News – Thursday, July 3rd 2025

The Salem R-80 Board of Education met last Thursday in the R-80 Board Room. After the Call to Order, the agenda was approved followed by an Executive Session for the purpose of discussing student issues. The Consent Agenda was approved followed by the Superintendent’s Report including Dr. Wills documenting CSIP Goals addressed in all reports. Dr. Wills then updated the Board on the FEMA building construction and the 2025-2026 budget proposal. Reports were then heard from administrators. In new business the board approved a resolution to make all applicable transfers from Funds 1, 2 and 4, and to participate in the state salary grants. First readings of MSBA 2025B Policy Updates, UE Policy Updates, and MSBA UE Policy Updates were provided. Motions were made and approved to amend the 2024-2025 budget to reflect actual expenditures and revenues, the 2025-2026 PD Plan, the SLP-A Contract with Alcorn Therapy & Consulting, and the contract with Communication Development, LLC. Surplus property was approved for 75 desks, 40 wooden chairs, and Bus #2. Nathan Wills and Traci Wulff were approved as the authorized personnel for the Salem R80 lock box at the Bank of Salem, Jason Green as signatory on the general account for Salem R80 at the Bank of Salem, and the removal of Phillip Mercer as signatory. Motions were moved and approved for a Construction Trades out of state trip, the RTI consortium agreement, the Cahill Construction, Inc. change order (hand dryers and heaters), the Compass Health MOU, the Developmental Preschool Lease, the audit bid from Schultz, Wood & Rapp, P.C., the UE roof bid from GRP Wegman, and the 2025-2026 budget. The Board addressed the transfer of Melissa Plank from 1st to 4th grade, the hiring of Teresa Wilken as UE paraprofessional, Tonya Sanders MS secretary, and resignations or retirements of Middle School secretary Shelly Kerr, WL paraprofessional Elizabeth Brown, and MS paraprofessional Lynn Mast. The Board then adjourned and moved into Executive Session to consider personnel.

Colonel Michael Turner, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, reminds Missouri’s travelers to make smart choices for a safe July Fourth holiday. Whether planning to visit one of Missouri’s recreational opportunities or hosting a backyard barbecue, everyone should make safety part of their plans. No matter how you decide to celebrate, your smartest choice is to follow all Missouri traffic or boating laws. During the 2024 counting period, 14 people were killed and 560 were injured in Missouri over the Independence Day holiday in 1,366 traffic crashes. Last year during the counting period, troopers arrested 149 people for driving while intoxicated. All available troopers will be patrolling Missouri roadways to enforce traffic and boating laws, and offering assistance as needed. The Highway Patrol will participate in Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness & Reduction Effort). And for those on the water, the Highway Patrol will participate in Operation Dry Water. Operation Dry Water specifically targets impaired vessel operators. Missouri’s boaters are asked to do their part by remaining alert for other boats and swimmers and being courteous on the water. In 2024, there were 10 boating crashes, which included seven injuries and no fatalities. No one drowned during last year’s July Fourth holiday. Troopers made 12 boating while intoxicated arrests over last year’s Independence Day holiday weekend. The 2025 July Fourth holiday counting period will begin today starting at 6:00 in the evening, and lasting through 11:59 Sunday night, July 6th. Anyone needing assistance or who witnesses criminal activity while traveling on Missouri’s roadways can contact the nearest Highway Patrol troop headquarters by calling the Patrol Emergency Report Line at 1-800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will offer four kayaking programs in July, including sessions on the Big Piney and Meramec Rivers near Salem. Participants will learn kayaking safety during ground school, then receive paddling instruction and practice on the water. Fishing poles and bait will be provided for those wishing to fish from kayaks. Programs include Introduction to Flatwater Kayaking from 3:30 to 6:00 in the afternoon July 7 at Little Prairie Conservation Area’s Towell Lake north parking lot. Three Introduction to Stream Kayaking sessions are scheduled: 9:00 in the morning to 3:00 in the afternoon July 12 at Big Piney River Bridge on Western Road; 8:45 in the morning to 4:00 in the afternoon July 19 at MDC Scotts Ford Access on the Meramec River; and 8:45 in the morning to 4:00 in the afternoon July 26 at MDC Woodson K. Woods Highway 8 Access on the Meramec River. Participants will be shuttled to starting points for stream programs. Dwight Warnke, MDC conservation educator and program instructor said that, floating down streams and paddling around lakes are fantastic ways to enjoy Missouri’s great outdoors. Whether your passion is angling, wildlife watching, or simply drifting downstream, a day on the water will lift your spirits. Kayaks, paddles, and life jackets will be provided. Participants 13 and older may register, with those under 18 requiring an adult. Close-toed shoes are required, and participants 16 and older must possess a valid fishing permit if they plan to fish. Registration is available online at mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com by searching for specific program dates. More events can be found at mdc.mo.gov/events.

The Creative Arts Center will hold a Sunday Crafting starting July 6th and held every Sunday through January 27th from 2:00 until 6:00 with Nicole Curtis. If you need a place to spread your crafts out or don’t like to do crafting alone, bring your supplies to the Creative Arts Center and hang out, spending time with other crafty people. You do have to have all your own supplies and only the front room and bathrooms will be available. The class is open to all those 16 years of age and older with a suggestion donation of $5.00 that goes towards utilities. No children without an adult please.