December 14, 2009
Middle School Band Performs to Packed House
December 13, 2009
Neosho R-5 School Board Filing Open Tuesday
The Newton County clerk has published the filing dates for the April 6th, 2010 school board election.
The filing period opens on December 15th, 2009 and goes thru January 19, 2010. Filing may be done at the Office of Supertindent, 115 E. Hickory, Neosho, MO between the hours of 8:00am and 4:00pm. Other arrangement can be made by contacting the Supt. office. (The office is just east of the Neosho Post Office).
Terms for board members Bruce Mahr and Chris Parks are expiring. Mahr has been on the board since 2003. Parks since 2007.
Qualifications are:
1) - Must be a resident taxpayer of the district
2) - Must be a citizen of the US
3) - Must be 24 years old
4) - Must reside in the State of Missouri for one year preceding the election
5) - If elected, must complete 16 hours of training as specified by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education with the first year of appointment
Names will appear on the ballot in the order of filing. No signature petitions are required.
The filing period opens on December 15th, 2009 and goes thru January 19, 2010. Filing may be done at the Office of Supertindent, 115 E. Hickory, Neosho, MO between the hours of 8:00am and 4:00pm. Other arrangement can be made by contacting the Supt. office. (The office is just east of the Neosho Post Office).
Terms for board members Bruce Mahr and Chris Parks are expiring. Mahr has been on the board since 2003. Parks since 2007.
Qualifications are:
1) - Must be a resident taxpayer of the district
2) - Must be a citizen of the US
3) - Must be 24 years old
4) - Must reside in the State of Missouri for one year preceding the election
5) - If elected, must complete 16 hours of training as specified by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education with the first year of appointment
Names will appear on the ballot in the order of filing. No signature petitions are required.
December 12, 2009
Sewer Work Moving Along
December 11, 2009
Springfield Sales Tax Revenue Down again
Here's an article from today's Springfield Business Journal. It's another indication that things are not getting better, at least today. I would offer Neosho's YTD information on taxes, but I don't have it. I've put the key points in bold.
Springfield's sales tax revenue woes continued in December, according to numbers released Thursday by the city.
The city's 1-cent general sales tax brought in $3.2 million, down 10.3 percent from December of 2008. The latest drop marks the fourth month in fiscal 2010 where sales tax revenue dropped by double-digit percentages compared to a year earlier.
For fiscal 2010 to date, the tax has brought in $17.4 million, down 9.8 percent from the same period in fiscal 2009.
City officials have said they will review the budget situation quarterly to see if cuts are needed from the current budget. In September, when the city was down $1 million after the first three months of the fiscal year, general fund cuts led to four layoffs, a continuation of the citywide hiring freeze, mandatory furloughs for all management and a 10 percent spending reduction for most departments.
Deputy City Manager Evelyn Honea said the city needs to save another $900,000 from the budget, though $600,000 of that savings comes from open positions. Honea said city departments are beginning to look at where cuts could be made, so that the city manager's office can make a recommendation to Springfield City Council in late December or early January.
"We'll be working with the leadership team in the next couple of weeks to determine how we can save another $300,000 from the budget," Honea said. "It's going to be tough."
Neosho's Past Audit - Findings
If you haven't already, you can see a one-page summary of Neosho's last state audit here. Below are a summary of findings with my comments. (Note their is no mention of fraud.)
The city purchased a building for $450,000 to relocate the city hall without obtaining or requesting an independent appraisal of the property. The city’s process of selecting the new city hall and the related real estate document noting the charitable contribution made by the seller were not properly documented. Do your homework. Document everything. It's the people's money you are spending.
The city has contracted with the Neosho Area Chamber of Commerce for economic development services totaling $85,320 during the year ended September 30, 2000. It does not require any documentation of how these monies are used, and has not established any formal procedures to otherwise monitor the use of these monies. The city did not obtain an independent appraisal on the land purchased for construction of the “Tech Spec” building. Neither the city nor the economic development sales tax committee prepared or retained documentation to support the city’s decision to construct the “Tech Spec” building or any future plans to sell the property. The city now receives a more-detailed accounting of where that money goes - is it enough, probably not based on the amount of funding, but it was addressed after the audit.
The city’s reconciliation of the total gallons of water billed to customers to the gallons of water pumped, indicates a significant water loss rate. During the year ending September 30, 2000, the gallons of water pumped exceeded the total gallons billed by 414,000,000 gallons, or 38 percent. Nothing new here...we still lose water...the new water upgrades passed by voters this year are, in part, being done to address this.
To help ensure all water usage is properly billed, the city should investigate and correct problems that cause the significant differences noted between total gallons of water billed to customers and the gallons of water pumped. The Public Service Commission generally recommends investigation if water usage not billed exceeds 15 percent. A similar comment was made by the city’s auditor during their annual audit.
The city has not performed a formal review of the adequacy of the water and sewer rates since 1994. We have reassessed rates this year. Some didn't like the increase, but this was addressed.
The city contracts with an independent contractor for management services for the Neosho golf course. The city paid this contractor $202,609 for these contract services during the year ending September 30, 2000. The City Manager indicated that bids have not been solicited by the city for these services. The city also paid this contractor an additional $74,600 in “grow-in” fees for the golf course project during the period of September 1999 through January 2001. This contractor is no longer with the city. The new contract is put out for bid. The current council this summer approved the latest contract with the current golf pro.
The city paid $65,000 to a not-for-profit corporation for a downtown revitalization project without entering into a written contract. In addition, the city paid $3,575 in rental payments for a storage building without a written rental agreement. Always do things in writing...always.
State law requires contracts of political subdivisions be in writing. The city should enter into written contracts for services rendered or obtained. A written contract, signed by the parties involved, should specify the services to be rendered and the manner and amount of compensation to be paid. Always do things in writing...always.
The city expended approximately $97,000 as a result of change orders needed for the golf course renovation and expansion project. The original contract totaled $474,000 for phase I. Council minutes indicated some of these change orders were due to a delay of a dam project and wet weather conditions. Due to these delays the council requested the contractor to start work on another phase of the golf course (approximately $53,000 of the change order total above) which had not been include in the original bid. I don't know the details, but if the state found an issue, learn from it and don't do it again.
Change orders are normally used to make adjustments for minor problems that are unknown when construction projects are originally bid. They should not be used to make significant changes to existing contracts. The city should ensure that all aspects of the projects are adequately bid. Amen, brother. A significant reason for the cash crunch in the city of Neosho is a result of overruns on projects such as the South St. Bridge and the Civic. The state is right on the money with their comments.
The city does not properly allocate administrative salaries to the various funds. This has changed. I will never be perfect, but it has changed.
During the first eight months of employment with the city, the sports director accumulated 1,160 hours of compensatory time. Improvement is needed in the records and procedures of the city’s concessions. Not sure of the background and reasons, but this doesn't happen currently.
Prior to fiscal year 2001, the city did not solicit proposals for a depositary contract. In response to the recommendation made by the city’s auditor during their previous annual audit, the city solicited proposals for a depositary contract and increased the interest rate earned on the city deposits by approximately 2 percent. To ensure the city continues to receive competitive banking services, the city should periodically seek depositary banking proposals from area banks. Yes, yes, yes. Make the banks earn your your business. Keep them competitive.
What a Great Cooking Apron
Shown from left to right - Mayor Jeff Werneke, NDN Publisher Rick Rogers, and me.
For Ricky - "Slappin' the bass!"
Fairview Mayor is Staying Put...For Now
Seems like things are still 'status quo' in Fairview despite the allegations circling around Mayor Sid Oliver. In November, Oliver was charged with two counts of stealing and one charge of official misconduct. The first two are felonies, the later is a misdemeanor.
Oliver is accused of receiving compensation for services from the city of Fairview. His is also accused of being paid for services he possibly never provided. As an elected official of the city, he is prohibited by law from performing certain services unless they fall below $500 per transaction (and $5000 per year) or unless they are competitively bid and he was the lowest bidder. Sheriff Copeland's department has been looking into the allegations.
Oliver says he is "falsely accused" and that the council hasn't ask him to step down. Mayor Pro Tem, Marilyn Brown, told the Globe "There is nothing we can do right now." As of this week, Oliver is still presiding over meetings of the council as mayor.
Oliver is accused of receiving compensation for services from the city of Fairview. His is also accused of being paid for services he possibly never provided. As an elected official of the city, he is prohibited by law from performing certain services unless they fall below $500 per transaction (and $5000 per year) or unless they are competitively bid and he was the lowest bidder. Sheriff Copeland's department has been looking into the allegations.
Oliver says he is "falsely accused" and that the council hasn't ask him to step down. Mayor Pro Tem, Marilyn Brown, told the Globe "There is nothing we can do right now." As of this week, Oliver is still presiding over meetings of the council as mayor.
December 9, 2009
SBU beats MSSU tonight
SBU won 83-67.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
December 8, 2009
Neosho Turbine Plant Gets Additional Work
Article from today's Joplin Globe. Good news for Premier - keep those jobs local!
December 08, 2009 12:06 pm
The Pentagon has announced that the U.S. Department of the Army has ordered 25 more overhaul engines for military helicopters with the work to be done at Neosho’s Premier Turbines plant.
The Department of the Army delivery order is for 50 engines at a cost of more than $8.26 million with half of the contract work done at the Neosho plant and the remaining work to be performed in Oakland, California. The contract is for analysis, testing, repair and overhaul of T63-A-720 gas turbine engines used in the Army observation helicopter, the Kiowa.
“We are delighted to receive this additional work,” commented Alton Johnson, general manager of Premier Turbines. “Our team at Neosho is dedicated to quality and this new work from a satisfied customer serves to acknowledge that we perform as promised. We are pleased to support the U.S. Army’s efforts in defense of our country and we are poised to support additional delivery orders as they are needed.”
December 08, 2009 12:06 pm
The Pentagon has announced that the U.S. Department of the Army has ordered 25 more overhaul engines for military helicopters with the work to be done at Neosho’s Premier Turbines plant.
The Department of the Army delivery order is for 50 engines at a cost of more than $8.26 million with half of the contract work done at the Neosho plant and the remaining work to be performed in Oakland, California. The contract is for analysis, testing, repair and overhaul of T63-A-720 gas turbine engines used in the Army observation helicopter, the Kiowa.
“We are delighted to receive this additional work,” commented Alton Johnson, general manager of Premier Turbines. “Our team at Neosho is dedicated to quality and this new work from a satisfied customer serves to acknowledge that we perform as promised. We are pleased to support the U.S. Army’s efforts in defense of our country and we are poised to support additional delivery orders as they are needed.”
December 7, 2009
Breathing Can Be Dangerous to your Health
The EPA on Monday declared greenhouse gases a danger to public health - a move that could pave the way for future regulation.
EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson has now said in a written statement that carbon dioxide and five other greenhouse gases are a threat to public health. This is the same carbon dioxide that you and I emit everytime we exhale and the same carbon dioxide that every living plant on earth needs to survive.
I'm going to hold my comments to see how this plays over the next few days, but make your calendar - this date will come back to haunt us somehow in the future and for US employers, it could very well mean more taxes and fewer US jobs.
EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson has now said in a written statement that carbon dioxide and five other greenhouse gases are a threat to public health. This is the same carbon dioxide that you and I emit everytime we exhale and the same carbon dioxide that every living plant on earth needs to survive.
I'm going to hold my comments to see how this plays over the next few days, but make your calendar - this date will come back to haunt us somehow in the future and for US employers, it could very well mean more taxes and fewer US jobs.
Navy Seals Arraigned - Follow Up
As a follow up to a post on this issue from late November:
Remember the lesson - if someone kills 3000 of your fellow American's and you're job is to defend America, don't do it with your fist. If you do, your career is over.
Newswire AP: NAVAL STATION NORFOLK, Va. —
Two Navy SEALs accused in the mistreatment of an Iraqi suspect in the 2004 slayings of four U.S. contractors were arraigned in military court Monday, and one SEAL said he was gratified by support from the public and some members of Congress. The judge scheduled courts-martial next month for Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew McCabe of Perrysburg, Ohio, and Petty Officer 1st Class Julio Huertas of Blue Island, Ill. A third SEAL will be arraigned later.
The SEALs have received an outpouring of public support on the Internet, and a California congressman has led a campaign urging Defense Secretary Robert Gates to intervene. About three dozen protesters, including the mother of one of the slain contractors, stood outside the Norfolk Naval Station gate Monday morning holding signs of support.
McCabe is accused of striking the detainee in the midsection, dereliction of duty for failing to safeguard the detainee, and lying to investigators. He deferred entering a plea until his Jan. 19 trial.
McCabe told reporters he was confident he would be exonerated.
"I feel very good about it," he said as he made his way through the crowd of supporters, shaking hands and thanking them. "The support is phenomenal. It makes us feel better, all these people being behind us."
Huertas pleaded not guilty to charges of dereliction of duty, lying to investigators and impeding an investigation. His trial was set for Jan. 11.
"He's been a hero — two tours of Iraq and one tour of Afghanistan — and now this is the thanks he gets," Huertas' civilian attorney, Monica Lombardi, told reporters after the arraignment.
Military attorneys were not available for comment.
McCabe and Huertas both deferred a decision on whether to be tried by a military judge or jury. Lombardi said they couldn't choose because they still have not received the prosecution's evidence.
The men could have accepted a nonjudicial reprimand but wanted to go to trial to clear their names, Lombardi said. A reprimand could have resulted in a loss of rank; if they are convicted at trial, they could get up to a year in jail, a bad conduct discharge, or a loss of rank or pay.
McCabe declined to talk to reporters about specifics of the case. His father, Marty McCabe of Las Vegas, said all his son did was his job.
"It just turns my stomach to have these people send him over there and put him in harm's way, and then they don't have his back when he gets home," Marty McCabe said.
Military officials have cautioned against a public rush to judgment, saying a true picture will emerge when all the evidence is heard. However, more than 45,000 people have signed onto a Facebook page supporting the SEALs, and U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Calif., said in a letter to Gates last week that the prosecution was an overreaction by the military.
The charges stem from an alleged assault after the SEALs captured Ahmed Hashim Abed in early September. Abed is believed to be connected to the killings of four Blackwater security guards who were protecting a convoy when they were attacked by Iraqi insurgents. Their burned corpses were dragged through the city, and two of them were hung from a bridge over the Euphrates River.
Donna Zovko of Cleveland, whose son Jerry Zovko was among the slain contractors, said the prosecution of the SEALs who captured Abed was "very heartbreaking."
"For these young Navy SEALs, I am very thankful and hopeful that they will be OK," Zovko said.
Along with McCabe and Huertas, Petty Officer Jonathan Keefe of Yorktown, Va., is charged with dereliction of duty and making a false official statement. His arraignment has not been scheduled.
The SEALs, based at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek in Norfolk, are not in custody.
Remember the lesson - if someone kills 3000 of your fellow American's and you're job is to defend America, don't do it with your fist. If you do, your career is over.
Newswire AP: NAVAL STATION NORFOLK, Va. —
Two Navy SEALs accused in the mistreatment of an Iraqi suspect in the 2004 slayings of four U.S. contractors were arraigned in military court Monday, and one SEAL said he was gratified by support from the public and some members of Congress. The judge scheduled courts-martial next month for Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew McCabe of Perrysburg, Ohio, and Petty Officer 1st Class Julio Huertas of Blue Island, Ill. A third SEAL will be arraigned later.
The SEALs have received an outpouring of public support on the Internet, and a California congressman has led a campaign urging Defense Secretary Robert Gates to intervene. About three dozen protesters, including the mother of one of the slain contractors, stood outside the Norfolk Naval Station gate Monday morning holding signs of support.
McCabe is accused of striking the detainee in the midsection, dereliction of duty for failing to safeguard the detainee, and lying to investigators. He deferred entering a plea until his Jan. 19 trial.
McCabe told reporters he was confident he would be exonerated.
"I feel very good about it," he said as he made his way through the crowd of supporters, shaking hands and thanking them. "The support is phenomenal. It makes us feel better, all these people being behind us."
Huertas pleaded not guilty to charges of dereliction of duty, lying to investigators and impeding an investigation. His trial was set for Jan. 11.
"He's been a hero — two tours of Iraq and one tour of Afghanistan — and now this is the thanks he gets," Huertas' civilian attorney, Monica Lombardi, told reporters after the arraignment.
Military attorneys were not available for comment.
McCabe and Huertas both deferred a decision on whether to be tried by a military judge or jury. Lombardi said they couldn't choose because they still have not received the prosecution's evidence.
The men could have accepted a nonjudicial reprimand but wanted to go to trial to clear their names, Lombardi said. A reprimand could have resulted in a loss of rank; if they are convicted at trial, they could get up to a year in jail, a bad conduct discharge, or a loss of rank or pay.
McCabe declined to talk to reporters about specifics of the case. His father, Marty McCabe of Las Vegas, said all his son did was his job.
"It just turns my stomach to have these people send him over there and put him in harm's way, and then they don't have his back when he gets home," Marty McCabe said.
Military officials have cautioned against a public rush to judgment, saying a true picture will emerge when all the evidence is heard. However, more than 45,000 people have signed onto a Facebook page supporting the SEALs, and U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Calif., said in a letter to Gates last week that the prosecution was an overreaction by the military.
The charges stem from an alleged assault after the SEALs captured Ahmed Hashim Abed in early September. Abed is believed to be connected to the killings of four Blackwater security guards who were protecting a convoy when they were attacked by Iraqi insurgents. Their burned corpses were dragged through the city, and two of them were hung from a bridge over the Euphrates River.
Donna Zovko of Cleveland, whose son Jerry Zovko was among the slain contractors, said the prosecution of the SEALs who captured Abed was "very heartbreaking."
"For these young Navy SEALs, I am very thankful and hopeful that they will be OK," Zovko said.
Along with McCabe and Huertas, Petty Officer Jonathan Keefe of Yorktown, Va., is charged with dereliction of duty and making a false official statement. His arraignment has not been scheduled.
The SEALs, based at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek in Norfolk, are not in custody.
'Highest Duty' is a Great Read
Even if you're not a big reader, I'd recommend the book. It provides a unique perspective into his life, his challanges, and his handling of an event most don't live to talk about.
As a side note, today's USA Today has an interesting article on bird strikes and aviation. Some of you might enjoy it as well.
Weak Retail Sales in November Makes Recovery Cloudy at Best
While different parts of the country are fairing better than others during the economic recession, evidence of our recovery is still tenuous at best.
Retail sales numbers for November were disappointing for many. Retailers, such as department stores or those with exposure to apparel were down. Dillard's, Macy's, JCPenney and Target saw their same-store sales decline 11%, 6.1%, 5.9% and 1.5%, respectively. Saks was down an astonishing 26.1%, while Abercrombie & Fitch dropped 17%. This according to numbers released over the past few days.
Kohl's, Ross Stores and Nordstrom were the surprises as their same-store sales of 3.3%, 8% and 2%, respectively, met or exceeded Wall Street's expectations.
US government data on retail sales isn't due until December 11, 2009. That data will be a better overall reflection of the retail sector's performance. Also, US retailer Wal-Mart has not yet reported.
While experts blame some of the weakness on warmer-than-normal temperatures, the general feel is that there was an overly-optimistic level of expectations for the US consumer's willingness to spend money during the economic uncertainty. Based on these latest numbers, sales will mostly likely continue to be slow nationally as we head in the final weeks before Christmas.
The reality: there are still a number of people in the US who are in no position to spend any money outside of necessities.
Retail sales numbers for November were disappointing for many. Retailers, such as department stores or those with exposure to apparel were down. Dillard's, Macy's, JCPenney and Target saw their same-store sales decline 11%, 6.1%, 5.9% and 1.5%, respectively. Saks was down an astonishing 26.1%, while Abercrombie & Fitch dropped 17%. This according to numbers released over the past few days.
Kohl's, Ross Stores and Nordstrom were the surprises as their same-store sales of 3.3%, 8% and 2%, respectively, met or exceeded Wall Street's expectations.
US government data on retail sales isn't due until December 11, 2009. That data will be a better overall reflection of the retail sector's performance. Also, US retailer Wal-Mart has not yet reported.
While experts blame some of the weakness on warmer-than-normal temperatures, the general feel is that there was an overly-optimistic level of expectations for the US consumer's willingness to spend money during the economic uncertainty. Based on these latest numbers, sales will mostly likely continue to be slow nationally as we head in the final weeks before Christmas.
The reality: there are still a number of people in the US who are in no position to spend any money outside of necessities.
H1N1 Vaccinations in Neosho
Today's Joplin Globe includes an article on H1N1 vaccinations for Newton County. The key points are:
As a reminder, children nine and under get two doses.
- Missouri residents can call 417-451-3743 to make an appointment for a vaccination.
- Clinics are being held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Health Department, 812 W. Harmony St., Neosho.
- Appointments are necessary for the clinics.
- There is no charge for the vaccination.
As a reminder, children nine and under get two doses.
Dickens Christmas - A Fun Time
I'm not sure how the food tasted or how the sales went for vendors, but I can tell you the kitchen was a 'rockin' at the annual Dickens Christmas. Jeff Werneke, Rick Rogers, Laura Lyerla, Jody Cornett (the new manager at Wal-Mart), and myself spent 4+ hours cooking pancakes and sausage for the event. We cooked over 400 pancakes and sausage links and everyone that showed up got to eat. The event is put on annually by the Neosho Chamber of Commerce with donations from a number of local businesses.
Personally, I handled all of the sausage. Rick, Jeff, and Laura were full-time on the packcake griddles. Jody burned off the calories running between the kitchen and the serving table. I supplemented pancake capacity on and off during the morning.
Thank you Jody and Wal-Mart for donating all of the food and supplies. Thank you Debbie Werneke for helping organize the event. Thank you Rick Rogers for the great music, great pictures, and teaching me that measuring spoons are only a convenience, not a necessity.
My daughter (and many others) went home with a customized stocking and a full belly. She did, however, inform me that the real Santa wasn't on the stage. After all, he didn't look anything like the 'real' Santa at the mall.
Personally, I handled all of the sausage. Rick, Jeff, and Laura were full-time on the packcake griddles. Jody burned off the calories running between the kitchen and the serving table. I supplemented pancake capacity on and off during the morning.
Thank you Jody and Wal-Mart for donating all of the food and supplies. Thank you Debbie Werneke for helping organize the event. Thank you Rick Rogers for the great music, great pictures, and teaching me that measuring spoons are only a convenience, not a necessity.
My daughter (and many others) went home with a customized stocking and a full belly. She did, however, inform me that the real Santa wasn't on the stage. After all, he didn't look anything like the 'real' Santa at the mall.
December 4, 2009
Neosho's Citizen of the Year Lights Up Park
Kay Hively, recently recognized as Neosho's Citizen of the Year, flipped the switch last night in the annual lighting of Big Spring Park. Between now and Christmas, any can enjoy the sparkling lights on trees and other displays that adorn the park during the season.
Despite the cold weather and wind chills, over 100 people attended the lighting ceremony.
Despite the cold weather and wind chills, over 100 people attended the lighting ceremony.
Joplin Council up to Seven Potential Candidates for General Seat
Today's Globe confirms the race for Joplin's city council is getting bigger by the day.
Jonathan Kelly Maddy, 26, 2010 Kentucky Ave., is the latest to request a petition to run for a general seat on the council. Her's is the nine petition to be requested. So far, seven candidates are running for a general seat. Incumbent Mayor Pro tem Mike Woolston is one of them. Two other incumbents who hold general seats, Phil Stinnett and Jim West, have not said whether they will run again.
Two incumbents in zone seats are unopposed.
Mayor Gary Shaw is currently unopposed from Zone 1. Michael Seibert is unopposed for Zone 4.
December 3, 2009
Neosho R-5 Should Make It Three In A Row
Preliminary results released today by the Missouri Dept. of Education (DESE) indicate that Neosho, for the third straight year, will have "Distinction with Performance" honors as part of their annual accreditation. This year, Neosho met all 14 of the State's academic performance standards. Neosho has been on a streak since receiving the award for the 2006-2007 school year. Neosho received the honor again for 2007-2008. According to Dr. Page, Neosho's Supt. of Schools, he was "pleased".
To qualify for the award this year, K-8 districts had to meet 6 of the 7 performance standards that apply to these districts, including all of those based on the results of MAP tests. K-12 districts had to meet 13 out of 14 standards, including all of the MAP-based measures. The standards are based on scores from the state-mandated MAP tests, graduation rate, attendance, ACT scores, and other indicators. Last year, 330 schools across Missouri earned the “Distinction in Performance” award.
Neosho's Academic Leadership
Dr. Richard Page was promoted to the job of Neosho's Supt. of Schools starting in the 2005-2006 school year. Before that, he served the district as Neosho's Asst. Supt. of Business and Finance.
Mrs. Alma Stipp, Asst. Supt. of Curriculum/Instruction, has been in her current position since the begining of the 2006-2007 school year. She was a former elementary teacher and principal for Neosho.
My hats off to all of Neosho's faculty, staff, and administration. As a former member of the board, current parent of Neosho R-5 elementary student, and former graduate of Neosho, I'm proud to see our district do so well.
The DESE press release can be found here.
To qualify for the award this year, K-8 districts had to meet 6 of the 7 performance standards that apply to these districts, including all of those based on the results of MAP tests. K-12 districts had to meet 13 out of 14 standards, including all of the MAP-based measures. The standards are based on scores from the state-mandated MAP tests, graduation rate, attendance, ACT scores, and other indicators. Last year, 330 schools across Missouri earned the “Distinction in Performance” award.
Neosho's Academic Leadership
Dr. Richard Page was promoted to the job of Neosho's Supt. of Schools starting in the 2005-2006 school year. Before that, he served the district as Neosho's Asst. Supt. of Business and Finance.
Mrs. Alma Stipp, Asst. Supt. of Curriculum/Instruction, has been in her current position since the begining of the 2006-2007 school year. She was a former elementary teacher and principal for Neosho.
My hats off to all of Neosho's faculty, staff, and administration. As a former member of the board, current parent of Neosho R-5 elementary student, and former graduate of Neosho, I'm proud to see our district do so well.
The DESE press release can be found here.
December 2, 2009
It's Game Night
Pictured is the Lion Pride pep band between games.
State Audit is the "Right" Way to Look Into Finances
Last night's meeting had a number of twists and turns, but the growing support for a voluntary state audit is the right way to proceed and there are a number of benefits that can be realized from having one.
We can give answers to those who allege financial misconduct. We can show the council's willingness to have their actions reviewed and critiqued, and we can show the public, absent of bias or spin, how their city is doing in spending their money in accordance with the law. But remember that the audit doesn't come without cost. Initial estimates are $35K-$50K and that money will have to come from somewhere.
So I applaud the Mayor's comments in support of the audit. I only hope that once it is complete, the results are taken as the "truth" - good or bad. From there, we should move forward by addressing any deficiencies, stop dwelling on past actions that cannot be undone, and get back to doing the work of the people of Neosho.
We can give answers to those who allege financial misconduct. We can show the council's willingness to have their actions reviewed and critiqued, and we can show the public, absent of bias or spin, how their city is doing in spending their money in accordance with the law. But remember that the audit doesn't come without cost. Initial estimates are $35K-$50K and that money will have to come from somewhere.
So I applaud the Mayor's comments in support of the audit. I only hope that once it is complete, the results are taken as the "truth" - good or bad. From there, we should move forward by addressing any deficiencies, stop dwelling on past actions that cannot be undone, and get back to doing the work of the people of Neosho.
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