West Carroll School Board Swears in Mueller, Honors BETA State Competitors

ATWOOD (January 8) — Paul Mueller is the newest member of the West Carroll Special School District Board of Education.

Mueller was sworn in at the beginning of the board's regular monthly meeting Thursday by Chris Hayden, attorney for the district. Mueller was appointed to fill the seat of Misty Mitchell, who recently resigned from the position.

Dozens of students from elementary through high school who competed and represented West Carroll at the recent BETA Club State Convention in Nashville were recognized for their efforts, which yielded many awards. Many of the students were present at the meeting, and several had their projects on display.

Board Chairman William Robinson thanked the students, sponsors and parents for their hard work and representation of the district.

Board members approved the first of two readings of a request for a junior-senior high band field trip to Chesterfield, Missouri in May.

Director of Schools Preston Caldwell gave an update on the district's five-year strategic plan, including data from the most recent state report card.

Caldwell reiterated the district's mission: "To prepare students for life beyond the classroom."

He said, "We accomplish this through small class sizes, diverse academic and career pathways and a safe, supportive learning environment where every child is known, valued and inspired to reach their full potential."

The director listed seven district-wide goals and priorities:

1. A constant focus on safety and security.
2. A focus on every student.
3. To improve K-12 literacy, numeracy and college and career readiness.
4. To invest in our people.
5. To partner with our stakeholders.
6. To improve all aspects of extracurricular activities.
7. To improve district-wide ACT growth and achievement.

In the state report card, West Carroll's grades 3-5 and 6-8 both obtained a Level 4 in growth for economically disadvantaged students.

The district is at a 100 percent career and college readiness rate.

The overall district designation is "Advancing". Caldwell said, "We have been 'Satisfactory' in the past… I would love for us to reach 'Exemplary'."

Members approved the second and final reading of a policy update regarding the safe relocation of students. The new language states that any necessary relocation will comply with Special Education laws.

In his monthly report, Director Caldwell welcomed Mueller to the board and Deputy Walter Smothers as a new school resource officer serving the junior-senior high.

He reported a threat of violence that occurred in November. The incident had been determined to not be an imminent threat to safety.

Caldwell also noted that upgrades to doors and windows at the primary school were complete save "a few small things" and that it "looks fantastic."

The meeting adjourned after 45 minutes.

The next meeting of the board is Thursday, February 5 at 6:30 p.m.