Princeton Board of Education considering sixth graders for junior high sports

At the Princeton R-5 school board meeting on June 10, a community member requested that the board and administration consider allowing sixth graders to participate in middle school sports.

The Missouri State High School Activities Association approved sixth-grade eligibility three years ago, but Princeton has not yet adopted that policy.

The decision is based on concerns about physical demands and potential dangers. Additionally, concerns have been raised regarding the age, physical and mental abilities, maturity, skills, and readiness of sixth graders for competitive sports at the junior high school level.

Due to a decline in enrollment and participation in recent years, the Athletic Director is currently evaluating anticipated participation numbers for the fall season. This reassessment aims to ensure that all students have the opportunity to participate in athletic activities while maintaining safety and competitiveness.

The board also considered a recommendation from school administrators to implement a random drug testing process for students. The district says it is committed to deterring and preventing drug use among students.

Under the proposed program, students in grades seven through 12 would be required to consent to random drug testing as a condition of participating in extracurricular activities. Students who test positive for drugs or who violate the testing process may be suspended or excluded from these activities.

Princeton R-5 notes that the sanctions in the proposed policy focus solely on limiting opportunities for participation in extracurricular activities. Any violation of the District’s disciplinary policy regarding drugs and alcohol will be subject to the consequences outlined in the policy.

The board will continue to review additional information to discuss and evaluate the proposed drug testing program. Community input is encouraged during the evaluation period.

Separately, the board approved a banking services offering from Farmers Bank of Northern Missouri.

The district was also approved to build five electric school buses free of charge. A grant will cover 100% of expenses for buses and necessary infrastructure equipment. It is possible that the buses will be delivered in mid to late 2024.

Princeton will work with Grundy Electric Cooperative to implement the infrastructure necessary to install charging stations.

The district’s annual financial audit is scheduled to begin July 26.

The district will host an online surplus auction for a limited number of items. The auction can be accessed at govdeals.com, with an estimated closing date of July 5.

After a closed session, the board of directors took measures concerning the employees.

The board approved the retirement of middle and high school art teacher Becci Shew.

Additionally, the board approved Rafaela Johnson as middle and high school art teacher, Angie Stockman as middle and high school math teacher, Cody Demoss as middle and high school business teacher, Riley Moreno as preschool paraprofessional, and Bill Goodin as a special education paraprofessional.

Approval was also given to Payton Goodin and Mike Schmidli as junior high girls basketball coaches, Bill Goodin as cross country coach, Louis O’Brien as interim head varsity football coach, Scott Ussery and Troy Malone as assistant varsity football coaches, Bill Goodin as assistant middle and high school track and field coach, Merideth Ussery as head coach of junior high cheerleading for basketball and football, Tina Holt as girls varsity golf coach, Dale and Kaylyn Bagley as sponsors of the National Honor Society and Rafaela Johnson as sponsor of the ‘phone book.

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