The Rossville Consolidated School District Board of Education met Tuesday evening for its regularly scheduled meeting, tackling a wide-ranging agenda focused on personnel, policy, financial matters, and student safety initiatives in preparation for the upcoming school year.
Following the call to order and a brief public comment period, the Board approved the minutes from its July meeting along with payroll and claims. Among the evening’s central topics was a series of staffing changes. The Board accepted the resignations of Brittany Schneider, a bus driver, and Christina Schaefer, the elementary art teacher. In turn, numerous appointments were approved across the district, including new teachers, substitute educators, coaches, and club sponsors.
Notably, Amanda Padgett was hired as a third-grade teacher, and Mariah Lester was welcomed as a new bus driver. Several staff members were assigned as mentors as part of the district’s Mentor/Mentee Program, demonstrating the administration’s ongoing commitment to teacher development and retention.
Fall sports and extracurricular programs also saw robust staffing activity. Coaches were named for volleyball, soccer, cross country, golf, and tennis, while club sponsors and department chairs were confirmed across a variety of academic and student life areas, ranging from FFA and Esports to the Speech Team and National Honor Society.
The Board also reviewed and approved a policy update related to its partnership with Clinton County Joint Services, clarifying contract terms for psychologist services. A comprehensive slate of policy revisions was presented, including updates to the district’s “Stop the Bleed” program, student wellness initiatives, and procedures related to virtual education, test security, and student discipline. These updates reflect the district’s commitment to aligning with evolving state guidelines and best practices.
The Board held a public hearing to discuss a proposed $50,000 additional appropriation to the Rainy Day Fund. Following the hearing, the appropriation was approved alongside a series of donations from community organizations, including contributions supporting the speech team and FFA travel.
In other financial matters, the Board approved the consolidation of multiple surety bonds into a single Position Schedule Bond, a move expected to streamline coverage for various district roles.
Safety and operational preparedness remained a top priority. The Board approved a Memorandum of Understanding with Clinton County EMS outlining protocols for responding to school bus accidents. Additionally, the district’s annual review of bus routes confirmed that all highway stops are made curbside, and flexibility remains to adjust routes based on student needs. The Board also approved the updated Emergency Operations Plan, which, due to its sensitive nature, was reviewed privately by board members.
Several other items received approval, including facility use by the Rossville Business Association during the Summer’s End Festival, authorization for Dr. Hanna and Mandi Pennington to sign special education placement agreements, and submission of certified and classified staff evaluation plans to the state.
Finally, the Board adopted its meeting schedule for the remainder of the 2025-2026 school year.
The meeting concluded with a brief field trip report and a motion to adjourn.