The Callaway Board of Education met for their regular monthly meeting on Jan. 13, with the first order of business being the election of officers for 2025. That process went a whole lot smoother this year than last, with no opposition to the 2024 officers remaining in their roles.

Following the election of officers, board committees were established with the only change being the addition of Jim Phelps to replace Rhonda Pandorf on the policy committee to even those out.

As the meeting moved from the board realignment into the regular meeting, Principal Heath Birkel shared a recap of student activities and accomplishments from the past month. He also shared that the administration has been focusing on student attendance this year and has continued to see very strong attendance numbers through the first semester.

In his report to the board Superintendent JD Furrow shared an update on the state’s teacher shortage and some positive signs that progress is being made. The number of unfilled positions in the state has decreased about 300 in the past year. 'This is a direct result of all the alternative pathways that have been created recently for people to transition into a teaching career,” Furrow explained.

Jamie Isom, the school’s ALICAP loss control consultant, visited the district in December to audit facility safety. “She was very complimentary of the work that has been done to keep our school safe for students and staff,” Furrow reported.

Continuing with the superintendent’s report CD rates were discussed and a plan was made for handling a CD that is maturing in February. Furrow also informed the board of ongoing communication involving the purchase of some empty lots by the bus barn.

Furrow shared his second semester goals with the board and emphasized the importance of making the staff feel they have administrative support. He reiterated to the board how much he has enjoyed working with them and feels the school has been making great strides in the first semester of the year.

Moving into agenda items requiring action by the board, approval was given for the purchase of a new water softener from Culligan in the amount of $13,762.21 from the special building fund. The board also unanimously approved Furrow to schedule construction on the boy's varsity locker room to meet ADA compliance, not to exceed $35,000 from the special building fund.

During discussion of the renewal of a special services contract with ESU 10, Principals Birkel and Brittany Jesseph informed the board of some concerns about the service being provided by the LMHP and also shared some positive impact from that service.

In the end it was decided to continue using ESU 10 for the 2025-2026 school year for the following services: School Psychology, Special Education Administrative Supports, Occupational Therapy, Licensed Mental Health Practitioner (LMHP), and audio/visual supports should they be needed.

In the final agenda item of the evening Superintendent Furrow’s contract was discussed. The board unanimously approved to extend Furrow's superintendent contract to the 2026-2027 school year and to increase his salary to $145,000 starting the 2025-2026 school year. His new contract will begin July 1, 2025.

The next regular meeting of the board will be Feb. 10, at 7 p.m. in the library of Callaway Public Schools. The public is welcome to attend, and an agenda is available at the school office.