VIENNA — The Maries County R-1 Board of Education released on Sept. 23 the district will receive fewer federal education dollars this year, with services funding totaling $117,043.15, a decrease of $8,842.89 from last year’s $125,886.04.

Special Services Director Joe Edwards explained the funding outlook as part of his report, noting that while the cut is not catastrophic, it reduces flexibility for programs. He added special education teachers will receive MAP-A testing training even though no students currently qualify, as eligibility requires an IQ below 50. Edwards also attended the State Special Education Administrator Training this year for the first time in seven years, describing it as informative and beneficial for staff. He referred to the students he serves as “kiddos,” a term he used affectionately throughout his report.

From there, the board heard updates from administrators on activities, safety procedures and testing across the district.

Principal Tim Metcalf opened his report by sharing that College and Career Night was held on Aug. 21, with 21 of 34 seniors in attendance. The event provided students with information about postgraduate plans and opportunities as they prepare for life after high school. He also noted that on Aug. 8, the Signs of Suicide (SOS) program was presented to middle schoolers, teaching them how to identify signs of depression and suicide. Additional courses on cyberbullying, sexual harassment, and various forms of abuse, including physical, mental, sexual and safety concerns, were also presented to students.

Metcalf added that he and two teachers recently attended professional development sessions on classroom management strategies and how to be “Champion Teachers,” saying he hopes to bring those ideas back to Vienna classrooms. He reported that all middle school students have completed their first iReady Diagnostic assessments and are working on individualized reading and math pathways. He also provided a sports update as part of his report.

Elementary Principal Shanda Snodgrass expressed appreciation to the FFA’s Food for America group for hosting the Barnyard Zoo, featured in this week’s edition of the Advocate. She also highlighted safety drills conducted this month, including bus evacuation, fire and lockdown drills. Tornado and earthquake drills are scheduled for the first week of October. Snodgrass explained that performing these drills helps prepare both students and staff for emergencies while giving staff time to make adjustments to procedures if needed.

The elementary school has also been busy completing baseline testing, with preschoolers finishing their Dial-4 screenings and students in grades 1–5 completing the state-required dyslexia screenings. Parent letters regarding results will be sent home this week. Additionally, all K–5 students have finished their iReady testing in reading and math. Snodgrass shared that three teachers are participating this year in the state-recommended LETRS (Language Essentials for Teaching Reading and Spelling) program. She also noted that the first Walk of Fame was held last Friday, with integrity as the featured trait.

In lighter news, Snodgrass reported the launch of the elementary school store fundraiser last week. Students are excited about new Huggies and prizes offered for participation, while teachers will be able to use funds raised to purchase classroom resources.

Superintendent Teresa Messersmith followed with updates on district enrollment, reporting 422 students with a 97 percent attendance rate. She also discussed facility issues, including drainage problems at the elementary gym and reconnecting heat in the third- and fifth-grade restrooms.

The meeting included a moment of levity when a letter from Prairie Home fifth-grade teacher and cheer coach Mrs. Lorenz was read aloud. In the letter, Lorenz praised the VMS cheer squad for being respectful and welcoming to her team during a junior high basketball game. She commended the atmosphere created by the VMS coach Kara Cohlmia, saying it fostered grace and sportsmanship.

In closing, the board approved several action items, including the annual budget and the Discovery School contract and the district testing schedule. Members also voted to hire parent Kayla Hertzing as a new staff member and accepted a $5,000 bid from IFS for propane regulator replacement.