Sedalia 200 Approves Hiring Armed Security Positions

The Sedalia 200 Board of Education approved several decisions Monday night during the meeting at Smith-Cotton High School, including the hiring of armed security personnel.

The discussion of hiring six armed security positions was previously brought up at the June meeting and on Monday, the Sedalia 200 board approved the decision.

The six positions are estimated to cost the district $228,000 annually. Each officer would have a salary of approximately $38,000. Superintendent Steve Triplett said the district is only seeking candidates who are eligible to carry a firearm. The district has received four applications so far. Triplett noted that three of the applicants have been interviewed but there was no mention of anyone having been hired yet.

According to information in the board packet, the district would be able to place an officer at each elementary building and Whittier.

In June, board member Steve Schilb expressed support for the addition of armed officers, saying "its time to start looking at the possibility and search for qualified individuals."

On Monday night, board president Dr. Jeffrey Sharp echoed that support, saying "this is a good start."

In regards to the active shooter training exercise that took place at S-C High School earlier this month, Triplett said he realized how crucial 3-4 minutes can be when dealing with serious threats. With the approval now in place, the district will continue to search for qualified applicants to fill the positions.

The board also approved a late bid for roof repairs at Horace Mann elementary and Sedalia Middle School. The bid came from MLS Designs in Blue Springs. The work is part of the district's 5-Year Maintenance Plan and include improvements to the gym roof at Horace Mann and seam work at Sedalia Middle School.

Assistant Superintendent Chris Pyle recommended scheduling the work to start as soon as possible. It was noted the roof work can still be conducted while school is in session.

Further approval was given to select the nominees for the Athletic Hall of Fame and the Activities Hall of Fame.

The Hall of Fame Selection Committee met on June 27 and reviewed seven Athletic nominees as well as two nominees for the Activities hall.

Information in the board packet indicates from the nominations, three from the athletic list and both activity nominees were selected for induction into the 2018-2019 Hall of Fame class. They include:

Joe Arbisi- Athletic

Warren Dey – Athletic

Emily Webster – Athletic

Wayne Brown – Activities

Brenton Ryan - Activities

In other action, the board approved an audit services extension with Fick, Eggemeyer and Williamson for another two years. Approval was also given to a real estate purchase of Lots 2 and 3 on Tiger Pride Blvd.

Dr. Harriet Wolfe recommended the board set the Tax Rate Hearing, with time for public comment at 6:15 p.m. on August 27 at Smith-Cotton Junior High, which is also the date for the next regular board meeting.

Only one item was rejected at Monday's meeting, which included a new parking lot and sidewalk at the District Office. Chris Pyle said one bid was received from Preferred Construction for $124,650.00.

The bid included demolition of existing concrete and adding 1500 sq ft for 4 new parking spaces. The project was deemed too costly and the board opted not to move forward at this time.

Pyle noted that to continue safe travel, the district maintenance team is scheduling work to address areas that need attention.