Hunter recognized for 9 years of service on board

By Jessica Breger Special to the Monett Monthly

The Monett School Board looks slightly different following a reorganizational meeting in April. 

The April 22 board meeting kicked off with the board bidding farewell to Brian Hunter as board president. 

Hunter has served on the board since 2016 and was honored for his nine years of service at the meeting. 

Superintendent Mark Drake noted the dedication Hunter showed for the position, as even before joining the board, Hunter had been attending meetings and studying the way school boards function. 

“To me, this shows that he truly cares about what is happening in the Monett school system, and he wanted to make a difference for kids’ lives,” Drake said. “I know he came in with some passion towards curriculum and instruction specifically, and he has been a true fighter for that, getting curriculum and instruction in a better place.” 

Hunter said that when he first ran for the position, he had a few areas of focus, including security,  facilities improvements and teachers’ salaries, which have all seen improvement that far exceeded his expectations. 

Hunter said he is confident the board’s work on curriculum will continue to show advancements, as well, and he urged the board to remain focused on curriculum in the coming years. 

“Please continue to focus on that curriculum and the educational standards that we provide,” Hunter said, thanking the board for all the work they still have to do. 

Two new members were officially sworn in to the board at the meeting, as well, filling the two vacant seats on the board. 

Taking oaths of office were Matt Baston, who joined the board last November, and Mike Whannell. 

No election was needed to appoint either member, as the number of candidates did not exceed the vacant positions. 

After reorganization, the board officers were elected. They are: President Ken Gaspar, Vice President Annie Smith, Secretary Ana Espinoza, Treasurer Kristin Umfleet, MSBA Delegate Annie Smith and MSBA Alternate Ashley Bailey.

The new board went on to discuss changes to school lunches in the coming year. A price increase was unanimously approved to combat rising food costs. The increase will be an additional 10 cents for student meals and 50 cents for staff meals.

In facilities updates, summer projects to complete asbestos removal throughout the district and to replace brick pavers at the high school are underway. Brick pavers at the high school have become a concern as dislodged bricks have been taken, or thrown and broken, in recent years. 

The brick pavers are being replaced with concrete pavers, which are permanently fixed and cannot be used in unsafe manners.

As the meeting came to a close, Drake encouraged board members to pay attention to upcoming legislation and regulations to be prepared for any changes that will affect the coming school year. 

Monett School Board meets at 6 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month at Board

Administrative Meeting Room located at the District Office.