News – Monday, February 24th 2025

The Salem R-80 School Board meeting was called to order at 5:30 PM Thursday evening in the administration building. After approving the agenda and consent agenda, the board recognized student Maggie Hogan for winning the Missouri Forest Products Speech Contest, and received an update on the upcoming changes to the ACT college entrance exam. These changes include: 44 fewer test questions, shorter the remaining questions, more time allotted to complete each section, and an optional Science portion. During his report, Superintendent Dr. Wills provided several updates, including building survey results, the February 14th professional development day, plans to transition first grade to the Salem Upper Elementary, and ongoing progress on the Construction Trades building. He also discussed a proposal from the City of Salem Fireworks Committee to use the football practice field for their upcoming fireworks display. This issue was tabled until the next board meeting, pending additional information on insurance and legal liability from the Committee. In new business, the board approved several key items: the 2025-2026 school calendar, purchases of Hobart dishwashers, a transfer of $18,264.56 for the Construction trades project, budget revisions for updated salaries, and a contract with BalanceHQ. They also set Summer School dates for May 27 to June 13, 2025. The board acknowledged several staffing changes, including resignations from Calvin Malone (7th grade boys basketball), Jordan Haynes (custodian), and Rebecca Earls (UE paraprofessional), as well as the retirements of Angela Dingess and Sue Tucker. During the closed session, the board approved new coaching positions, appointing Alaina Santhuff as High School Assistant Volleyball coach and the team of Shelby Botkin and Ashton Mink as Middle School Volleyball coaches for the upcoming season. They also approved contracts for all recommended principals and directors for the 2025-2026 school year. The meeting adjourned at 7:09 PM.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released some reports for the week of February 10th. On Tuesday, February 11th,  Dent County deputies responded to the 5100 block of West Highway 32 for a reported burglary.  It was reported that a person or persons had entered a local business and stole money from their location. Information on the suspects was developed and two subjects were arrested. That same day,  deputies responded to Dent County Road 3260 for a reported wanted subject. A 43-year-old Salem woman was arrested and transported to the Dent County Jail where she was incarcerated. On Friday, February 14th, deputies conducted a traffic stop at the Salem City Park.  A 26-year-old Salem man was arrested for driving while having his license revoked and was released pending formal charges. On Sunday, February 16th, deputies responded to the 10000 block of East Highway 32 for a well-being check. During the course of the investigation, an animal neglect case was developed and the investigation is ongoing. If anyone has any information regarding an ongoing investigation, please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Department.