R-8 Board accepts resignation of Dr. Jarad Rinne
Photo courtesy of Licking R-8 Schools
Heather Lyons was recognized as the January Stellar Support Staff Member, and was presented her award by LHS Principal Dr. Jarad Rinne.
Photo courtesy of Licking R-8 Schools
The January Stellar Certified Staff Member was Mrs. Whitley Hart, left, who received the award from LJH Principal Angela Loughridge.
The Licking R-8 Board of Education held their monthly business meeting on Monday, January 12, at the Office of the Superintendent. During the closed session of the meeting, the resignation of Dr. Jarad Rinne, principal of Licking High School, was accepted by the Board.
The open session of the meeting began with a review of the consent agenda, with minutes from the previous meeting and payment of bills approved by the board.
The Stellar Staff recognitions for the month of January were the first item of business, and Mrs. Heather Lyons, support staff in the HS Special Education department, was recognized. Her commitment to student success and her willingness to go above and beyond to provide learning opportunities for students were emphasized. She organizes the Cat Shack, a snack bar run by LifeSkills classes which makes cookies and sometimes other treats to sell to students during lunchtimes. This not only provides an educational opportunity for the LifeSkills classes, but the other students enjoy it as well.
Mrs. Whitley Hart, Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) teacher, was acknowledged as the Stellar Certified Staff of the month. Mrs. Hart’s recognition included that she excels in leading her programs and creates an engaging and rigorous learning environment for students in her FACS classes.
The board reviewed program evaluations prepared by Mrs. Hart, Ms. Hance, Mrs. Clonts, Mrs. Green, Mrs. Sundell, Mrs. Sanchez, Mrs. Hutsell, Mrs. Reiner, Mrs. Goforth, Mrs. Link, Mrs. Cooper, Mrs. Huff and Mr. Roark.
OPAA! Nutrition Supervisor Mrs. Amber Goodson presented a semester update of the new Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) offered at Licking school campuses. She reported that an increasing number of breakfasts and lunches are being served and thanked the kitchen staff for their hard work through this year’s transition to OPAA!.
Budget amendments and cash flow analysis were the next order of business at the meeting. District property and loss insurance rates have increased, and the board reviewed basic formula money projections, local tax money projections and investments of reserve funds. The yearly budget and budget message can be found on the district’s website at https://www.licking.k12.mo.us/documents/district/district-budget/723436.
The updated virtual program handbook was presented by principals and was approved by the board.
Closed session included the acceptance of letters of resignation from Mrs. Julia Parr, Special Education instructor at the secondary campus, and Dr. Jarad Rinne, Licking High School principal.
Dr. Rinne has a 12-year tenure at Licking schools, beginning as JH Principal/Athletic Director then stepping into the position of High School Principal. His resignation will be effective June 30, and he will be moving to Forsyth, Mo., where he will serve as Assistant Superintendent.
Superintendent Mrs. Telena Haneline reported that the High School Principal position was posted January 13 on the district’s website and on MoTeachingJobs.com. They are accepting applications through noon on Friday, January 23. The announcement of a hiring decision is expected for Tuesday, January 27.
Further business in closed session included the approval of additions to the substitute lists, a review of principal, counselor and director evaluations, and the renewal of the superintendent’s contract.
The next regular meeting of the Licking R-8 Board of Education is scheduled for Monday, February 9, 2026. The February board agenda is anticipated to include the teacher evaluation report, the support staff evaluation report and renewal of principal contracts
Teacher contracts should be renewed at the March meeting, and the board agenda in April will include letters of intent for support staff.
Superintendent Haneline reported that three candidates filed for the three seats on the Licking R-8 Board of Education which will come open in April. As a result, there will be no need for an election this year. Incumbents Colton Lewis and Deborah Cook will remain on the board, and Dillion Smith will take the seat being vacated by Board President Alan Quick, who opted to not file this term.
