Northwest Honors First Responders, Accepts Major Scoreboard Donation as New Superintendent Settles In
Just days before more than 5,500 students were expected to return to classrooms, the Northwest R-I Board of Education meeting Thursday night offered several examples of the relationships the district is carrying with it into the new school year.
First Responders Recognized for Partnership With Northwest
Dr. Jennifer Younkins delivered one of the most memorable moments of the evening as she recognized a group of first responders whose relationship with Northwest has grown well beyond answering emergency calls.
Standing before the board, Younkins described them as some of the most remarkable people with whom the district has the opportunity to work.
“Each day they step up to help our community in times of need,” Younkins said.
She noted that first responders are often the first people arriving during an emergency, where they may be called on to provide lifesaving medical care, suppress fires, secure a dangerous scene, or coordinate a much larger public safety response.
But Younkins emphasized that much of their work with Northwest takes place long before an emergency occurs.
Over the past three years, first responders have worked directly with district officials to help Northwest prepare for potential emergencies on school campuses, often giving their time even when they are off duty.
“Many times even when they're off duty, they make time to attend crucial meetings,” Younkins told the board.
Northwest recognized:
Chief John Whitehead, Jefferson County 9-1-1 Dispatch.
Chief Frank Selvaggio, Byrnes Mill Police Department.
Sergeant Zach Faulkner, School Resource Officer Supervisor with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
Chief David Jones, Cedar Hill Fire Protection District.
Chief John Barton, High Ridge Fire Protection District.
Chief Jeremy Walter, Chief Medical Officer for the North Jefferson County Ambulance District.
Chief Scott Fisher, Big River Ambulance District.
Captain Stephen Schaffer, Byrnes Mill Police Department.
Kara Lewis, PIO/Accreditation/PR Manager for Jefferson County 9-1-1 Dispatch.
Chief Jamie Guinn, North Jefferson County Ambulance District.
Deputy Chief Michael Rees, High Ridge Fire Protection District.
Deputy Andrew Dennis, School Resource Officer with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
The recognition followed an Aug. 6 safety summit where many of those same first responders joined Northwest administrators for an extensive tabletop exercise.
Under the leadership of Sergeant Faulkner and Chief Whitehead, participants worked through a simulated school safety emergency from beginning to end.
The exercise began with a hypothetical 9-1-1 call and continued through the response of law enforcement, fire, EMS, school resource officers, and Northwest administrators.
Each agency discussed what its responsibilities would be as the situation developed and how the different organizations would communicate and work together.
Younkins called it an “invaluable learning experience” that reinforced both the district's commitment to student safety and the importance of teamwork between Northwest and the agencies serving its communities.
“You just don't even know that these individuals, may they be men or women, are constantly at our service, making sure that our students are safe every single day,” Younkins said.
Her remarks became emotional as she thanked the group.
“Your dedication does not go unnoticed,” Younkins said. “Together, we are stronger and more prepared to face any challenge that may come our way.”
Piros Signs Donation Brings Major Upgrade and Major Savings
That same spirit of community partnership surfaced again later in the meeting when the board was presented with an offer for a refurbished digital scoreboard for the Northwest High School football stadium.
Barnhart-based Piros Signs, a longtime supporter of the Northwest community, is providing the large digital scoreboard to the district at no cost.
Even more significantly, installation is included with the donation.
The total value represents approximately half a million dollars in equipment and installation that Northwest will not have to purchase.
For Northwest taxpayers, the donation turns what could have been a major capital expense into a significant upgrade to the district's athletic facilities without the corresponding price tag.
The board approved accepting the scoreboard donation and authorized the additional technical work necessary to integrate the system.
For students, athletes, families, and spectators, it will mean a major improvement at the football stadium.
Other Board Business
In other business, the board approved a 2026-27 tuition rate of $13,560 for students attending Northwest from outside the district, a decrease of $468 from the previous year. The board also reviewed the district’s A+ program, which had 339 participating students, and discussed ways to help more students meet eligibility requirements. Northwest’s Lion Care before- and after-school program reported significant growth, increasing from about 435 students to roughly 717 by the end of last school year while remaining close to financially balanced. Board members also approved the district’s 2026-27 assessment plan, including changes connected to state reading requirements and an expected shorter MAP testing window, and heard updates on curriculum revisions in areas including computer science, visual arts, library media, and world languages.
Gibbs Begins Building Connections Across Northwest
The meeting also provided another early look at Superintendent Dr. Kyle Gibbs and the way he has approached leading Northwest.
During his superintendent's report, Gibbs spoke about the numerous activities taking place throughout the district as employees prepared for the first day of school.
His comments reflected a superintendent who has been moving through the district, listening, observing, and learning how each department contributes to the larger operation.
And he repeatedly returned the credit to the employees doing the work.
From administrators and teachers to support departments and employees handling the many behind-the-scenes details necessary to open schools, Gibbs offered considerable praise for the preparation taking place throughout Northwest.
The district had already welcomed new teachers, conducted orientation activities, hosted its district kickoff, held open houses, and provided professional development as employees prepared for students to return.
“I appreciate the work that goes on behind the scenes,” Gibbs told the board.
He said the district was running smoothly and ready to welcome them back. “We can do it with a lot of pride,” Gibbs said.
Gibbs has made himself visible, staff members have appeared eager to show him their work, and families have had opportunities to see their new superintendent participating in the same back-to-school traditions they are experiencing.
As Northwest begins the 2026-27 school year, the meeting offered an encouraging snapshot of a district drawing strength from the people around it. Those efforts may look different, but each reflects the same goal: creating a stronger environment for Northwest students and families.