General operations and facility needs dominated much of the business of the Purdy Board of Education in October.

Board members approved the long-discussed roofing project to place it on the contractor’s schedule. Work will likely not begin until summer. Replacing rooftop heating and air conditioning units will likely be done at the same time. Upgrading the intercom and bell system will coincide with the general infrastructure upgrades planned for the Christmas break.

Principal Julie Dalton’s report covered the addition of a second Buddy Bench on the elementary playground. This makes a second bench that gives students a chance to sit with someone who may be struggling or seems to be alone on the playground. The first bench had been donated by Jane Rogers of Monett. The second bench was donated by EFCO Corporation.

Superintendent Travis Graham reported he plans to attend the Missouri Association of Rural Education (MARE) at Tan-Tar-A Oct. 22-24. He expected discussion would focus on new policies arising for legislation passed this year, legislation likely to be advanced when the General Assembly convenes in January, and funding issues. He reviewed transportation routes with the board, now that the school year routine has settled into place. The routes remain basically the same as last year.

October activities at the elementary school included Red Ribbon Week. The SOAR Hour, giving students an opportunity to explore other topics or get needed help, has been restructured this year to place a broader emphasis on intervention for grades in grades 7-12 on all general subjects.

During October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Future Business Leaders of America chapter again spon- sored its Pink-Out for a home volleyball game. Members sold shirts, cake pops, bracelets and other items to raise funds to help local people presently battling cancer. They also held a 50/50 raffle during the game.

Board members revised the district’s special education local compliance plan. The state made some changes in its version, prompting changes to match the state model.

In personnel action, the board hired Madison Brush as a paraprofessional, succeeding Janice Houk, who resigned. Julie Crouthamel resigned as support staff for the Reading Success program.

The board approved a new financial incentive for retiring teachers to announce their intentions early. Those willing to announce their retirement by Nov. 3 can receive a bonus of $3,250. A Dec. 1 announcement can earn $2,750, dropping to $1,000 by Jan. 5, $750 by Feb. 2, and $500 if as late as March 2. Later announcements earn no bonuses. Temporary or part-time certified staff do not qualify for these terms.

The board voted to waive out-of-district tuition for a student who has attended Purdy schools from the earliest grade, through graduation in 2027. The district has no transportation expense with this student, as the family or student provides that.