Board approves bid to update 12-year-old equipment

By Jessica Breger Special to the Monett Monthly

Students took center stage at the Monett School Board meeting on Jan. 16.

While the meeting began with its usual student presentation, allowing members of the school’s Gifted program to speak about their growth, the members of GO CAPS (Greater Ozark Schools’ Center for Advanced Professional Studies) were the ones who held the floor this month.

The GO CAPS students provided the board with an overview of the planning process underway to explore a future video display scoreboard for Burl Fowler Stadium. 

Student presenters shared that the current scoreboard was last updated in 2014. The program advisor Ty Goetz, Athletic Director and Assistant Principal at MHS explained that several schools including Cassville High School have upgraded their scoreboards to fit the technological advances of the time. 

The proposed scoreboard would be an HD video display which would also be equipped with additional speakers for enhanced sound coverage and static space for permanent advertisers.

GO CAPS students involved included junior Jacob McCall, senior Adam Martinez, senior Malachi Wagers, senior Benjamin Lamar and junior Hunter Taylor (Wheaton High School).

The students engaged in researching and developing the project under the leadership of Ty Goetz, athletic director and assistant principal at MHS.

The students were required to create a request for proposal (RFP), research potential vendors and evaluate options based on district needs and long-term goals.

Martinez and McCall shared how students narrowed vendor options and coordinated presentations with chosen vendors.

The students laid out a preliminary timeline and financing approach, outlining a multi-year plan that remains subject to future school board decisions.

Students focused on the project’s long-range planning, potential student involvement and aligning the school with current and future culture and community engagement.

The students said the project gave them an understanding of the scope, cost, planning and time required for a project of this scale. 

The board also heard how a video display scoreboard could serve the district beyond athletics, including student recognition, live streaming activities such as graduation, and partnerships with local businesses through sponsorship opportunities.

It was noted that these sponsorships would be the primary means of funding for the project, making it a fundraiser-supported initiative rather than a district-funded expense.

Goetz also explained how the scoreboard could be used to advance student learning by making it possible to introduce multimedia and broadcasting opportunities for students, and potential connections to postsecondary pathways.

The board approved a motion to move forward with the bid received from the company NEVCO, contingent upon fundraising progress and a review at the March Board meeting.

In other business, the board also announced a standing date for graduation, confirming moving forward that graduation will be held on the second Friday of May each year. 

The board said that this will allow a reliable annual date parents and students can expect.

The 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.