New Board of Education assembled

The Licking R-8 Board of Education held their regularly scheduled monthly meeting on Monday, April 13, 2026, at the Office of the Superintendent.

The consent agenda was approved by the board, including a review of financials. Financials included expenses for mold inspections at the daycare building, some of which will be reimbursed by insurance, and inspections related to water in the Junior High building basement.

There were three individuals who registered for the three positions on the school board this year, therefore there was no need for an election. Incumbents Colton Lewis and Debbie Cook, and new board member Dillon Smith took their oaths of office prior to the board being reassembled.

The board chose officers, with Mr. Jeremy Rinne named as President, Mr. Colton Lewis as Vice President, and Mrs. Debbie Cook as Secretary. Mr. Jeremy Rinne was chosen as MSBA Delegate, with Mr. Colton Lewis the MSBA Delegate Alternate. Mrs. Jennifer Nelson will continue as Secretary to the Board.

Staff recognized in April were the Teachers of the Year. Mrs. Judy Beckett was Secondary Teacher of the Year and Miss Ashley Creek was Elementary Teacher of the Year.

Updates were provided by Elementary Principal Brian Barry and JH Principal Angela Loughridge.

Mr. Barry shared that field trips are beginning. The 100 point AR Club will be going to Incredible Pizza. MAP testing training is finished and testing begins next week. Soldiers from Fort Leonard Wood will be teaching third through sixth grade students Basic First Aid. A new and better reading curriculum, Benchmark Reading, has been acquired, and it is approved by the State.

Mrs. Loughridge reported that the Junior High trip to the Junior Achievement Finance Park was covered by a grant. The Junior High attended the FBLA Leadership Conference, and eighth grade students will be going to the Texas County Justice Center on May 4. Students will be attending a mock surgery at Mercy Hospital. Junior High awards will be presented to students on May 14. Eighth grade students from surrounding rural schools have visited, and 15 or more are expected to attend Licking High School next year. A representative from rootED met with seniors. Freshman Abigail Boyle traveled to the Capitol to testify to the Senate budget committee regarding a bill that would lower the minimal tax levy for school districts. Advocacy Day is upcoming. Career Day was held, as was the National Honor Society induction ceremony. Band and Choir attended the District Music Competition. Students have built their schedules for next year, and trips are beginning. Senior week activities have been posted.

The board voted to accept the only bid received on a surplussed school bus. Leadfoot Auto bid $2,500.00 for the bus.

Superintendent Telena Haneline shared information regarding a facilities inspection by the district insurance risk assessment manager. Minor issues which were found were addressed.

The District continues to work with insurance regarding damages to the Daycare building. If the District decides to replace the building, it may qualify for an additional FEMA building.

The issue causing water in the JH basement was discovered. An estimate of $18,000.00 was received to seal the basement, and other estimates will be forthcoming. Maintenance will replace some floor joists. The District needs a crawlspace ceiling plan similar to the roof plan.

The board voted to increase the amount paid on employee health insurance plans to $617.00, which will fully cover two plans.

The board voted to continue the Career Ladder plan next school year.

The board voted to sign an agreement with OPAA! for the next school year’s food service. During the current school year, there were more choices at meals, more students are eating in the cafeterias, and the District spent about $40,000.00 less for food service. Anticipated savings should be greater next school year.

The board viewed a video regarding MSBA policy updates and voted to approve updates.

Supt. Haneline provided the following information about closed session.

The board accepted letters of resignation effective at the end of this school year from Elementary Nurse Mrs. Taylor Smith, HS Teacher and Asst. Track Coach Miss Courtney Kelley, Elementary PE Teacher and JH Volleyball Coach Mrs. Anna Flatley, Elementary 5/6 Social Studies Teacher Mrs. Michelle Meizler, HS Nurse Mrs. Haley Godi, and HS Cheer Coach Mrs. Kaitlyn Cook.

The non-certified staff list was approved as presented.

The Board approved hiring new staff for the 2026-27 school year including Mr. Benn Sullins, Secondary Math; Ms. Kailyn Aubochon, 5/6 Math; Miss Karlee Holland, Elementary PE; Mrs. Whitney Capowski, HS Nurse; and Mrs. Sydni Osborne, Elementary Nurse.

The coaching and extra duty list for the 2026-27 school year was approved by the Board as presented.

The Board approved opening positions for three students as summer maintenance helpers.

Additions were approved to the extra-curricular supervision list.

An IEP Support stipend position was approved.

The next monthly meeting for the Licking R-VIII Board of Education will be at 6 p.m. on Monday, May 11, at the Office of the Superintendent.