These are difficult tasks that require time and resources of various kinds. Roberts said the board opted to provide all the accompanying documents to the public prior to Thursday's "revote" even though the regulations and administrative procedures, which spell out how specific policies are implemented, do not require a board vote. First, as a school board member, Id like to foster a new environment of transparency and communication between the board, district and community - something which seems to have been lacking lately. On April 4, 2023, Nixa residents will be voting to elect the following council seats: Mayor, 3-year term; District 1 Council Seat, 1-year term . Published: Feb. 3, 2023 at 10:08 AM PST NIXA, Mo. State executives | Missouri has delegated much of the responsibility for education to the local board of education. The city had 23,257 residents as of 2020, according to the United States Census Bureau.[1]. She has three boys, two in the district and a toddler. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data. School boards. Education: High school graduate, clerical vo-tech. These courses will build on the skills and knowledge necessary for the school board member to ensure a quality education for the children of the district. table#officeholder-table th, td {font-size: 10px; } "This is only possible by accessing diverse literature and learning about people who are different than us," she said. ", Dudash-Buskirk, 48, grew up in Pennsylvania and earned degrees in several states. First Elected: 2021 (Appointed for one year in 2020). background-color: #db0000; Nakkanti said if the issue was truly about parental choice then a challenge by one parent would not result in removal of a school library book from the teenagers of other parents. text-align: center; "In addition, overcoming the adversity and challenges through the pandemic where our schools still excelled, and our children grew academically are the accomplishments I am most proud of," she said. "Although it appears some of those efforts were not appreciated by certain people. At Gray, our journalists report, write, edit and produce the news content that informs the communities we serve. I just will not. Also, interested persons, including persons with impaired vision or hearing, can obtain information as to the existence and location of services, activities, and facilities that are accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities by contacting Karen McKnight, executive director of special services, at 417-724-6260 or by email, and Robert Klug, facilities director, at 417-724-6390 or by email. Our board works to be efficient in that we currently spend $3,000.00 less per student than the state average. "I believe I understand pedagogical theory and practice, as well as communication and leadership. Ive served in many other volunteer positions in Nixa Public Schools over the years and have formed connections and bonds and a positive reputation which, I believe, has prepared me to do a good job serving the people of Nixa on our school board. In 2022, Bryant ran to replace U.S. Rep. Billy Long and represent Missouri's 7th Congressional District. Im not., To report a correction or typo, please email digitalnews@ky3.com. (KY3) - The Nixa School Board voted to fire a high school teacher accused of sex crimes involving a student. Re: Tips for stag do in Cologne - 6 people - Feb 2023 . Heather Zoromski and Mike Copeland voted to retain the book with restrictions; "Homegoing" by Yaa Gyasi. SPRINGFIELD, Mo. text-align: center; Alex Bryant: I would promote transparency between the school board and the community. Jasen Goodall: Im not an economist, so youre asking me a question outside of my expertise, but Im in favor of the current No Tax Levy Rate Increase bond measure, if thats what youre getting at. text-align: center; We completed a survey in the Fall of 2022 regarding the school calendar and future district growth. There would definitely be some benefits, said Cozort. Two incumbents among the five vying for Nixa school board seats Professionally, I have over 20 years of experience working in nonprofit administration through which I have had the privilege of working alongside many school districts in southwest Missouri to implement programs related to health, mental health, dental health, healthcare career education, early childhood education, social-emotional competencies, and agriculture science. Isaiah Lockhart and Jeff Belcher were the other candidates running for the spot. If elected, a top priority is to prepare students for a rapidly changing workforce where technology innovation and specialized skills are needed. A related benefit to paying enough taxes to have a great school system is that property values tend to rise faster and by more than the additional tax dollars we pay to live here. The answer we came up with is what we call the One Nixa, One Read program. Next Election. Hire and evaluate the superintendent and delegate all administrative responsibilities. Did you know jellyfish live in Missouri lakes? Ballot measures "Beyond Magenta: Transgender Teens Speak Out" by Susan Kuklin; "Black Girl Unlimited: The Remarkable Story of a Teenage Wizard" by Echo Brown; "The Glass Castle: A Memoir" by Jeannette Walls; "The Infinite Moment of Us" by Lauren Myracle; "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" by Stephen Chbosky. The board, we could see the documents. Keep Improving District Schools, Nixa KIDS: Vote Yes For Nixa Schools on April 4, If you would like more information, please explore this website or email us at. This is not just a public-school issue; this is a Missouri State issue! In mid-May, in a contentious meeting, the Nixa board decided to remove two books and restrict a third. By doing this we can keep more money in our operating budgets for day-to-day educational needs and staff salaries. "Apparently we're old enough to vote, pay taxes and drive while at the same time too young and innocent to read a book with even the slightest bit of inappropriate content," Rapp said. .partytd.Democratic { "I strive to bring my experience advocating for him to each of the 6,700 students we serve.". table #officeholder-table td { Two members of the Greene County chapter of Moms for Liberty sat next to Springfield school board member Maryam Mohammadkhani and David Nokes at the June 20 . The feedback was used to inform the 2023/2024 calendar and will continue to be used as the district continues to grow. He has been heavily involved as a parent in the district and believes it prepared him to "do a good jobs serving the people of Nixa on the school board.". Institute of Human Genetics. Goodall spent six years on the John Thomas School of Discovery PTA, the last three as president. Daughtery and Zoromski want to continue to serve. To view a list of state legislators from Missouri, click here. Board members did not make additional comments related to the books or policies, even during the vote. Current proposed legislation regarding vouchers, charter schools, and tax cuts threatens to spread already thin funding even thinner which first and foremost threatens our ability to pay our teachers a living wage. Note: Candidates for school boards in the city of St. Louis are subject to special provisions. Elizabeth Dudash-Buskirk: I have 25 years of experience teaching in high schools and universities. May 30: Meet the 2023 Class of Emerging Leaders at Poster Session during ALA 2023 Annual Conference We are excited and pleased to invite attendees of the American Library Association's (ALA) 2023 Annual Conference to meet the 2023 class of Emerging Leaders (EL) at a celebratory poster session Friday, June 23, 2023, 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m., in . At the end of a nearly 3-1/2-hour meeting Tuesday, the Nixa school board voted to completely remove four books from the district. table#officeholder-table th, td { padding:5px; font-size: 16px; } Letters to the editor: On school board, gas prices and - MSN All six students were against banning books. Also, increase more opportunities for career training in technology, continuing to build partnerships with businesses and establish more opportunities for apprenticeships that will give our students the slight edge in their field of choice. It makes Nixa a wonderful place to live and to raise a family. "Because of my years of serving on numerous planning committees and my service on the PTA; I believe that Im the best candidate for the Nixa school board," he said. I applaud all that they're doing there and the teachers that have inspired them.". To view a list of local ballot measures in Christian County, Missouri, click here. Elizabeth Dudash-Buskirk: I do not know the answer to this question directly because I do not have the information needed to make this assessment now. The board voted unanimously to remove this book; "All Boys Aren't Blue: A Memoir-Manifesto" by George Matthew Johnson. 12, 2022 at 2:58 PM PDT Nixa Mo. More:Nixa school board stands firm on policy changes as parents, students debate book bans. parents formally challenged 16 library books, that September meeting, speakers asked the board, Nixa parents form group to fight book bans, demand school board transparency, Nixa High School students oppose effort to remove books from library shelves, mid-May, in a contentious meeting, the Nixa board decided, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. The following are Headliner News Q&As with Nixa School Board candidates: Education: High school graduate, clerical vo-tech. ", "In some cases, that may be true. P.O. 0:54. "I encourage you to make more changes to policy and procedures and regulations like this," she said. They both revolve around communication and allowing us all to work together better as a team. If you are a digital subscriber with an active subscription, then you already have an account here. Not putting the burden on the local taxpayers. Nixa School Board candidate Q&As - Christian County Headliner News Courts in Missouri, Who is on my ballot? Orf was. Linda Daugherty: I will continue to be a voice and support for all Nixa Teachers and Staff. "The idea that I am too immature to care about their experiences is demeaning. Schools are the best thing to spend taxpayer money on. Ive been asked, How do we stop that and return Nixa to being a highly desirable place for our great teachers to work?. "What's the next thing? Beginning to expose our students to different careers as early as junior high will begin to encourage curiosity. The Christian County Clerk oversees elections in Nixa.. 14 posts. All notices and open bids at www.nixacommunication.net. Greetings on Behalf of the 6700 Students of Nixa Schools. Email tips or story ideas to criley@news-leader.com. A board of education is a governmental body, so it can take action only by a majority vote at a legally called public meeting. If elected, Dudash-Buskirk said she'll make transparency her first priority and that includes "how decisions are made, what information is available and accessible to parents," and how the board responds to concerns expressed by the public. 6:30 PM - 11:00 PM Nixa Board of Education Meeting. Elections in 2023 | Alex Bryant: I support tax increases that will help raise our teacher pay in order to retain good teachers. He was president of the Nixa Council of PTAs for two years during the pandemic. The commissioner of education, the State Board of Education, and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) guide and monitor public education in Missouri. Nixa city council members elected | KOLR - OzarksFirst.com Ballotpedia provides comprehensive coverage of the 100 largest cities in America by population as well as mayoral, city council, and district attorney election coverage in state capitals outside of the 100 largest cities. April Election: Nixa School Board Candidates, Six people from southwest Missouri indicted for distributing meth and possessing guns, $1 million Mega Millions ticket purchased in the Ozarks, New law goes into effect to protect pregnant workers nationwide, House Democrats introduce Abortion Justice Act, Democrats reintroduce bill to safeguard access to contraception. If re-elected, she said her top priority is to "increase transparency" about how the board operates and figure out ways to get more community input in board-level decisions. "And just because it's out there doesn't mean that we shirk from our responsibility to make a change in what we can control.". Ballotpedia covers public school districts in the 100 largest cities in America by population, as well as the 200 largest public school districts by student enrollment. Copyright 2023 Nixa KIDS - All Rights Reserved. Local boards of education also allow for community participation in that decision-making process. The $47 million would pay for safety and technology improvements, HVAC repairs, new school buses, additions to multiple schools, and traffic and parking improvements at different schools. Thank you for visiting our website and for your support of Nixa K.I.D.S.! If it doesnt, I wont vote for them again, said Melton. In Nixa, we spend $3,000 less than the state average yearly to educate each student, and we consistently rank among the top schools in the state. The comments were almost evenly split between those who supported or opposed banning books although even the use of the term "banning" was debated. I know that good school districts lead to higher property values, better citizens, and stronger communities. The three newcomers Alex Bryant, Elizabeth Dudash-Buskirk and Jasen Goodall all have strong feelings for or against the effort to restrict and remove books from the high school library. We reached out to the five candidates running to fill seats on the Nixa School Board and sent them the questions below, and their responses had to be within 200 words. Elections - City of Nixa, MO Moms for Liberty starts local chapter, SPS board member invites - Yahoo The current members of the U.S. Senate from Missouri are: To view a map of U.S. House districts in Missouri and find your representative, click here. It is time for some new ways of thinking on the Board. } She praised the board. As one of the top districts in the state, we need to lift our voices.". A well-funded school system pays you back in many ways. "As a professor, I have an interest in our schools retaining their standards," she said. In today's edition, you'll find: On the issues: The debate over homework Share candidate endorsements with us! And I anticipate tonight much discussion will be about those procedures and regulations rather than the actual board policy," said Roberts, noting updates to the selection of library materials were required by a change to state law. "We are more mature than many may think. @media only screen and (min-width: 600px) { This page is outside of that coverage scope and does not receive scheduled updates. Boards of Education not only represent the public, but also translate the needs of students into policies, plans and goals that will be supported by the community. We're able to handle subject matter that is more complex and nuanced. Second, I could help improve the boards effectiveness by helping to form a volunteer committee of teachers, staff, parents and students to discuss and provide input and feedback to the board about different issues facing the district (the more stakeholders the better). Nixa High School designated as a National Blue Ribbon School for 2022 A good school district has benefits that go even beyond giving our kids a great educational experience. He wants to help stop that and to "again make Nixa the place of envy for all other teachers that dont work in the district.". I bring that experience, expertise, and an immense network of community connections to the table. Nixa school board to discuss student access to seven books in June This responsibility often entails difficult choices, self-sacrifice and exposure to public criticism. The board serves as the advocate for educational excellence for the community's youth and puts those interest first. Add a Comment. The Nixa school board has updated its dress code policy to outlaw lingerie, visible undergarments and body paint at the junior high and high school. She has had three children graduate from Nixa schools and her grandsons are now enrolled. Meet the Nixa and Clever school board candidates Keeping our transportation system up to date, maintaining our buildings, and supplying the buildings will always cost money and may need to be raised, but taxes collected need to impact the school directly, the students most of all, for me to want an increase. Policy: Caitlin Styrsky Molly Byrne Jimmy McAllister Samuel Postell What is the primary function of the board of education and its members? March 1, 2023 at 4:00 PM Listen Welcome to Hall Pass, a newsletter written to keep you plugged into the conversations driving school board politics and governance. We have recently launched a new and improved website. This crucial responsibility and the closeness of board members to the voters make the local board of education the purest example of democracy our society presents. Tweets by nixaschools. Comments / 0. Teachers want to be equipped, supported, and protected while they are doing their job teaching our kids. Thursday night, the school board decided to place the bond on the. NIXA, Mo. } Springfield's first board game cafe, Village Meeple, opens Saturday. Also, interested persons, including persons with impaired vision or hearing, can obtain information as to the existence and location of services, activities, and facilities that are accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities by contacting Karen McKnight, executive director of special services, at 417-724-6260 or by email, and Robert Klug, facilities director, at 417-724-6390 or by email. This item is available in full to subscribers. Linda Daugherty: Raising local taxes for schools really depends on our support from our state and federal governments.

"We do not plan to revisit items that are squarely within the purview of administration, for that is their realm. We welcome you to join us in our efforts to educate our patrons and earn the "Yes" votes for the Nixa Schools Bond Issue on the April 4, 2023, ballot. Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. We need to listen to them, their desires, and their requests. Nixa School Board set to review certain books after some parents - KY3 Nixa Public Schools / Homepage This would include listening to parents concerns about misguided curriculum like the skewed versions of Americas history as well as inappropriate books available to underage students in the library. He has two children in the district, both enrolled at Nixa High School. Daughtery, chief operating officer for Academy of Hair Design and BeVelle Barber School, was first elected in 2008 and is currently the longest-serving member of the board. School board elections are held the first Tuesday in April. "The work I have done has had to be evaluated by DESE," she said. To view a list of statewide measures in Missouri, click here. Nixa School Board meetings are held regularly and dates will be posted on BoardDocs a minimum of 24 hours prior to the board meeting unless a board meeting is deemed an emergency according to board policy. Read in NewsBreak. Our system of local school districts and boards of education epitomizes representative and participatory government--citizens elected from their community making decisions about educational programs based on community needs, values and expectations. I will continue to prioritize teacher needs including professional development and adding resources needed in the classrooms. Some traditional and new strategies in pedagogy need to be engaged," she said. padding-right: 10px !important; Locally elected boards of education are political subdivisions carrying out a state function. (KY3) - The Nixa school board is addressing three books at the May 12 school board meeting after some parents have voiced concern and. TonytheReviewerr. "Those were extra items that were included on the June and the September agendas in an effort for the board to be more transparent," he said. Level Contributor . Edited: 12:32 pm, January 13, 2023. Representation and the voices of voters matter. Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. Reply. As a father with young children, he chose the community because of its schools. Springfield News-Leader. Bryant said the greatest strength of the district is the teachers and leaders who are involved in the community and "love and support our kids.". Posted 3/25/15. Heather Zoromski: I have been championing increased legislative action which will soon result in board-approved priorities and further committee action. School District making progress on new storm shelters, Christian County nonprofit reports a huge increase in senior citizens coming in for meals, Six people from southwest Missouri idicted for distributing meth and possessing guns, Springfield VA Clinic hosting PACT Act event to educate, screen veterans, Ozark, Mo., food pantry sets record it never wanted to set in June, City of Branson could possibly restrict drag shows in certain areas of town, Over 1,400 people in Springfield without power following Friday storm, On Your Side: Century Bank of the Ozarks warns customers of phone scam, Missouri man sentenced for stealing a womans car at knifepoint in Springfield, Storm chances and cooler the next few days, Springfield man pleads guilty to heroin conspiracy, Authorities reveal surprisingly calm Fourth of July in Greene County, Springfield police arrest man accused of vandalizing, burglarizing shopping center, On Your Side: Better Business Bureau gives Springfield hardware business an 'F' rating. Just reset your password if you've not yet logged in to your account on this new site. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. He said books with diverse content can build empathy and a better understanding of others. . If you are a current print subscriber, you can set up a free website account by clicking here. This year, nine other challenged books were restricted following a committee-level review, including: Claudette Riley covers education for the News-Leader. NIXA, Mo. Nixa school board removes four books, restricts two books - AllSides We also use our bonding capacity to complete our capital projects such as building more classrooms, repairing buildings, replacing HVAC and roofs. The key roles and responsibilities of a school board are to: How do boards of education make decisions? On April 2, 2024, Nixa residents will be voting to elect the following council seats: If you wish to serve on Nixa City Council, you will need to visit Nixa City Hall during business hours to complete a filing form. They included Cindy Dickens, Rebecca Kauffman and Carissa Corson. text-align: center;

} Thats something Im grateful for, and like the majority of people here, Im willing to pay the needed taxes to support it. She wants to increase "career training in technology, continuing to build partnerships with businesses and establish more opportunities for apprenticeships that will allow our students the slight edge in their field of choice.". That is a very simple answer to a very complicated issue, mostly because the state has much more say over teacher pay than the district, but I would always be fighting for teachers rights and fair and competitive pay for them. "Being a part of the tremendous growth and change that has happened in our community has been a privilege," she said. If you're a print subscriber, but do not yet have an online account, click here to create one. Onondaga County elections officials said Habib won by 80 votes over Root (3,016-2,936) after all remaining absentee and affidavit ballots were counted from last week's election. School board members are guardians of the public trust and, through the policies they make, are ultimately responsible for the success or failure of local public education. Reply. Brian Hoffman, a parent, said the board has blocked inappropriate material from being available to minors during the school hours. We could access them because we were logged in with our username and passwords but the public could not," Roberts said of the BoardDocs system. U.S. President | Jasen Goodall: I like to think that Im approachable. However, I dont try to force my worldview and beliefs on anyone and I dont want anyone trying to force theirs on our kids either. Election officials declare winner in close race for Syracuse School Board I can see how increased communication from this sort of meeting could be helpful for all. City leaders in Nixa, Mo., remind golf cart drivers of rules for public roads. We have a growing community and we are going to need to ensure that our salaries and benefits are competitive in order to retain our best assets.