Recognition of student achievement, board reorganization and urgent planning for future facilities highlighted the Perry County School District 32 Board of Education meeting held April 15 at the temporary district office.
The meeting opened at 7 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance. Board members approved the consent agenda, which included minutes from March 10, 11 and 31, as well as March warrants.
The meeting then shifted to a celebratory tone as board members recognized several Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) students for their success at district and state competitions. Honorees included Ashli Berkheimer, Eloise Bollinger, Bryce Naeger, Janie Porter, Levi Pyland, Josie Robinson, Zach Seyer and Brooke Sutterer.
District 15 includes 15 schools, with competitions held at Southeast Missouri State University. Students who place in the top two of performance events or top five in written events qualify for state competition. Eight district students earned that distinction this year.
Following recognitions, the board accepted certified election results and administered the oath of office to Caleb Streiler, Daniel Querry and Terry Wichern by board secretary Julie Wibbenmeyer. Nancy Voelker, who was re-elected to the board, was absent.
The board then reorganized leadership, electing Dominic Blythe to a second term as president. Voelker was selected as vice president, Kevin Bachmann as Missouri School Boards’ Association delegate and Terry Wichern as alternate delegate. Lacey O’Keefe was named board treasurer and alternate board secretary, while Wibbenmeyer will serve as board secretary.
A vacancy on the board was also addressed following the resignation of Alexandria Lueders, with officials outlining the process to fill the position, including a minimum two-week public notice period before an appointment is made.
A storm recovery update was also presented as the district continues to address ongoing impacts from recent tornado damage.
The board approved several bids related to district operations and projects, including moving forward with bidding for interim school package 2A, as well as agreements with Holcomb Engineering for geotechnical services, Republic Services for waste management, The Bug Guy for pest control, Cintas for fire safety system services and Ozarc Gas for welding supplies.
The board also approved a construction manager at risk (CMAR) contract tied to ongoing district projects, incorporating legal revisions designed to protect the district’s interests.
Much of the evening’s discussion focused on facilities planning in the wake of the recent failure of Proposition K.I.D.S. and the continued strain on district operations.
District leaders emphasized the need to reassess project scope and cost before returning to voters with a revised proposal, likely targeted for the August ballot.
“The only meaningful way to reduce cost is to reduce square footage,” was a key takeaway during the discussion, as board members and consultants examined ways to balance financial realities with long-term needs.
In the short term, the district is moving forward with plans to renovate portions of the west wing of Perryville High School in an effort to transition students out of temporary classroom spaces.
The proposed “light renovation” includes new flooring, paint, ceilings and lighting, as well as the addition of a Family and Consumer Sciences lab. Bid packages are expected to be issued soon, with bids due May 7 and board approval targeted for May 13.
At the same time, the district is evaluating interim facility options, including a pre-engineered metal building that could house classrooms and athletic spaces for approximately three years.
Two of three bid packages for the structure have already been received, representing an estimated $1.5 million investment before interior buildout. Board members discussed whether to proceed, weighing the benefits of consolidating students into one space against the desire to conserve funding for a permanent high school solution.
Administrators also noted the logistical challenges of dispersing students across multiple locations, including increased passing times that could significantly reduce instructional minutes over the course of a school week.
To guide next steps, the district plans to launch a new community survey aimed at gathering broader feedback than previous efforts.
Board members discussed using multiple channels — including newspaper publication with a QR code, a direct phone option and possibly mailed forms — to ensure greater participation and better understand why some voters opposed the previous proposal.
The timeline for action is tight. The deadline to place a measure on the August ballot is May 26, leaving district leaders just weeks to gather input, refine plans and present a revised proposal.
In closed session, the board approved updates to the district’s K-12 Safety Emergency Operations Plan and accepted resignations.
Despite the challenges, district leaders emphasized the urgency of moving forward.
The ultimate goal, they said, is clear: returning students to stable, permanent classroom environments while building a long-term solution that the community will support.
In closed session, the board approved updates to the district’s K-12 Safety Emergency Operations Plan, accepted several resignations and approved personnel changes. Resignations included Dan Querry, consultant; Reine Vernon and Sara Brown, day custodians; and John Estopare, food services. The board also approved the hire of Kathy Giesler as an evening custodian for the 2025-26 school year and the transfer of Kaylie Thieret to an instructional interventionist position for the 2026-27 school year.
