Mexico School Board trustees asked the school district for more information regarding full-time preschool for children of all school district certified and support staff.

The matter was a continuing discussion from the March 18 meeting, and the board held a lengthy discussion at the April 15 meeting about the matter without taking any action, asking Superintendent Troy Lentz to investigate aspects about the program, such as the structure of the day and expense of staffing. Currently, full-time slots are limited to the staff of McMillan Early Learning Center, the district noted in a board agenda memo.

A survey was generated in early April and responses were revealed at the meeting, with survey responses indicating there are families with interest for a total of 18 staff children. Eight of the 18 are 3-years-old, and 10 of the 18 will be 4-years-old. Responses were evenly split 50/50 on half-day options. 

Respondents were asked about whether they had a child who will be 3- or 4-years-old by July 31, and if they did, how many children would they consider enrolling in the district's preschool program for the 2025-26 school year.

They also were asked their children’s ages by July 31. Respondents were asked if space is limited, would they still be interested in enrolling their child if they were only eligible for a half-day program. Additional questions centered on whether they currently use another preschool or childcare provider, and if so, what factors would influence their decision to move their child to the district’s preschool program.

For current childcare use, among the 25 people who answered, 48% currently use another provider, 32% do not and 20% selected “other,” indicating varied arrangements, according to the district survey. 

The survey also revealed the top factors for switching to district preschool (from those using outside providers, ranked in order of importance): 1. Cost 2. Curriculum/school readiness focus 3. Schedule convenience 4. Location (especially if at MELC) 5. Being near parents’ workplace.

In other developments at the meeting, in the superintendent’s report,  Lentz reported that the next Continuous School Improvement Plan (CSIP) meeting will be May 1, when officials will review the results of the community survey and the district’s Annual Performance Report. Draft revisions for the CSIP will be developed, with the goal of having a revised CSIP plan to present to the board in June. 

During the first meeting last fall, officials looked through the revision areas in leadership, teaching and learning, collaborative climate and culture, data-based decision making, alignment of standards, curriculum and assessment, and equity and access, according to district information. The May 1 meeting also will be a time to review climate and culture survey results from December. 

According to district information, a CSIP is a “roadmap that outlines the goals, strategies, and initiatives that drive continuous improvement across our district. It focuses on enhancing student performance, strengthening teaching and learning practices, and fostering a supportive community.” A CSIP is required by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, which mandates every school district to create and implement a CSIP. 

Also during the superintendent’s report, Lentz said work is moving forward with the roofing and HVAC jobs at Mexico High School and Eugene Field Elementary School. The softball field project is also moving forward on schedule, and the completion date is June 6. On the softball project, Lentz’s report said one unresolved consideration with the softball field project involves the foul area on the left field side, as the current scope of work brings turf to the edge of the flat playing surface. 

In his report, Lentz noted, “The fence will run along the base of the hill. Currently, the hill is mowed with the outfield. The fence will make this difficult. Options for covering the hill include the following: rip rap, turf, pour in place playground surface, treating with herbicide, or mowing.”

Later in an agenda item, the board, after a discussion on three proposed options for resurfacing the hillside adjacent to the high school softball field, approved installation of new turf on the hillside for $39,400. 

“I’m excited about it,” Lentz said about resurfacing the hillside, adding he thinks it will make for a better environment for fans. “I think it will be a cool place to sit and watch a game on the hill.”

The board also approved:

• Reorganizing the board offices, with Board President Jessica Ekern being reelected board president and Michelle Stephens elected vice president. Jon Calhoun, a new trustee, and Scott Nichols were sworn in after their election on April 8. Nicole Jahn was recognized at the meeting for her six years of service on the board, with Ekern pointing out Jahn’s time, leadership, service and dedication. 

Lentz commended Ekern for her presence on the board.

“ I really appreciate Jessica Ekern’s leadership,” Lentz told the Ledger on April 16. 

• For Mexico High School’s new athletic conference, Lentz said superintendents met in Moberly on April 11, but no proposal has been finalized yet, although discussions are continuing.  

Regarding an agenda item to approve a memorandum of understanding with Big Smiles Missouri, to partner with the district for the 2025-2026 school year to provide free dental screenings for students, Lentz was directed to get more information on the program. No action was taken.