Fox C-6 School Board Reviews District Improvement Priorities, Approves New Fox High School Scoreboards and Budget Adjustments

Community feedback highlights student mental health, academic achievement and career readiness as district leaders consider future improvements.

By The Jefferson Review

ARNOLD, Mo. — The Fox C-6 Board of Education reviewed community feedback on the district's next five-year improvement plan, approved new video scoreboards for Fox High School at no net cost to the district, and adopted budget adjustments during its Tuesday, October 20 meeting.

Board members also heard updates on Missouri's changing school accountability system, transportation concerns, financial conditions and student achievements across the district.

Community Feedback Shapes District's Five-Year Plan

Dr. Todd White presented findings from the district's ongoing Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP) development process, which included more than 3,300 survey responses and four days of meetings with district employees, families and community members in September.

The feedback identified teachers, staff and relationships as some of the district's greatest strengths. White reported that nearly 75% to 80% of respondents recognized the district's people and relationships as important positive qualities.

However, participants also identified several areas where they would like to see continued improvement, including student mental health and well-being, academic achievement, college and career readiness, student safety and expanded opportunities for career and technical education.

White emphasized that these priorities should not necessarily be interpreted as weaknesses, but rather as opportunities to build upon the district's existing strengths.

Transportation also emerged as an important concern. White suggested the district should consider transportation not simply as an operational expense, but as an educational access issue. Extracurricular activities, specialized programs and career-training opportunities provide limited benefits if students cannot reliably participate in them.

Another issue raised during the planning process was the uneven distribution of students among district buildings. White said the district should examine enrollment levels, building capacities and resource allocation.

He emphasized that the planning team was not recommending changes to school attendance boundaries, but suggested additional research could help district leaders make informed decisions in the future.

The next stage of the planning process will involve reviewing academic, operational and facilities data, developing measurable goals and returning to the board with recommendations.

Fox High School to Receive New Digital Scoreboards

The board approved an agreement with Digital Scoreboards Media to replace Fox High School's existing indoor athletic scoreboards with high-definition LED video displays.

Chief Operating Officer Tracy Schmidt explained that the agreement allows the company to provide and install the scoreboards while generating revenue through advertisements and sponsorships from local businesses.

According to Schmidt, the arrangement is designed to cover equipment, installation and software licensing expenses, resulting in no net cost to the district.

The new displays will be installed in Fox High School's main gymnasium and will be similar to the video scoreboard system already operating at Seckman High School.

Beyond displaying game information and advertisements, the technology will provide students with hands-on experience in digital media production, graphic design, sports broadcasting and event operations.

Schmidt said the agreement includes software and educational curriculum support that can be used by both high schools. Board members praised his efforts to secure the arrangement, noting that it provides additional opportunities for students without requiring a significant district expenditure.

Board Approves Budget Adjustments as Transportation Costs Rise

The board approved its first budget adjustment of the fiscal year, reflecting changes in revenue, expenditures and funding associated with previously approved financing.

Schmidt reported an increase of $2,208,499 in budgeted revenue and $3,997,390 in budgeted expenses. Despite the adjustments, the district's projected ending fund balance remains at 19.74%.

Schmidt explained that a portion of the increased expenditures represents obligations carried over from the previous fiscal year, including maintenance, instructional services and custodial expenses.

Transportation costs were another factor. According to Schmidt, diesel fuel prices had increased from $4.81 per gallon when the original budget was presented in June to $5.42 per gallon at the time of the meeting. He noted that the price had been approximately $3.35 per gallon a year earlier.

The district also incorporated financial activity associated with two electric school buses and approximately $58 million in previously issued bonds and certificates of participation.

The board approved the adjustments without opposition.

New Cleaning Supply Agreement Expected to Save Money

Board members also approved an agreement with P&G Professional to supply district cleaning chemicals.

Schmidt said the arrangement would avoid approximately $25,600 in upfront equipment installation costs, with chemical expenses estimated at $5,000 annually.

He described the agreement as a cost-saving improvement over the district's existing supplier, while also providing cleaning products that custodial employees preferred.

The new arrangement includes a 24-hour product delivery turnaround, which administrators said would improve reliability and service.

Board members recognized the work of Schmidt and district custodial leadership in developing the agreement.

Superintendent Raises Concerns About State School Ratings

Superintendent Dr. Paul Fregeau expressed concerns about Missouri's developing A-through-F school accountability system and delays in releasing the new ratings.

Fregeau reported that the Missouri State Board of Education had pushed the anticipated public release of the ratings to mid-December.

He said the district was still awaiting important details about how schools would be evaluated, including changes to the scoring criteria.

According to Fregeau, elementary and middle schools, high schools and entire districts will be evaluated using different formulas, making direct comparisons between letter grades potentially misleading.

He also questioned the limitations of evaluating schools primarily through selected academic measures while excluding other important elements of education, including student participation in the arts, physical education, school safety, extracurricular activities, student well-being and community relationships.

Fregeau also discussed ongoing uncertainty surrounding Missouri school funding, including litigation involving Senate Bill 3 and potential changes to the state funding formula.

He told the board that additional financial simulations from the state's school funding modernization process were not expected until mid-November.

Student Ambassadors Highlight School Achievements

Student ambassadors from Fox and Seckman high schools opened the meeting with reports on student accomplishments and community activities.

Fox High School Ambassador Mac McCalla discussed a community transition event held October 9 that connected students receiving special education services and their families with organizations offering employment, education and other opportunities after graduation.

McCalla also highlighted the school's breast cancer awareness activities surrounding its annual Pink Out football game and the Fox girls softball team's appearance in a district championship game for the first time in 11 years.

Seckman High School Ambassador Owen Howell reported on student volunteer activities, including more than 40 students assisting with Antonia Elementary School's fall festival.

Howell also described college application support for graduating seniors, student participation in an ImpactLife educational visit and an upcoming student council day of service.

District Prepares for Winter Weather

As colder weather approaches, Fregeau reminded families that school closure decisions involve several considerations across the district's approximately 75-square-mile service area.

He explained that administrators personally inspect road conditions throughout the district while evaluating weather forecasts, bus transportation, student drivers and employee safety.

Fregeau also emphasized that school closures can affect students who rely on school meals.

Families were encouraged to watch for district emails, text messages and other notifications when winter weather threatens normal school operations.

The meeting concluded with approval of the consent agenda, including personnel matters and donations, before the board moved into closed session.

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