Incumbent Gary Newman, Jr., left, Incumbent Dana Autry, center, and newly-elected member Wayland Tom, right, took the oath of office as Board of Education members for the Senath-Hornersville School District during a re-organizational meeting the school hosted on Thursday. [Click to enlarge]

SENATH, Mo.-- The Senath-Hornersville School District held a re-organizational meeting on Thursday, where three candidates were sworn in as members of the school's Board of Education.

In the recent election on April 8, 2008, there was no race for seats on the Senath-Hornersville Board of Education because only three candidates filed and the board had exactly three empty seats to fill. Previously elected board member Tammy Gibson made a decision early in the race not to file for re-election, therefore, the three remaining candidates, incumbent Dana Autry, incumbent Gary Newman, Jr., and local pastor Wayland Tom had no opponents.

All three individuals took the oath of office on Thursday administered by board secretary Byron Small.

Tammy Gibson was also presented a special plaque from Board President Terry Scott, in recognition of her dedication to the district.

An emotional Gibson thanked the school board and administration for the gift, adding that it had been a privilege to work with such a sincere and dedicated group of people who were genuinely committed to the district in which they serve.

"These people I have been able to serve with truly care about the students here at Senath-Hornersville and that is what it is all about," Gibson said.

Following the reorganization of the board, Superintendent Larry Wood acted as a temporary chair for the election of Board President, which resulted in the nomination and re-election of the previous president, Terry Scott.

Once re-elected, Scott presided over the election of vice president, secretary, and treasurer.

During the election, it was decided the office positions would remain just as they had before, with Robby Shrum continuing to serve as vice president, Byron small serving as secretary, and superintendent's secretary Tina Davis as treasurer for the board.

Following the re-organizational meeting, the Board of Education conducted its regular monthly meeting where it heard from Middle School Principal Chad Morgan and High School Principal Kim Campbell.

Morgan told the board that current enrollment at the SHMS campus was at 231 with an Average Daily Attendance (ADA) of 93 percent. The principal also informed the board that the ADA during MAP testing, which just concluded, was at a higher rate of 96 percent.

"We had a lot of positive feedback from the teachers and our students regarding MAP testing," Morgan told the board.

Morgan elaborated, adding that the teachers at his campus went above and beyond by motivating the students for testing through creative, fun skits and activities.

"The kids really enjoyed the activities and the staff did as well."

During his report to the board, Morgan also presented each board member with a their own edition of this year's school yearbook.

High School Kim Campbell reported that 221 students were currently enrolled in the district and that his campus also had a positive experience with MAP testing this year.

One of the interesting items reported by Campbell on Thursday also included the fact that his school would be welcoming Reggie Walker of the Missouri State Highway Patrol to its campus on April 25 for the purposes of an educational presentation on drunk driving.

According to Campbell, Walker will present information and a graphic video designed to make a lasting impact upon the students, demonstrating the real-life dangers associated with driving while intoxicated.

"It's going to be pretty tough, but I believe it is something the kids should see," a concerned Campbell pointed out.

Following the principal reports, the board of education heard from faculty members Marilyn Branch, Sarah Bibbs, and Dana Blankenship who presented MSIP evaluations.

Branch provided an evaluation of the school's early childhood special education program.

Bibbs discussed the current state of the library and media center, and Blankenship evaluated the existing Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) program.

All evaluations were approved by the board as presented by the faculty members.

Other matters discussed on Thursday included the resignations and/or retirements of three staff members, the addition of two individuals to the substitute list, and the hiring of new teachers and non-certified personnel.

According to Superintendent Larry Wood, the board approved adding Heather Scott and Tara Farrell to the existing substitute list.

Wood said the board also accepted the resignation of elementary counselor Jeanne Dent and elementary special education teacher Jessica Stafford. Stafford will be replaced by newly hired Debbie Weaver Cleveland, according to the board's decision on Thursday.

Also hired was all the existing non-certified staff within the district, and Leslie Johnson, who will serve as a high school math teacher.

Middle School Librarian Sherry Oltman submitted a letter to the board of education during the meeting informing it that she had made the decision to retire from her position effective at the end of the current academic year.

All empoyment-related correspondence during the meeting was approved.

In executive session, the board of education and administration heard from a set of parents within the district who were concerned with a discipline matter involving their child, who is a student at the school.