Ash Grove School District to offer preschool, daycare next school year

The Ash Grove Board of Education voted unanimously Monday, April 27, to offer a preschool and daycare program for the district starting next school year.
The plan will be overseen by teachers Jessica Livingston and Melissa Moreland. Although details are few at this point, the move was welcome news to teachers in the district who will now have an option for their own children who are pre-kindergarten age.
“The daycare will pretty much take care of itself, from the fees that come in for the daycare,” Superintendent Aaron Gerla said. “As of right now, there will be 4-year-olds that will be primarily part of the day care. If we don’t fill with 4-year-olds, we’ll be offering to 3-year-olds, as well. Some of the staff would love to be able to use this facility. It’s a huge benefit to our staff, as well.”

FEMA Shelter
Also discussed at the meeting was a potential FEMA shelter building for the district. Gerla said there were two options being considered. First, was a FEMA building as a new varsity gym at the high school. However, due to cost, this option was not feasible. The second option was a FEMA building at Ash Grove Elementary, which would sit behind the elementary. This possibility is currently being pursued, the designs of which are already in motion. Funding the building is also currently in question and would need to be determined before going forward.

Board sworn in
Three members of the board Matthew Hancock, Caleb Smith and Jerry Morton ran unopposed for their current seats. In that scenario, no election is needed. As such, the three incumbents were sworn in by board secretary Linlley Belker.
Reorganization
The board of education reorganization saw Bill Duncan maintain the president’s seat; Jeremy Willmon held on to the vice president’s chair; Jeana Scroggins came away with treasurer duties, as well as MSBA delegate work; and Caleb Smith was chosen as the alternate delegate for the MSBA. Belker was unanimously named the board secretary.