Feb 26th, 2020 Featured Article

District Extends Principals

​The Lathrop R-II Board of Education met for the February meeting on Wednesday, February 12, at the district’s administrative building.
During executive session that evening, all three principals received contract extensions. Both Lathrop High School Principal Robert Bowers and Lathrop Elementary Principal Chauncey Rardon were given two- year extensions, while Lathrop Middle School Principal Clint Howren was given a one-year extension.
The salaries have yet to be determined, but all three will be no less than their 2019-2020 salary amount.
Also during executive session, Jared May and Amanda Valentine were approved as substitute teachers.
During open session, the district announced its Teachers of the Quarter: Laura Walters – Elementary Teacher of the Quarter; Miranda Campbell (elementary para) – Support Staff Member of the Quarter; Danielle Speckman (LMS science teacher) – Middle School Teacher of the Quarter; Megan Fine (LHS science teacher) - High School Teacher of the Quarter.

A proclamation from the State of Missouri Governor’s Office proclaimed February 9-15, 2020, as School Board Recognition Week. Certificates were handed out by Superintendent Chris Fine to the board members.
John Benson with Stifel, Nicolas and Co., was at the meeting to address the refunding issuance of district bonds. The district will issue $2,070,000 in General Obligation Refunding Bonds to produce enough to pay off the old bonds. The district projects to save up to $34,000 a year until 2035, totaling $346,000 in savings over the life of the issue ($290,000 after fees).
The motion to refund the 2015 General Obligation bonds was approved as presented.
Lathrop City Administrator Bob Burns made a presentation to the school board about the Lathrop Park Board Project to revamp the playground at Lathrop City Park. The Senate Bill 40 Board has helped adapt the project to be a fully inclusive playground.
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