Nodaway County school board notes

By Phil Cobb | December 30, 2025 |

School Board Notes art

Jefferson C-123

CONCEPTION JCT., Mo. — The following are notes from the minutes of the Jefferson C-123 Board of Education meeting held Wednesday, Dec. 17, in the school library.

The board approved the district’s audit by Conrad & Higgins, LLC, of Chillicothe. The auditors did not identify any deficiencies in internal control that they consider material weaknesses, but one that is significant: segregation of duties. Because of the district’s limited personnel, it is not always possible to adequately segregate certain duties so that no one employee has access to both physical assets and related accounting records. However, the audit did not reveal any significant errors or irregularities resulting from this lack of segregation of duties.
Elementary Principal Caden Farnan’s report noted that sixth graders have started the D.A.R.E. program with the Nodaway County Sheriff’s Office. The group will have 10 sessions to make it through the curriculum.
High School Principal Tyler Pedersen reported that while it was a lot of work to host the school’s first junior high boys and girls basketball tournament this year, it went well. “We received a lot of positive feedback,” his report noted. “Overall I feel it was a positive experience for our students and our school.” He said parking might have been the biggest issue.
Pedersen’s report noted that FFA member Lily Cady is the district winner of the Missouri Pork Producers public speaking competition. She will compete at the state level in February.
The board approved the purchase of $8 million worth of umbrella liability coverage from the Missouri United School Insurance Council.
Board members approved Mylie Holtman as the district’s Belcher Scholarship applicant and awarded her a $250 scholarship. The board also approved awarding $100 scholarships to Andy Lager and Allison Riley who also applied.
The board approved a memorandum of understanding with the Nodaway County Sheriff’s Office for a School Resource Officer program.
Board members approved the 2026-2027 sports co-ops. High school: football, girls and boys cross country, softball, boys and girls basketball, boys and girls track, baseball, and cheerleading. Junior high: softball, football, girls and boys cross country, boys and girls basketball, boys and girls track, and cheerleading.
After returning from closed session, the board accepted the resignation of Adam Henry as varsity softball and varsity baseball assistant coach.

North Nodaway R-VI

HOPKINS, Mo. — The following are notes from the minutes of the North Nodaway R-VI Board of Education meeting held Wednesday, Dec. 17, in the school board room.

The board approved the district’s 2024-2025 audit performed by Conrad & Higgins, LLC, of Chillicothe. In its findings, the auditor notes that because of the district’s limited number of available personnel it is not always possible to adequately segregate certain duties so that no one employee has access to both physical assets and related accounting records.
Superintendent Chris Turpin’s report noted that the Gladys M. Rickard Charitable Trust approved a grant of $20,000 to be used for a new electronic sign in Pickering after a storm earlier this year tore out the city’s sign. This sign would provide school information.
Board members approved a cardiac emergency response plan, complete with cardiac emergency response team including the school nurse, who is also the CERT coordinator; principals, custodian, superintendent, building secretaries and coaching staff. CERT members will undergo training each year.
The board received culture and climate survey results for teachers and students for future review.
The board approved a maintenance work list for break. Some of the work includes finishing the office and bathroom at the bus barn, deep cleaning classrooms in both buildings, patching walls, changing out ceiling tiles and more.
Board members approved spending $89,517 in umbrella liability coverage from the Missouri United School Insurance Council.
The board approved adding Adam Baumgartner to the substitute teacher list.

South Nodaway R-IV

BARNARD, Mo. — The following are notes from the minutes of the South Nodaway R-IV Board of Education meeting held Wednesday, Dec. 17, in the school library.

Board members approved the first reading of the 2026-2027 school calendar. The board will review the calendar again in January.
The board accepted the resignation of Peggy Christian. She will retire as of Dec. 31.
Board members approved the current sports co-op agreements for the 2026-2027 school year.
The board approved a memorandum of understanding with the Nodaway County Sheriff’s Office for a School Resource Officer program.
The board’s next meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Jan. 21.

Nodaway-Holt R-VII

GRAHAM, Mo. — The following are notes from the minutes of the Nodaway-Holt R-VII Board of Education meeting held Wednesday, Dec. 17.

The board approved cardiac emergency plans for the elementary and junior high/high school buildings.
The board accepted the resignation of Kelli Wilmes.