February 23, 2024

Make Up Day Plans

With our inclement weather days in January, and no school on February 14 to celebrate the Chiefs Super Bowl parade, our make up day plans to date are as follows:

• January 9 Inclement Weather Day - Will be made up on Thursday, May 23
• January 10 Inclement Weather Day - Will be made up on Friday, May 24
• January 16, 19, and 23 Virtual Learning Days - Will not need to be made up
• February 14 No School Day - Because our attendance hours exceed the necessary hours set forth by the state, the Board has approved not making this day up

Kindergarten Kickoffs - April 22

Children who have turned five years of age before August 1, 2024, are eligible for kindergarten for the 2024-25 school year and are invited to our Kindergarten Kickoffs in our elementaries on April 22.

Families are encouraged to view the attendance area boundary map linked here on the District website, or call the District office at 816-858-5420 for confirmation of attendance area. If you know of a family with a child entering kindergarten, please pass this information along, and if your family has an incoming kindergartner, please complete the following form. We will send you additional information about enrollment and Kindergarten Kickoffs.

No Tax Rate Increase Prop C Waiver and Levy Transfer Informational Meetings

This question will be placed on the April 2, 2024 ballot. Pending voter approval, this proposal will allow the District to allocate resources to better attract and retain quality staff, and enhance safety and security. For more information, click here, or attend an Informational Meeting:

• Tuesday, February 27, 2024, 6pm, Platte Purchase Middle School
• Wednesday, March 13, 2024, 6pm, Platte County High School

Summer School 2024 - Registration Coming in March

Hard to believe now, but summer will be here before we know it! K-12 Summer School will be scheduled for May 31-June 28 at the following locations:

• Barry Elementary: For all K-5th grade southern attendance area students (Pathfinder and Barry Elementaries)
• Siegrist Elementary: For all K-5th grade northern attendance area students (Compass and Siegrist Elementaries)
• PCHS: For all 6th-8th students, and 9th-12 grade students
• Great Beginnings at District Education Center: For all early childhood special education students

Be looking for K-8th grade Summer School enrollment information in March. 

PCR-3 Approves General Obligation Bond Refunding and Maintains Top-Tier S&P Rating

At their January meeting, the Platte County School District Board of Education unanimously approved a refunding resolution, allowing for the refunding of the District’s Series 2016 bonds to occur if the refunding met certain savings parameters set by the Board. Stifel, the District’s underwriter for the issuance, marketed the refunding bonds in early February. The refunding will save District taxpayers $1,397,024 in gross cash flow savings over the next 5 years. Proceeds from the refunding bonds will be used to prepay principal in the amount of $15,785,000 of the Series 2016 bonds.

In connection with the refunding bond issuance, Platte County School District received an updated credit rating from S&P Global. The rating agency affirmed the District’s “AA” stable long-term credit rating, one of the highest ratings for any school district in the state of Missouri. Only 8 of the 521 school districts in the state have a higher rating than Platte County School District, with Lee’s Summit R-7 the only district higher in the Kansas City metro area.

Pirate Pride: Special Olympics Coaching Staff

For the Pirate Pride portion of the February meeting, the Board recognized our Special Olympics coaching staff (Jessica Ratsch, Christa Rader, Amber Thompson and LeeAnn Turner), for their commitment to developing a successful Special Olympics program at PCR-3. They are commended not only for their successes in their sporting events (5 athletes have recently qualified for the state tournament in basketball!), but for the rich experiences they are providing each Special Olympian, their junior coaches, and each other.

SCHIVIR Me Timbers Staff Recognition

Each month, PCR-3 recognizes staff members who are living our vision, mission, and values, by presenting the "SCHIVIR Me Timbers" award. SCHIVIR is an acronym for our values: Student Focus, Collaboration, High Expectations, Integrity, Visionary Leadership, Innovation, and Results Orientation.

At the February board meeting, Platte County High School's paraprofessionals from Apartment 20, Christa Rader, Sarah Root, David Hawk, Amber Polner, and Teresa Harvey, were recognized for their Student Focus, Collaboration, and Integrity. This team continually bands together to develop thoughtful solutions for their individual learners.

Classification & Compensation Study Initial Results

The District collaborated with Educational Management Solutions for a comprehensive classification and compensation study. The aim was to establish accurate job information, analyze internal equity structures, assess external market sources, and transition to more effective compensation schedules. Fred Corn, the Project Manager, presented an overview of the study and its recommendations.

For certified positions, the recommendation is to position the District at 5% above the median of the competitive market. This approach aims to standardize compensation levels across job categories, reduce turnover, and increase applicants for challenging-to-fill roles. Additionally, suggestions include increasing steps in the "Bachelors Degree" and "Bachelors plus educational increments," reducing the number of educational increments, and focusing on the "Bachelors," "Bachelors Plus," and "Masters" columns of our certified staff salary schedule.

For classified and administrator positions, the District is also advised to position itself at 5% above the median of the competitive market to standardize compensation levels. Findings from the study will be used in considering adjustments to wage structures, ensuring consistency, understanding, and legal compliance. The District can choose to maintain current wage schedules or adopt new square wage schedules based on the analysis of its existing structure. The overall goal is to create fair, compliant, and competitive compensation structures.

Facilities and Operations Key Process Update

At the February meeting, Dr. Devin Doll presented a key process update on the District's Facilities and Operations (including transportation, custodial and maintenance, safety and security, and food service). In line with the District's efforts to meet the goals of proactively and responsibly managing District growth, finances, and support services to improve student achievement; as well as providing each student with a relevant education in a safe and caring environment, Dr. Doll highlighted strategies and results, as well as the following improvement priorities:

• Implement the Long-Range Facility Master Plan for District facilities, capital improvements, safety and security, and technology
• Create professional development opportunities for support staff to enhance their professional knowledge, customer service, and connection to District goals

Special Olympics Shirts for Sale

Did you know that PCR-3 has a Special Olympics Team with students from all over the District? Spread awareness while also supporting your Pirate Olympians, by ordering a t-shirt (designed by PCHS students)! On sale for $20 until February 29. Click here to order.

Showcase of Excellence - Feb. 24

PCHS Choirs are hosting their annual show choir competition this Saturday, February 24. All-day admission is $12 with performances starting at 8:45am. PCHS show choirs “Sound Elegance” (all female group), “Sound Explosion” (all male group), & “Sound Express” (mixed group) perform at 12:50, 1:20, and 6:15pm, respectively.

PC Parks and Rec Spring Soccer

Platte City Parks and Recreation's Spring Youth Soccer registration is open until February 26. The season runs March-April and is open to students PreK-8th. Visit plattecityparks.org to register and see flier for details.

PC Parks and Rec Spring Ball

Register for Platte City Parks and Recreation youth t-ball, softball, and baseball for PreK through 8th grade by March 17! Visit plattecityparks.org to register and see flier for details.

Staff Convocation - Local Vendors

Calling all business owners in PCR-3! On August 16, we will host a Vendor Fair from 7-11am in conjunction with our staff Convocation event. Business owners who are District residents are invited to reserve a spot for $100 which includes one to two 4' tables and 2 chairs. Limited spaces; electricity is not available. Email Debi Jurkovac or call 816-858-5420 to reserve. 

World Down Syndrome Crazy Sock Day & Walk - Mar. 21

On March 21, all are invited to join as a community to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day. There will be a walk around the PCHS track as well as a grill out to celebrate. Interested in attending? Please RSVP by March 8. Also join us for Crazy Sock Day! See flier for details.

February 27: Ballot Issue Informational Meeting, 6pm, Platte Purchase Middle School

March 8: End of 3rd Quarter

March 13: Ballot Issue Informational Meeting, 6pm, Platte County High School School

March 14: Board of Education Meeting, 6:30pm, (reconvene from closed session which begins at 5:30pm)

March 15: Report Cards Go Home

March 25-29: No School, Spring Break

April 18: Board of Education Meeting, 6:30pm, (reconvene from closed session which begins at 5:30pm)