News – Tuesday, April 21st, 2026

The Salem R-80 Board of Education met for both its reorganization meeting and monthly board meeting on Thursday, April 16th. Newly elected board members Dru Howard, Andrew Wynn, Luke Heithold, and Brady Adams were sworn in by Assistant Superintendent and Recording Secretary Dan Copeland. The board also elected its officers, with Dru Howard retaining the position of president, Sammi Parker retaining vice-president, Andrew Wynn retaining secretary, and Jason Green retaining treasurer. Luke Heithold was chosen as the MSBA delegate, and Brady Adams was chosen as the alternate delegate. Moving on to its regular meeting, the board approved its agenda and consent agenda, after which Superintendent Nate Wills shared communication from Lisa Mast and Daniel Jennings. The board then recognized the cast of the Lion King Jr., including Rowan McGrail, Sadie Wynn, Rose McCoy, and Adrian Miller, introduced by Shannon Phelps. In the superintendent report, Wills documented CSIP goals and updated board members that the last day of school will be May 15th; Senior’s Last Day will be May 8th; and a special board meeting, for appeals, will be held May 7th at 5:00 in the afternoon. Wills also updated board members regarding MSHSAA changes, the status of school and state finances, the annual school bus inspection results, the district health insurance premium increase, the Upper Elementary roof project, the state proposed A-F Report Card, and the district track access to the public. Wills thanked the Junior class and Stuco for donating $8,000 toward a new gym floor covering. The board was also updated on the partnership with the Salem Police Department for FEMA building access during tornado warnings after hours, along with the status of the FEMA building and rekeying/key fob installation. The board then received updates and reports from district administrators. Under new business, the board approved the Shroepfer Insurance health insurance renewal with a vote of 5-0-2. A vision specialist contract was also approved, with a vote of 5-0-2. A contract with CTS for virtual SLP, SLP-A, and PT services was approved with a vote of 5-0-2. A lawn mower purchase of $11,315 from Dent County Farm Supply was also approved, with a vote of 4-0-3. A first reading of MSBA policy updates was heard by the board. Personnel changes were noted, including the hire of Sydney Dothage (ECSE P/T Aide), and the resignation of Sarah Montoya as a Upper Elementary aide. The board then moved into a closed executive session to address student and personnel matters. The next meeting of the Salem R-80 School Board of Education is scheduled for May 21st in the Administration Building and will be open to the public.

Montauk was formally established as a state park in 1926, 100 years ago. To celebrate, the park will be hosting special events throughout the 2026 on-season, to begin with Old Mill Days on May 8th and May 9th from 9:00 in the morning to 4:00 in the afternoon, both days. This annual event features guided and self-guided history tours, as well as games and other activities. Demonstrations of historical skills such as blacksmithing, archery, Dutch oven cooking, weaving, rope making, wood carving, beekeeping and more will be available. See an arts and craft fair showcasing all the products local artisans have to offer. All activities will take place around the old Montauk Mill. Admission is free and open to the public, and there is no need to register. Stop by to learn a new skill, immerse yourself in local history, and support small businesses. For more information, call the park office at 573-548-2201 or visit the Montauk State Park Facebook page at facebook.com/montaukstateparkofficial.