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Advance RIV awarded $480,000 Missouri Preschool Project Grant
On Monday, July 13, 2015, Advance RIV School Board members learned that the district was one of 17 in the state to be awarded a Missouri Preschool Project grant, which will give the district $480,000 over the next four years. More than 250 schools applied for the grant. The Advance district will use the funds to operate a preschool program in the building formerly occupied by the Advanced Learning Center.
Superintendent Stan Seiler and staff will attend a July 23 grant meeting to learn about the accounting for the grant. Seiler complimented his board for being willing to support a grant-writing atmosphere that has brought in approximately $2million for the school over the last five years.
"It takes a lot of work and investment to write grants," Seiler said. "I'm proud of the board for being willing to support our efforts to receive grants. This preschool grant was actually a lot of fun to write, because we'll be coordinating our professional development with other districts in the area."
The Advance district will work with Ste. Genevieve and Kelso C-7, among other schools.
The superintendent's report revealed that district fund balances are strong, despite several expenditures. Advance RIV has a fund balance of 38 percent, compared to the state average of 18 percent.
Improvements include the purchase of 50 new laptop computers, the construction of a new agriculture building, a preschool building, raises for staff, Professional Learning Communities, and Professional Development Consortium.
Seiler reported that State funding , while not "great," appears to be "steady" for the next three years. Seiler indicated that Advance is a "well-capitalized" district, so the Advance RIV Schools have a good credit rating.
The board also heard the maintenance report, tentative athletic schedules, and MSIP reports on board policies and discipline. Seal-coating has been done at the old gym and the high school. The company will come back to do the striping.
When asked about the progress on the new FEMA Safe Room, Superintendent Seiler said that five contractors were interested in the project. By mid-August, the plan should be approved by FEMA. The district has applied for a waiver, so the board should be able to accept bids three weeks after they are received.
The board also approved the agreement with the Advance Community Library to occupy the current location for one more year.
In new business, the tax rate hearing was set for 5:45 p.m. on Monday, August 10, 2015 before the regular 6 p.m. board meeting. Board members will meet at 5 p.m. to tour the building and meet new teachers.