VIENNA — The Maries County R-1 Board of Education approved 6-0 on Oct. 27 the senior beach trip to Pensacola, Fla., following a presentation with information.

The trip will be May 2-6, 2027, and 11 seniors are going with two chaperones.

Seniors Lainey Magner, Ella Hollis, Mason Via and Jaiden Hayes shared details about lodging itinerary, transportation and meals. Sharlene Hallett, senior sponsor, also attended the meeting and explained that the cost is subject to change.

Hallett also said that once housing and airfare, the largest expenses, are covered, the class will have a better idea of how much left they will have to spend. But some parts of the trip can’t be purchased yet because it is too far out.

“We have a lot of pricing to do,” she said.

Facility updates

In other business, Superintendent Teresa Messersmith said that Missouri Builders has finished the roof projects, and the company will be paid this month.

Archer-Elgin is still working on the request for proposals for the HVAC replacements. Messersmith said the reason it is taking a long time is that the project is large and they are determining the details.

“They are legitimately working on it,” she said. “They’re communicating with us, and hopefully by next month, we will have a request for proposals for that bid.”

The school received its new gym floor cover, which it can use for events like commencement.

The Maries County Bank covered up to $15,000 for the district to replace its gym curtains.

“If you’ve seen our stage curtains, they are literally falling apart. There’s holes in them,” she said.

Nichols Career Center MOU

The board approved 6-0 a memorandum of understanding with the Jefferson City School District. Maries R-1 will pay $2,500 per year for a student to attend the Nichols Career Center.

Commencement Date

The board approved setting the high school graduation date at 6:30 p.m. on May 14, 2027, with a 6-0 vote.

CSIP Review

Messersmith updated the board about Continuous School Improvement Plan (CSIP), in which 17 community members gave feedback to the district. She said that the plan had a few minor changes, including increasing goals that were already met. The board will approve the plan during the November meeting.

Substitute List

The board approved 6-0 adding Vince Hollis, Joyce Kilmer, Stacy Watson and Joe Campbell to the substitute list.

Resignation

Jill Lowry, biology teacher, is resigning Nov. 3 for “unforeseen circumstances beyond my control.” The board accepted 6-0 her resignation with regret.

The board also accepted 6-0 Messersmith’s resignation as superintendent at the end of the 2026-27 fiscal year.

Closed session

The board adjourned to closed session under Revised State Statute 610.021 (3) and (6) for legal, personnel and student discipline. No votes or motions were made.