News – Monday, April 21st 2025

The Salem R-80 School District held its regular meeting on Thursday evening at 5:30 in the Administration Building. Before the start of the meeting, newly elected members, Sammi Parker and Phillip Mercer, were sworn in. The Board also elected its officers, with Dru Howard retaining the presidency, Parker becoming vice-president, Andrew Wynn appointed secretary, Jason Green selected as treasurer, and Marjorie Pyatt named as MSBA Delegate with Mercer chosen as alternate delegate. After approving the amended agenda, and consent agenda, Shannon Phelps introduced the Salem Upper Elementary Musical cast members: Aubrey Jones, Peter Culp, Isaac Hinderliter, and Joshua Culp and invited board members to the upcoming shows. Superintendent Dr. Nathan Wills delivered a comprehensive report addressing various CSIP Goals and updated the board on several operational matters including FEMA building construction, insurance, budget concerns, roof repairs, HVAC status in the Construction Trades Building, bus fleet management, student surveys, and a tornado warning debrief. During the new business portion, the board heard the first reading of the MSBA Board Policy Updates and approved several motions unanimously, including: declaring Bus #12 and old choir attire as surplus property, the 2025-2026 Career Ladder Plan, contracting with Alcorn Therapy and Consulting for Occupational/Physical Therapy Services, and renewing health insurance with no increase. The Board also approved the I-Ready agreement through Curriculum Associates. Personnel changes were also noted, including Tammy Herpich’s transfer and Madison King’s resignation from a custodial position. The Board then moved into a closed executive session to address student and personnel matters.

The City of Salem’s Parks and Recreation board convened its regular meeting on Thursday evening at 5:00 in the Community Center at the Armory. After approving the amended agenda, and consent agenda, the Board deliberated and approved bids for fence repairs at City Park and Al Brown Fields. J&M Construction & Fencing LLC was awarded $3,500.00 to replace the bent cross brace and repair existing fence and tension wire on the Red and Green ball fields The same contractor received approval for $14,500.00 to repair and replace damaged fencing and posts at the Al Brown Sports Complex. These expenditures will be funded from the prior year’s balance, which currently stands at approximately $439,000.00, with potential FEMA reimbursement eligibility. Additionally, the Board authorized use of City Park for July 4th Fireworks viewing, stipulating that no parking will be permitted on park grounds, though vendors and activities will be available for spectators. The Board also approved rate adjustments for the Alice Lou Craig Municipal Swimming Pool, increasing daily admission to $6.00 for all patrons and family passes from $200 to $220 for families of four, with each additional member costing $45. Fees for parties, individual passes, aerobics classes, and swimming lessons will remain unchanged. Finally, the Board voted to amend its bylaws to update the designated meeting location from the Community Center at the Armory to the Old City Hall Auditorium.

The 10th Annual Veteran Affairs Day jointly hosted by American Legion Post 99 and All-American VFW Post 6280 on Friday, from 10:00 to 2:00. The event will be located at 2522 Hwy 32 West in Salem.