Board Chooses Design For Sports Complex

The McDonald County R-1 School District Board of Education, at its meeting on Tuesday, chose a design for the athletic sports complex.

The board chose a design with a mezzanine on the front and a concession stand. John Kelsh of Controlled Technology Solutions said he would deliver the board’s decision to the architect and start getting bids.

At a work session before the meeting, the board continued its discussion on turf for the football field. Kelsh said he had a meeting with the coaching staff and they wanted to add a red line to the

50-yard line, which would cost an additional $1,800. They also wanted to expand the high jump area, which would cost $208,000.

Board member Andy McClain said he thought $200,000 would be better spent on lighting or putting seat backs on the bleachers. Scott Goldstein, board president, said he agreed with McClain.

The board approved the red line at the 50-yard line but did not approve the expansion of the high jump area.

Also during the work session, the board looked at preliminary plans for a new FEMA safe room at Noel Primary School. Superintendent Mark Stanton said the school district was awarded a grant for a tornado shelter at the primary school.

The board gave its permission for the FFA to go to the national convention on Oct. 24-27 and for FCCLA to go to Louisville, Ky., on Nov. 9-11.

Laurinda Hacket of Missouri Southern Teacher Education gave a presentation about partnering with McDonald County Schools. It will supply student teachers starting in the fall of 2019, and the school district will serve as a satellite campus for Missouri Southern Teacher Education.

Director of transportation Clyde Davidson received permission from the board to pick up students living less than one mile from the school. He also reported the district has applied for a grant for three buses.

The board also approved paying for dual credit classes for vo-tech students enrolled at the tech center at Crowder College. The cost approved was $13,620.