Palmyra R-1 Board Approves Staff Raises, Facility Upgrades And New Hires

PALMYRA, Mo. — The Palmyra R-1 Board of Education approved staff
raises, advanced several building improvement projects and filled key teaching and coaching positions during its regular meeting April 14.
One of the board’s most significant actions was approving a 3% raise for all
certified and noncertified staff for the 2026-27 school year.
The district’s base salary will increase to $41,765, while vertical steps will remain at $425. The board also approved the district’s 2026-27 Career
Ladder Plan as part of its ongoing review of budget priorities.
The meeting also brought movement on several facilities projects across the district. Board members approved a contract with Marold Electric for a districtwide LED lighting project, a move expected to improve efficiency and reduce long-term operating costs. The board also accepted a bid from
Heartland Restoration for tuckpointing on the east side of the high school gym.
In addition, the board reviewed progress on playground upgrades, middle
school tuckpointing and tennis court improvements. Members approved a change order from Heimer Construction for sandblasting services before the tennis courts are resurfaced. District officials said the additional work is expected to increase the life of the court surfaces.
Another maintenance project is also on the horizon. Bids for elementary ceiling grid work are due May 6. The project will lead to installation of new grid and ceiling tile in 19 original classrooms dating to the school’s 1959
construction.
The board began the meeting with its annual reorganization for the 2026-
27 term. Roth McElvain was selected as board president. Andrew Lehenbauer was named vice president and will continue to serve as the
Missouri School Boards’ Association delegate. Jeff Weaver was named treasurer, and Doug Meyers was appointed secretary.
Board members also heard a presentation from PACE teacher Nichole Gard on the district’s gifted program. The PACE program is designed to serve gifted and talented students in the district.
Superintendent Jason Harper also provided a legislative update, while building principals shared reports from their schools.
The board reviewed district performance measures as well. Palmyra R-1 earned all 42 points on the Missouri School Improvement Program, or MSIP 6, Cycle 2 comprehensive scoring review. According to the release, the district received especially strong marks for its comprehensive school
improvement plan, community outreach and stakeholder engagement.
The board also reviewed Clarence Cannon Conference sportsmanship results from the winter season.
Several personnel actions were approved during the meeting. The board accepted the resignation of Jennifer Reis, a third grade classroom teacher.
The board also approved two internal staff moves. Jenny Emmite will move from fifth grade science teacher to eighth grade science teacher.
Kalli Scholl was approved to move from part-time varsity basketball cheer coach to full-time varsity basketball cheer coach.
In addition, the board approved the hiring of Tyler Banta as middle school boys basketball coach; Melissa Billups as middle school football cheer coach; Connor Brazil as fifth grade English teacher; Macy Bross as varsity softball coach; Sarah Campbell as elementary paraprofessional; Mahala Hehmeyer as elementary paraprofessional; Alyssa Lee as elementary paraprofessional;
Lacey Stamper as middle school physical education teacher, middle school girls basketball coach and varsity assistant softball coach; and Asjia Troy as third grade classroom teacher. The board also approved summer student
workers.
Board members further approved additions to the substitute teacher list, the
non-tenured teacher list for the 2026-27 school year and the coaching and extra-duty list for the coming year.