Transparency Portal
Welcome to Ozark School District's Transparency Portal! This online tool makes it easy for parents, students, staff and community members to find important information about our District. We strive for transparency in everything we do. We want our taxpayers to feel confident in knowing how we are spending your tax dollars and how we are educating the children in your community. By sharing these reports and documents, we aim to keep everyone in the loop and build a stronger, more connected community.
If you have something you would like us to consider adding to the Transparency Portal, please email ozarkcommunications@
- Digital & Website Accessibility
- Oct. 22, 2025 Parent Email - Student Services Update
- Oct. 8, 2025 Parent Email - Tuberculosis (TB) Exposure
- Sept. 29, 2025 Parent Email - Handbook Updates
- Asbestos Reinspection & Surveillance
- Cell Phone Policy
- Dress Code
- Ozark School District's AI Procedure
- PowerSchool Data Breach + Updates
- Compliance with Missouri Election Laws: Board Election and Vacancy Appointment Process
- Hot Topics
- Annual Bus Inspections
- Food Inspections
- Lead Testing
Digital & Website Accessibility
Digital Accessibilty
Ozark School District is committed to ensuring that our websites are accessible to all individuals, including individuals with disabilities. We are committed to compliance with Level AA of the World Wide Web Consortium’s (W3C) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 (WCAG 2.1).
If you find a problem that prevents access to any of the pages on this website or resources contained on these pages, please contact the Ozark Communications Department at ozarkcommunications@ozarktigers.org. Please include contact information and as many details as possible (like the URL of the webpages and details about the issue you are experiencing) so we can identify the problem and work to resolve it.
Website Accessibility
Every effort has been made to create a site that is easy to use, informative, attractive, and accessible, regardless of ability, browser level, or connection speed.
Accessibility features include small graphic files with alternative tags, common-sense information for links and forms, and a consistent page design and navigation scheme. Adobe’s PDF format is used for some files on this site and can be access via a free download of PDF viewer from Adobe.
Ozark welcomes comments on how to improve the site’s accessibility. If you find a problem that prevents access to any of the pages on this website, please contact the Ozark Communications Department at ozarkcommunications@ozarktigers.org. Please include contact information and as many details as possible so we can identify the problem and work to resolve it.
Oct. 22, 2025 Parent Email - Student Services Update
Oct. 8, 2025 Parent Email - Tuberculosis (TB) Exposure
Ozark School District is working closely with the Christian County Health Department after being informed that an individual at the high school has tested positive for tuberculosis (TB).
The Health Department is conducting a thorough investigation to identify and directly notify any individuals who may have had close contact with this person. Only those identified as close contacts will receive further communication and instructions for testing or follow-up.
At this time, there is no broad risk to students or staff, and school operations are continuing as normal.
For general information about tuberculosis, please visit the Christian County Health Department website or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) TB information page.
If you have specific health concerns or questions, you may contact the Christian County Health Department at 417.581.7285.
Sept. 29, 2025 Parent Email - Handbook Updates
Ozark Families,
On Tuesday, Sept. 23 the Board of Education made updates to each student handbook to comply with state law while still supporting all students fairly.
Handbooks are available on the district website. The update is below along with the page number that it can be found in each school’s handbook.
Tiger Paw Updates:
“Consistent with 210.003, RSMo this serves as notification that some children at Tiger Paw may have an immunization exemption on file with the district.”
“Consistent with the decision of the Missouri Supreme Court in RMA v. Blue Springs, students are required to use gender-specific restrooms that align with their birth sex.”
- Tiger Paw - page 5
Elementary Schools & Middle School Update:
“Consistent with the decision of the Missouri Supreme Court in RMA v. Blue Springs, students are required to use gender-specific restrooms that align with their birth sex.”
- East/North/South/West Elementary - page 6
- Ozark Middle School - page 17
Junior High & High School Update:
“Consistent with the decision of the Missouri Supreme Court in RMA v. Blue Springs, students will be required to use gender specific restrooms, locker rooms, hotel rooms, and similar accommodations that align with their birth sex.”
- Ozark Junior High School - page 10
- Ozark High School - page 24
- Finley River School - page 11
No signature is required.
Asbestos Reinspection & Surveillance
NOTIFICATION OF ASBESTOS REINSPECTION AND SURVEILLANCE
Parents and Staff,
In compliance with the U.S. Environmental Agency (EPA) Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) in June of 1988 we performed inspections of each of our school buildings for asbestos containing building material. The inspection findings and asbestos management plans have been on file in each school administrative office since that time.
The EPA requires us to perform re-inspection of the asbestos materials every three years. During the month of June 2007, accredited asbestos inspectors performed these re-inspections. An Accredited management planner reviewed the results of the re-inspections and recommended actions we should take to safely manage each asbestos material in our Buildings.
The results of the re-inspection are on file in the management plan in the school’s administrative office. Everyone is welcome to view these anytime during normal school hours (Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.). The Asbestos Program Manager, Richie Fretwell, is available to answer any questions you may have about asbestos in our buildings. All areas that contain Asbestos either Friable or non-friable are monitored constantly and are checked by an accredited AHERA Inspector every six (6) months to assure no deterioration of their condition to assure proper health and safety conditions for all employees and constituents of the school system.
Sincerely,
Richie Fretwell
Executive Director of Operations
Cell Phone Policy
As we prepare for the 2025–26 school year, we want to ensure you’re aware of important updates to cell phone usage policies for junior high and high school students. By limiting cell phone use during the school day, we aim to minimize distractions and encourage healthier, more meaningful interactions.
High School Policy
To create a learning-focused environment, students are required to turn off their phones and put them “out of sight” between 7:00 AM and 2:50 PM.
If a device is visible or in use during the school day:
- First offense: Device is held in the main office until the end of the day.
- Second offense: Device is held; student receives two lunch detentions.
- Third offense: Device is held; student receives three days of In-School Suspension (ISS).
Refusal to hand over a device when asked by a staff member will result in one day of Out-of-School Suspension (OSS) in addition to the standard consequence.
Smartwatches may not be worn, they will be treated like a phone and subject to the same consequences.
We encourage students to use the office phone when needed and remind parents to contact the main office for messages during school hours.
Read full policy in student handbook.
Junior High Policy
To minimize distractions and support student engagement, we are asking that students keep cell phones and electronic devices turned off and put away from the time they arrive at school until dismissal. While students are discouraged from bringing devices to school, those who choose to do so will be expected to follow these guidelines:
- Devices must remain off and stored throughout the school day.
- The school is not responsible for lost or damaged devices.
If a student does not follow this policy:
- First offense: Student receives a verbal reminder.
- Second offense: Device is confiscated and turned into the office; parents may be contacted.
- Additional violations: Consequences may include detentions, In-School Suspension (ISS), or Out-of-School Suspension (OSS).
Students who refuse to hand over a device may face further disciplinary action. Our staff and administrative team will work together to ensure consistent and fair enforcement of this policy.
Read full policy in student handbook.
Dress Code
As we prepare for a great school year ahead, we want to ensure students and families are aware of our updated Dress Code Policy for our middle, junior, and high school students. These guidelines are designed to reflect our commitment to a learning environment that is safe and respectful while allowing for individual expression.
Student dress code can be found by reviewing Policy JFCA
.Read full policies below or in student handbooks.
Ozark Middle School | Ozark Junior High | Ozark High School
Ozark High School
High School Policy
All dress code procedures will adhere to health and safety codes and comply with applicable law. Dress that materially disrupts the educational environment will be prohibited. No procedure will impose dress and grooming rules based on gender in violation of Title IX. District procedures will specifically define ambiguous terms, and examples will be provided when practicable. The Board of Education expects student dress and grooming to be neat, clean, and in good taste so that each student may share in promoting a positive, healthy, and safe atmosphere within the school district.
General Expectations
- Students must wear clothing that is clean and properly fitted.
- Clothing and grooming must not disrupt or interfere with the educational process, safety standards, or others’ rights to learn.
- Final decisions on dress appropriateness rest with the school administration.
Required Standards
- Shorts, skirts, and dresses must be an appropriate length.
- No halter tops, muscle shirts (cut-off t-shirts), backless, see-through, or midriff-revealing tops.
- Clothing must fully cover private body parts and undergarments while standing, sitting, or moving.
- Shoes must be worn at all times.
- No house slippers, bathrobes, or blankets.
- Footwear should be safe for all school activities (e.g., no heelies, flip-flops for lab classes).
- Hoods and sunglasses are not allowed to be worn inside the building, except for medical or religious reasons or on designated spirit days.
- No bandanas or costume accessories unless pre-approved for school events.
- Face paint is not allowed during instructional time.
- Clothing must not display:
- Profanity, obscene or sexually explicit content.
- References to alcohol, tobacco, drugs, or illegal activities.
- Symbols or language that promote hate, violence, or gang affiliation.
- Inflammatory or derogatory content toward any group or individual.
Enforcement & Exceptions
- Violations will result in a request to change clothes or call home for a change.
- Repeated offenses may lead to progressive disciplinary actions (e.g., detention, ISS).
- Spirit days or cultural attire must be approved in advance.
When, in the judgment of the principal, a student's appearance or mode of dress does not comply with the above criteria, the student may be required to make modifications. No employee or volunteer shall direct a student to remove an emblem, insignia, or garment, including a religious emblem, insignia, or garment, as long as it is worn in a manner that does not promote disruptive behavior.
You can also read the policy in the student handbook.
Ozark Junior High
Junior High Policy
All dress code procedures will adhere to health and safety codes and comply with applicable law. Dress that materially disrupts the educational environment will be prohibited. No procedure will impose dress and grooming rules based on gender in violation of Title IX. District procedures will specifically define ambiguous terms, and examples will be provided when practicable.
General Expectations
- Clothing and grooming must not disrupt or interfere with the educational process, safety standards, or others’ rights to learn.
- Final decisions on dress appropriateness rest with the school administration.
Required Standards
1. Coverage and Fit
- Clothing must fully cover private body parts and undergarments while standing, sitting, or moving.
- No spaghetti straps, halter tops, backless, see-through, or midriff-revealing tops.
- Sleeveless shirts such as muscle shirts must have appropriate arm hole coverage, and should not expose the chest or undergarments.
- Shorts, skirts, and dresses must be an appropriate length. Must provide appropriate coverage and be of a length that allows students to move, sit, and participate in school activities.
- Clothing may not be excessively tight, baggy, ripped, or sheer.
2. Footwear
- Shoes must be worn at all times.
- Footwear should be safe for school activities.
3. Headgear & Accessories
- Hats, hoods, and sunglasses are not allowed inside the building, except for medical or religious reasons or on designated spirit days.
- No bandanas, do-rags, blankets, face paint, or costume accessories unless pre-approved.
- Jewelry and accessories must not be dangerous (e.g., spiked collars, chains, sharp objects).
4. Graphics & Language
- Clothing must not display:
- Profanity, obscene or sexually explicit content.
- References to alcohol, tobacco, drugs, or illegal activities.
- Symbols or language that promote hate, violence, or gang affiliation.
- Inflammatory or derogatory content toward any group or individual.
Consequences:
- Violations will result in a request to change clothes.
- Repeated offenses or noncompliance may lead to progressive disciplinary actions (e.g., detention, ISS, and OSS).
You can also read the policy in the student handbook.
Ozark Middle School
Ozark Middle School
All dress code procedures will adhere to health and safety codes and comply with applicable law. Dress that materially disrupts the educational environment will be prohibited. No procedure will impose dress and grooming rules based on gender in violation of Title IX. District procedures will specifically define ambiguous terms, and examples will be provided when practicable.
General Expectations
- Clothing and grooming must not disrupt or interfere with the educational process, safety standards, or others’ rights to learn.
- Final decisions on dress appropriateness rest with the school administration.
Required Standards
1. Coverage and Fit
- Clothing must fully cover private body parts and undergarments while standing, sitting, or moving.
- No spaghetti straps, halter tops, backless, see-through, or midriff-revealing tops.
- Sleeveless shirts such as muscle shirts must have appropriate arm hole coverage, and should not expose the chest or undergarments.
- Shorts, skirts, and dresses must be an appropriate length. Must provide appropriate coverage and be of a length that allows students to move, sit, and participate in school activities.
- Clothing may not be excessively tight, baggy, ripped, or sheer.
2. Footwear
- Shoes must be worn at all times.
- Footwear should be safe for school activities.
3. Headgear & Accessories
- Hats, hoods, and sunglasses are not allowed inside the building, except for medical or religious reasons or on designated spirit days.
- No bandanas, do-rags, blankets, face paint, or costume accessories unless pre-approved.
- Jewelry and accessories must not be dangerous (e.g., spiked collars, chains, sharp objects).
4. Graphics & Language
- Clothing must not display:
- Profanity, obscene or sexually explicit content.
- References to alcohol, tobacco, drugs, or illegal activities.
- Symbols or language that promote hate, violence, or gang affiliation.
- Inflammatory or derogatory content toward any group or individual.
Consequences:
- Violations will result in a request to change clothes.
- Repeated offenses or noncompliance may lead to progressive disciplinary actions (e.g., ISS, and OSS).
You can also read the policy in the student handbook.
Ozark School District's AI Procedure
Ozark AI Procedure
Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to advanced computer systems that simulate human intelligence, enabling them to perform complex tasks such as problem-solving, learning, reasoning, and understanding natural language. These technologies are becoming increasingly integrated into our daily lives and are particularly impactful in education, where they enhance learning experiences and streamline administrative processes.
The District recognizes the potential of AI to support and expand classroom instruction while providing valuable resources for staff and teachers. Therefore, the District authorizes the ethical and legal use of AI as a tool to increase learning opportunities, subject to the limitations outlined in this procedure and other applicable Board Policies.
The use of Artificial Intelligence falls within the Ozark School District Acceptable Use Policy.
Ozark Guidelines For Staff Use of AI
- Before allowing students to use a specific AI platform in the classroom and before using an AI tool as a resource, employees should ensure that the AI system has been vetted and approved by the District and otherwise meets the District’s safety standards. Evaluation of an AI tool may include whether it:
a. is an open or closed environment for purposes of data collection;
b. has a privacy setting where data resharing can be limited or blocked;
c. meets current student data privacy standards;
d. can be offered in an equitable manner;
e. can minimize or eliminate any inherent bias (ensure the human in the loop); and
f. has safeguards in place to attempt to assure accurate and factually correct information can be provided.
2. When applicable, the District should attain parental consent before offering certain open AI services to students.
3. Any use of AI in the classroom or on class assignments must align with the teachers’ instructions and expectations. Teachers will:
a. clarify whether students are permitted to use AI in an assignment;
b. have students cite the use of AI as a source and communicate with students on how to avoid plagiarism;
c. guide and monitor student use of AI, ensuring that it aligns with the District’s guidelines and policies, including the District’s Acceptable Use Policy; and
d. communicate to students how the use of AI will impact competency marks or grades.
4. Use of an AI system must comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. (FERPA) (20 USC 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99.)
5. Users should not solely rely on AI as a fact-checker to confirm their work or research as it may not always provide accurate or up-to-date information.
Ozark Students
- Use AI tools during in-class examinations, or assignments, when explicitly permitted and instructed. Use of AI without explicit permission is considered a violation of the academic integrity rules found in the student handbook.
- Give credit (at age/grade appropriate level) to AI tools whenever used, even if only to generate ideas rather than usable text or illustrations, using the instructors’ citation rules.
- May employ AI detection tools and originality checks prior to submission, ensuring that their submitted work is not mistakenly flagged.
- Use AI tools wisely and intelligently, aiming to deepen understanding of subject matter and to support learning.
- Practice good information literacy skills, some content generated by AI tools may be inaccurate, incomplete, or otherwise problematic. Users should not solely rely on AI as a fact-checker to confirm their work or research as it may not always provide accurate or up-to-date information.
- Avoid overuse as it can stifle independent thinking and creativity.
- Use only district approved AI tools.
Users Are Prohibited From
- Using any AI system to access, create, or display harmful or inappropriate matter that is threatening, obscene, disruptive, or sexually explicit, or that could be construed as harassment or disparagement of others or to interact with the AI in a manner that supports any of the above.
- Sharing confidential information or personally identifiable information (PII) with the AI system of another student, staff member, or other person. AI information should not be shared with the intent to threaten, intimidate, harass, or ridicule that person. PII includes, but is not limited to, a person’s name, address, email address, telephone number, Social Security number, or other personally identifiable information.
Violation of these provisions (District Board Policy, Procedures, or the District’s Acceptable Use Agreement) shall result in disciplinary action, including but not limited to suspension or revocation of my access to district technology, and suspension or expulsion from school (Policy JG-R1)
Communicating Acceptable Use of AI
There are three levels of acceptable use of AI within a classroom. In addition to the guidelines above, Ozark staff will communicate student usage on assignments, assessments, and projects with the AI Stoplight. AI is not permitted unless an instructor shares how AI may be used within the course or on a particular assignment / project.
Internet Safety
The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that all District computers or devices with access to AI have protection measures to protect against access to materials that are obscene, contain child pornography, or are harmful to minors. The AI procedures shall follow all applicable state and federal laws and shall comply and fall within the board of education technology policy EHB.
Resources used for this procedure include the MSBA AI Toolkit, the Republic R-III, Lee's Summit R-VII, Common Sense Media, and Perplexity. A huge thank you to the AI Taskforce for their contribution of work, time, and talent to create this district procedure. (Presented to the Ozark Board, 2/2025)
PowerSchool Data Breach + Updates
Jan. 30, 2025
Ozark Families & Staff,
We are writing to update you regarding the recent cybersecurity incident involving PowerSchool, the software vendor that provides our Student Information System (SIS).
Yesterday, Jan. 29, 2025, PowerSchool initiated the process of notifying individuals whose information was determined to be involved.
As previously mentioned, PowerSchool has engaged Experian, a trusted credit reporting agency, to provide complimentary identity protection and credit monitoring services to current students and staff who had information compromised. PowerSchool is doing this regardless of whether an individual’s Social Security Number was compromised. In the coming weeks, Experian (on behalf of PowerSchool) will be distributing direct email notifications to involved individuals (or their parent/guardian, as applicable) for whom PowerSchool has sufficient contact information.
Additionally, PowerSchool has worked with Experian to set up a dedicated, toll-free call center to answer any questions associated with these offerings and the incident. All the information regarding the activation of and access to these services will be included in the email sent to you by Experian. Whether or not you receive an email, you may also visit PowerSchool’s website to learn how to activate the offering from Experian, linked here.
Protecting our students and staff remains our top priority. Thank you again for all of your support and understanding during this time.
Sincerely,
Dr. Robert Hedgecorth
Executive Director of Business Services
Jan. 22, 2025
Ozark School District Families and Staff,
We appreciate your patience and understanding as we address the recent cybersecurity incident involving PowerSchool, our student information system.
PowerSchool has taken several steps to address the situation and support everyone affected. Here are some key updates:
- Complimentary Identity Protection Services
- Identity Protection: PowerSchool will be offering two years of complimentary identity protection services for all students and staff members whose information was involved.
- Credit Monitoring: PowerSchool will also be offering two years of complimentary credit monitoring services for all students and staff whose information was involved.
- Individual Notifications
- PowerSchool will notify individuals whose information was affected, including students (or their parents/guardians if under 18) and Ozark staff members. Notifications will include details about how to activate these services.
- They are also handling notifications to relevant state authorities to help ease the administrative burden on families and the District.
- Community Support
- A dedicated call center, managed by PowerSchool and Experian, will be available to answer any questions. More information to come.
Further communication regarding this matter will come directly from PowerSchool. As soon as these notifications begin, Ozark School District will inform our families and staff so you can be on the lookout.
We are working closely with PowerSchool to safeguard your information and prevent future incidents. Thank you for your continued support and trust as we navigate this together.
Sincerely,
Dr. Robert Hedgecorth
Executive Director of Business Services
Staff - Jan. 16, 2025
Sent to Ozark staff Jan. 16, 2025
I wanted to send a follow up message in regards to credit monitoring from PowerSchool for the recent data breach. PowerSchool has informed districts that they are working with their legal team on their official response for credit monitoring, and that they will share information with all districts affected on Friday, January 17.
There have been some reports that individuals have received a message about credit monitoring from PowerSchool. Please note that there has been no official implementation of credit monitoring at this time, and if you received an email, it was most likely a phishing attempt.
Once we receive official information about credit monitoring from PowerSchool, we will communicate with all staff. We will also post any new public information about the situation to our Transparency Portal on our district website - www.ozarktigers.org/transparencyportal
Thank you for your patience as we work through this situation with PowerSchool.
--
Robert Hedgecorth, Ed. D., SFO
Executive Director of Finance and Business Services
Ozark School District
Families - Jan. 16, 2025
Sent to Ozark families Jan. 16, 2025
There have been some reports that individuals are receiving messages about credit monitoring from PowerSchool. Please note that there has been no official implementation of credit monitoring at this time, and if you received an email, it was most likely a phishing attempt. If PowerSchool sends a message we will be sure to follow it with confirmation.
We will also post any new public information about the situation to our Transparency Portal on our district website - www.ozarktigers.org/transparencyportal
--
Ozark School District
Jan. 14, 2025
Sent to Ozark families and staff Jan. 14, 2025
We are writing to inform you about a PowerSchool data breach that has impacted our district and many others across the state, nation and globe. PowerSchool, the company that provides the student information system for the Ozark School District, has notified us of a cybersecurity incident affecting their global systems. The breach involved unauthorized access to their data systems between Dec. 19 - 28, 2024. Our staff and student information was among the information that was compromised.
This situation is deeply concerning, and we are actively working to obtain more information. We want to share what we currently know about this incident and its potential impact on Ozark students and staff.
Summary of Events
On Jan. 7, 2025, PowerSchool informed us that a threat actor compromised their company-level security. This actor accessed multiple districts’ data, including Ozark School District, using a remote support tool. PowerSchool has assured us that the incident has been contained, and there is no evidence of continued unauthorized activity. They have implemented several security measures to protect their clients. Our local review aligns with the timelines provided by PowerSchool regarding unauthorized access.
PowerSchool has shared the following updates:
- They do not anticipate that the data will be shared or made public. PowerSchool has partnered with multiple cybersecurity vendors to contain and respond to the threat. They believe the accessed data has been irrevocably destroyed without replication or dissemination.
- PowerSchool is collaborating with a cybersecurity technology company to monitor the public domain and ensure the data is not being redistributed.
- Federal agencies are investigating to identify those responsible.
What Data Was Affected?
The breach involved the downloading of student and staff demographic data stored in the Ozark School District PowerSchool system, including:
- Student/Staff names
- Student/Staff addresses
- Student/Staff phone numbers
- Student/Staff email addresses
- Student/Staff date of births
- Student ID numbers
- Staff ID numbers
- Staff ONLY Social Security numbers
The following data was NOT compromised:
- Passwords
- Credit card information
- Legal documents used during student registration
- Photos
- Educational records
- Student health records (except for health alerts included in demographic data, such as allergies)
- Student social security numbers were NOT compromised
Social Security numbers and staff dates of birth stored in the compromised system were accessed. However, PowerSchool has indicated that all downloaded data has been destroyed at this time.
Next Steps
On Jan. 9, we participated in a webinar hosted by PowerSchool’s senior executives to learn more. Here are the key updates:
- We are waiting for PowerSchool to confirm the option of offering credit monitoring to those affected. Details will be shared soon.
- Since no passwords were accessed for student, staff, or parent portal accounts, there is no need for password changes at this time.
- A lack of multi-factor authentication (MFA) was a contributing factor in this breach. This incident did not involve user accounts within the Ozark School District.
Recommended Actions for Families and Staff
In the meantime, we encourage you to take the following precautions:
- Monitor your accounts: Watch for any suspicious activity in your district-related accounts. Report concerns to the tech support team at your building or email powerschoolinformation@ozarktigers.org.
- Be cautious of phishing attempts: Avoid responding to unexpected emails or calls requesting personal or school information.
The Ozark School District is committed to safeguarding our systems and preventing future cybersecurity issues. We are taking this situation very seriously and we are working with the appropriate parties to minimize this impact and prevent future incidents. As PowerSchool provides further updates, we will share them with you, as well as post it on our Transparency Portal at ozarktigers.org/transparencyportal. You may also receive updates directly from PowerSchool.
Thank you for your understanding and vigilance as we navigate this issue.
Sincerely,
Dr. Lori Wilson, Superintendent
Dr. Robert Hedgecorth, Executive Director of Business Services
Compliance with Missouri Election Laws: Board Election and Vacancy Appointment Process
The Ozark R-VI School District has no authority to “reconsider” the rules that govern filing for and election to the Board of Education. That process is governed entirely by state statutory and case law:
- Missouri law requires the Board of Education to publish notice of the election on or before the 17th Tuesday preceding the election. That deadline for the April 2025 election was December 10, 2024.
- Missouri law also requires the Board to include the following information in the published notice: (1) the opening filing date, (2) the office or offices to be filled, (3) the place for filing, and (4) the closing date for filing.
- As required by law, the district published timely notice that (1) two seats would be open for the April 2025 election; (2) the first date for filing would be December 10, 2024; (3) the location for filing was the district office; and (4) the closing date for filing would be December 31, 2024.
- Once that notice was published and the filing period had begun, the number of seats to be filled by election in April was final. Additional vacancies could not be added because the statutory notice requirement for any additional seat could not be fulfilled.
- There is no method by which an individual can file for a vacancy that did not exist and was not published prior to the filing period.
- Therefore, there is no mechanism by which an individual’s name can appear on the ballot in April of 2025 for the unexpired term.
- The fact that an appointee can serve until April 2026 under the current circumstances is solely a result of the requirement that candidates file for office in the manner prescribed by the General Assembly for each April election.
- These requirements are part of a larger statutory framework adopted by the General Assembly that is intended to protect the integrity of all elections. These requirements are mandatory, not merely directory, and must be honored.
Therefore, an individual may not request to file for a vacancy that did not exist when the notice of election was published. Additionally, a person may not request to be placed on the ballot for a vacancy that will not exist until after filing has closed. For example, in this case, the resignation was not effective until December 31, 2024. The notice of resignation was provided on December 19, but the effective date was December 31. The Board has no authority to declare a date of resignation earlier than the effective date in the notice.
In summary, the school district is not bypassing the April 2025 election. It is just following the notification and filing requirements established under the election laws adopted by the Missouri General Assembly. The district was required by law to publish a notice of election on or before December 10, 2024. That notice, as required by law, listed the number of open seats to be filled in the April 2025 election, as that number existed when the notice was published – specifically, two seats. The district cannot accept candidate filings for a vacancy that did not exist and was not included in the election notice that preceded the filing period. And in this case, the vacancy will not even exist until after the filing period has closed. Therefore, there is no mechanism to place the vacancy on the April 2025 ballot. That is the only reason that a person appointed to fill the new vacancy would serve until April 2026. The district is not excluding voters from the process. It is just following the law. The Board had no authority previously and has no authority now to declare and accept filing for a third open seat for the April 2025 election.
With respect to the residency issue, the board also has no authority to remove or expel a board member for residency or any other reason. That action must be taken by a court. However, Missouri law concerning residency and removal of elected officials favors the officials -- and it is very difficult to prevail in such actions (which are long, drawn out, time-consuming, and expensive for the plaintiff). For example, some will remember that the Missouri Supreme Court found that former Governor Kit Bond was found eligible to run for governor in 1972 (which office had and has a ten-year, in-state residency requirement) – although he had been absent from the state for the majority of the immediately preceding ten years and all of the typical factors regarding residency (voting, job locations, marriage license, vehicle registrations, physical residence locations, etc.), indicated that he was not eligible to run. Subsequent cases regarding officeholder and candidate residency, including cases directly involving school board members, have resulted in similar decisions.
As explained above, the district is just following the law. However, it is also making an effort to include interested individuals in the process. The law requires the Board to appoint a replacement. But the law neither prohibits nor requires an application process. That process is optional under Board policy. Nevertheless, the Board has adopted and published on its website a process by which interested individuals may submit an application for appointment to the vacancy and provide as much information as they wish in support of the application. We encourage all interested persons to engage in the application process.
Hot Topics
Annual Bus Inspections
Section 307.375, RSMo. requires that school buses be safety inspected annually by an official motor vehicle safety inspection station. The Missouri State Highway Patrol conducts annual bus inspections at school districts across the state each spring. The Patrol then releases the results on its website.
The Ozark School District Transportation Department includes more than 70 employees who all have a passion for students. On average, the department runs 60 buses and transports 3,100+ students daily, totaling about 780,000 annual miles.
2025 Annual Bus Inspections 2024 Annual Bus Inspections
For questions, contact the Ozark School District Transportation Department at (417) 582-4735.
Food Inspections
The Christian County Health Department inspects Ozark School District’s kitchen in each school building at least twice each school year. Ozark School District Nutrition Services has approximately 60 employees who strive to remain in compliance with state and local food handling safety regulations, all while building relationships with students.
Christian County Health Department Food Inspections
For questions, contact the Ozark School District Nutrition Services Department at (417) 582-5967.
Lead Testing
In 2022, the Missouri legislature passed the Get the Lead out of School Drinking Water Act (RSMo 160.077), which sets standards for lead concentrations in school drinking water. The law requires schools to conduct inventory, sampling, remediation and monitoring at all potable drinking water outlets used or potentially used for drinking, food preparation, and cooking or cleaning utensils. Under the law, the deadline to complete initial testing is August 2024.
In April 2024, Ozark School District, through Terracon Consultants, Inc., tested 1,097 outlets across the District, including drinking fountains, bathroom and kitchen sinks, classroom faucets, and bottle fillers. Terracon presented the District with the drinking water testing results on June 11, 2024.
If you have any questions, please contact Assistant Superintendent of Operations Dr. Curtis Chesick at curtischesick@ozarktigers.org.