr. Laura O'Quinn provided an update on curriculum and instruction. Information was shared from Boswell Elementary regarding curricular priorities as well as an update on what the team has learned from visits with a high performing district in the area, Webb City.
Focus Area 1.3.2 - Community Partnerships
Mr. Brent Snyder and Mrs. Becky Simpson presented an update to the scorecard for CSIP 1.3.2. CSIP 1.3.2 focuses on exploring and fostering community partnerships to establish supports for students' physical, emotional, and educational needs.
MSBA 2022A Policy Updates
As a member of the Missouri School Boards Association (MSBA), the Lebanon R3 School District has purchased policy review services to insure compliance with current law changes. MSBA attorneys review current legislation to make sure the District's policies comply with changes, which often come in three to four updates throughout the year. Administrators presented the MSBA 2022A policy updates for a first reading.
Finance Update and 2022-23 Budget Development
Mr. Dameron presented an update on the District's finances through April 2022. The FY 2022-23 budget development was also discussed. The District’s financial situation is very positive due to the implementation of Proposition Lebanon Schools (PLS). Those funds have permitted the District to to continue progress toward fulfilling the goals of PLS, despite relatively flat funding from the state.
