"Minutes":

A tale of two districts...

...the discovery of an alternative universe...

...a fall down the rabbit hole...

...whatever!

The meeting started off in normal fashion with the monthly call for "Examples of Excellence". CE Principal Rose Gayle Picket introduced a group of students from Regina Brown's class who gave three demonstrations of how to perform math problems in the new Common Core way. After this intellectual exercise, it was time for entertainment. Principal Pickett introduced CE Teacher Janet Rose, who, in turn, introduced her group of singing students...performing a "Cairo Song" that she had written. This was followed by a performance of "Cairo 2", a composition of the students' own. All groups - math and music - received hearty rounds of applause from those present at the meeting.

Next up on the agenda was the "Visitors Section".

Three parents related their view of Cairo Public Schools...

...a vision far different from the one celebrated in previous meetings of the Board of Education.

It was not a pretty picture...

...tales of outrageous student, staff, and teacher behavior.

There was special mention of everyday and everywhere profanity by all. Allegedly, all you have to do is walk down the hallways of CJSHS and you will get your ears singed, with no correction by adults. And, speaking of adults, one parent provided an alleged quote from a teacher's aide to a student: "Sit your damn ass down."

It got worse...

...tales of common, unpunished, bad behavior which is not lost on the "good students" who are beginning to follow the lead of their less disciplined peers. Former BOE member Rodney Moore expressed the concern: "I know you don't want to put kids out of school, but what about the "good kids"...they have a right to learn." (Or words to that effect.) Mr. Moore raised the "threat level" of behavior in CSD #1 by saying he was concerned about the safety of the children, including his own, going so far as to mention "weapons in school." (He gave no details, but, surprisingly the BOE/Superintendent asked no questions or issued any denials.)

The BOE members listened to about 45 minutes of impassioned appeals from the three parents. You could tell from the BOE members' sour expressions that it was not a message they expected or wanted to hear on the eve of the holiday season. The BOE chose not to engage in a dialogue with the parents, only reacting when they feared that one parent was on the verge of identifying a specific employees, informing her that such allegations or discussions would have to be conducted in closed session. (She opted to end her remarks.)

Superintendent Andrea Evers did object to one parent's characterization that CSD #1 (in its failure to discipline unruly students and/or provide a challenging educational environment) was setting the kids up for prison. Superintendent Evers said that she had heard such comments from outside sources but that it simply was not true in Cairo, that she only knew of one student who had ended up in the penal system during her tenure.

Finally, the BOE had heard enough, bringing the gavel down on the visitor's session at 7 p.m.

The BOE approved the "Consent Agenda" as a group with no comments or questions.

Once again, the "Report of Superintendent" and the "Informational" sections were a hurried affair. Most of it consisted of Superintendent Evers highlighting inclusions in the BOE packets. (Not being privy to such, it didn't make much sense to me.) This was followed by a rushed recitation of upcoming dates. Well, with my hearing challenges, I made no effort to keep up.

The BOE voted to enter Closed Session at 7:10 p.m. The BOE voted to exit Closed Session at 9:30 p.m.

Upon reconvening in open session, the BOE voted to approve the items listed under "Requiring Action/Decisions by Board of Education"...

...with one exception. The BOE tabled the "contract renewal/extension of Nate Porter" until its regular January meeting.

The person hired as 6th Grade Teacher was Nicole Julian.

Under the "old Business" item on the agenda, Superintendent Evers updated the members on Coach Ronnie Woods recent "successful" surgery. He is expected to be in Southeast Missouri Hospital for a few more days.

The BOE voted to adjourn at 9:37 p.m.

PS: All BOE members were present for this meeting. (Vernon Stubblefield left during Closed Session at 8:45 p.m.)

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