News – Tuesday, May 26th, 2026

The Salem R-80 Board of Education held their regular meeting Wednesday night in the administration building located at 1409 West Rolla Road. After the call to order, the board approved the agenda and consent agenda. A communication was read by Superintendent Nathan Wills from Amanda Walker. Under the Superintendent’s Report, Wills updated board members regarding the 2026 Senior High and Kindergarten Graduations. A workshop outlining capital improvements, expenditures, and revenues for the 2026-2027 district budget was held, with the budget to be considered for approval at the June meeting. Under new business, the board conducted its yearly review of the building handbooks. The board unanimously approved the following: Proposed MSBA policy updates; An increase in substitute teacher pay for the 2026-2027 school year, increasing from $100 to $110 per day; The 2026-2027 Professional Development Plan; Renewal of the Developmental Preschool Lease Agreement; and the 2026 Salem R-80 District Wellness Plan, a tri-annual agenda item which illustrates a commitment to wellness for students and staff regarding mental health, exercise, and a healthy diet. Renewal of the Healthy Dent County Partnership, a contract in which the district provides $10,000 annually as sponsors, was also approved with a vote of 4-0-1, with board member Andrew Wynn abstaining. Building administrators and directors provided reports to board members. Under personnel changes, those hired included Allison McDonald, Kylie Smith, Heather Franklin, and Donna Smith. Those resigning or retiring included Lynn Mast and Crystal Strange. The board then adjourned and moved to executive session for the purpose of student and personnel issues. During closed session, the following votes were made: Approving qualified attendance appeals; Denying unqualified attendance appeals; and approving a Discovery School’s Contract. Also during closed session, the board approved the hiring of Rebecca Head, 3rd Grade Teacher; Sheradyn Kartchner as 2nd Grade Teacher; and Kristi Nakanishi as Kindergarten Teacher. Additionally, the board approved a stipend for Tiffanie McNamee as Process Coordinator for Early Childhood Special Education. The board then adjourned after returning to open session. The next meeting of the Salem R-80 Board of Education is scheduled for June 18th at 5:30 in the administration building and will be open to the public.

For free fun for the family, Missouri Department of Conservation has Free Fishing Days coming up statewide the weekend of June 6th and June 7th. During Free Fishing Days, anyone may fish in Missouri without having to buy a fishing permit, trout permit, or trout park daily tag. This is an annual event which takes place statewide during the Saturday and Sunday following the first Monday in June. Other fishing regulations remain in effect, such as limits on size and number of fish an angler may keep. If you’re new to fishing or don’t have fishing gear, consider taking advantage of the Salem Public Library’s Rod & Reel Loaner Program. Through the Rod & Reel Loaner Program, individuals of all ages may check out fishing poles and tackle boxes for free using their library cards. The fishing poles are equipped with standard spin-cast reels. The tackle boxes are supplied with hooks, sinkers, and bobbers for basic fishing opportunities. Individuals need to provide their own live bait or desired lures to bait the hook. Equipment checks out for three days. It’s important to note that fishing rods and tackle boxes need to be returned to the circulation desk, not the book depository, and that items may not be renewed and are subject to overdue fines. For more information on the Rod & Reel Loaner program, contact the Salem Public Library at 573-729-4331. 

Tickets to all Missouri State Fair concerts and events are on sale to the public, while supplies last. This includes all concerts and events in the State Fair Grandstand, presented by CFM Insurance, the Governor Michael L. Parson Arena, the Governor’s Ham Breakfast and $12 advance adult gate admission. These tickets will be available through Etix.com and by phone 1-800-514-ETIX/1-800-514-3849. This year’s fair will take place Aug. 13 through Aug. 23.