Old school has been used for storage since 2023

By Jessica Breger Special to the Monett Monthly

The March 17 Monett School Board meeting focused much of its time discussing the “next big project” in the district, the demolition of the South Building located on the former high school/middle school campus.

“We are in the process of getting that prepared pretty much ready to be demoed,” said Steve Garner, operations director.

A bid from Vaughn Construction for the demolition at $75,000 was approved for the project. The firm also agreed to donate $50,000 toward a new scoreboard at Burl Fowler Stadium, reducing the out-of-pocket cost to the district to $25,000. 

The building was opened in 1964 as part of the high school and was once used as part of the middle school, but has been used only as storage since the middle school changed locations in 2023.

While renovation and re-use of the building has been discussed in the past, it was determined to be too costly with no added value. 

Middle school students no longer have a need to cross Ninth Street during school, and school leaders are apt to keep it that way for the safety of students.

While at least two different parking lot options are being discussed for the space, the district has no immediate plans for what to do with the space after the South Building is demolished. 

Moving on to curriculum updates, the board heard updates on a program intended to expand student opportunities through language. 

The Seal of Biliteracy program provides a nationally recognized distinction awarded to students who demonstrate proficiency in two or more languages. In Missouri, students must meet criteria that show they can read, write, speak, and understand a second language at a high level. 

Students earn the seal in a variety of languages, including English paired with another language, as well as American Sign Language. This recognition is reflected on their diploma with a stamp and noted on a student’s transcript.

Jessica McNichols, MHS ELD Teacher, said the program will be taken “a step further” with the school’s BRIDGE program.

“So, we’re actually creating a course that will house this program in it,” McNichols said.

She went on to explain that this program would help to open up internship opportunities for students in areas such as translating in different capacities within the community.

According to the school, the program will include a structured student selection process, similar to GO CAPS, and will be embedded into the school day through a double-blocked schedule. 

During the first semester, students will build foundational skills such as communication, professionalism, and confidentiality. 

During the second semester, students will transition into internship experiences, where they will have the opportunity to work within the community and apply their language skills in real-world settings. The program will be open to any student who meets the qualifications.

Monett Superintendent Dr. Mark Drake took a moment at the opening of the board meeting to recognize the work of board members, marking School Board Recognition Month in Missouri

“This is school board appreciation month,” Drake said. “Obviously, the people that are in here know how valuable of a school board member they are. I would just like to say to you guys. You’re obviously not getting paid. You’re having to make lots of difficult decisions. You’re having to talk to community members, balanced community, community, ideas, school ideas and come up with the best decisions for kids.

“We appreciate everything you do and it’s a thankless job and I believe that when I talk to other people in the area that is the sentiment, you do a great job, a very high-functioning effective board that is always keeping kids first in every decision. So thank you for everything you guys do.”d

The board also recognized upcoming board events which include a celebration for the SRTC 60th anniversary on April 6 and its next monthly board meeting on April 21 which will also serve as the annual organizational meeting.

The School Board  will meet at 6 p.m. at the Administrative Meeting Room located at the District Office.