Licking R-VIII School District celebrates strong start to school year

By Supt. Telena Haneline

The Licking R-VIII School District is off to a wonderful start to the 2025-2026 school year, full of energy, excitement, and new opportunities for students and staff.

Steady Enrollment

This year, the district proudly welcomes 807 students districtwide. Elementary enrollment stands at 429 students, while the junior high and high school together account for 378 students. While slightly fewer than last year’s 810, the district continues to serve a strong and thriving student body.

New Staff and Training

As always, the district welcomed new staff members to the Wildcat family. Before students arrived, teachers and staff took part in professional development opportunities, including safety training to ensure a secure environment for all learners.

Stress-Free Registration

Parents and guardians were able to complete required school documents online this year, streamlining the back-to-school process. This change greatly reduced the stress of paperwork at JH/HS registration and elementary open house, allowing families to spend more time visiting classrooms, meeting teachers and connecting with staff.

Expanded Meal Options

Students are already noticing improvements in the cafeteria. Thanks to a new partnership with OPPA!, both the elementary and JH/HS kitchens now feature more fresh fruits, vegetables, and a wider variety of meal options. For the sixth consecutive year, the district continues to provide no-cost meals through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). By partnering with OPPA!, the district expects to reduce food costs significantly, even as food prices rise, while giving students access to more choices than ever before.

Commitment to Mission & Vision

The district continues to live out its mission of “Excellence and Integrity Every Day.” A key focus this year is building student work ethic so graduates are well-prepared for success in the workforce.

In addition, the district has refined its vision statement:

“The Licking R-VIII School District is committed to empowering every student to reach their full potential through a culture of excellence, integrity, respect, innovation, and community connections.”

Elementary staff are emphasizing strong foundational skills and hands-on learning for younger students, while junior high and high school staff are expanding community outreach activities to strengthen real-world connections.

A Positive Beginning

From steady enrollment to fresh initiatives, the Licking R-VIII School District is proud of a smooth and successful beginning to the 2025-2026 school year.

For questions or more information, please contact: Telena Haneline, Superintendent of Schools, thaneline@licking.k12.mo.us, 573-674-2911.