The Perry County School District 32 Board of Education met Feb. 11 at the Career Center, focusing primarily on storm recovery efforts, construction planning, long-range improvement goals and program updates.
PUBLIC COMMENT
At the beginning of the meeting, school patron Leroy Ponder addressed the board regarding storm recovery efforts following last March’s tornado. His questions centered on the district’s repair strategy, long-term construction planning and financial considerations related to insurance proceeds and potential tax incentives.
Board members and administrators responded that roof repairs have been completed in damaged areas, temporary classroom space was necessary due to safety concerns, and FEMA reimbursement amounts are still being determined. It was also noted that bond issuance would require voter approval.
CONSTRUCTION MANAGER AT RISK
Board members reviewed responses to a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for a construction manager at risk related to ongoing storm recovery and future facility projects.
Five firms submitted RFQs. Following scoring by district administrators and board representatives, Brockmiller Construction received the highest ranking, followed by Robinson Construction and Zoellner Construction. The board approved moving forward with Requests for Proposals (RFPs) from the three firms.
Colin Rogers, president of Brockmiller Construction, explained options for establishing a guaranteed maximum price (GMP), outlining the difference between an early GMP and a late GMP issued after design documents are finalized. Rogers recommended allowing design work to advance prior to setting the guaranteed price to reduce uncertainty and contractor contingencies.
Discussion also included the possibility of phasing projects and issuing GMP amendments as individual bid packages are developed.
STORM RECOVERY UPDATE
Rogers provided an update on ongoing projects.
Temporary administrative offices are nearing completion, with a projected turnover date in early March. At the middle school, the final metal wall panels are on site for installation. Two HVAC switchovers remain at the primary and elementary buildings and are scheduled for spring break.
Plans are underway to relocate students from the Learning Expo metal building. The district intends to renovate the 1970 west wing and construct a new approximately 11,700-square-foot metal building to house classroom space, locker rooms and restrooms accessible from the football field. Construction of the new building is estimated to take approximately eight months once underway.
Superintendent Dr. Fara Jones told the board the district is working to ensure adequate instructional space and does not recommend long-term relocation of high school students into elementary facilities.
INSURANCE INVESTMENT
Dr. Jones requested approval to issue an RFP to explore short-term, compliant investment options for insurance proceeds not immediately needed. The board approved the request.
CSIP UPDATE
Chief Academic Officer Jan Narrow presented updates to the district’s Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP), a data-driven framework used to improve student performance and address measurable goals. The CSIP also tracks attendance, discipline data, teacher retention and compliance measures.
Narrow reported that several academic growth targets have been met, prompting the district to raise benchmarks moving forward. Three-year teacher retention rates have increased, and financial audit and fund balance goals have been met, according to the report.
CAREER & TECHNICAL CENTER
Career and Technical Center Director Dan Hecht presented the annual program evaluation, highlighting hands-on learning opportunities and a positive placement rate exceeding 90 percent for graduates.
Hecht also reported the center generates approximately $700,000 in revenue from non-local sources to support operational costs.
LEARN LIFE SAVERS PROGRAM
The board approved implementing the Learn Life Savers lesson plan beginning in the 2026-27 school year. The program provides high school students with information about organ, eye and tissue donation prior to obtaining a driver’s license. Administrators indicated parents will be informed prior to instruction.
STUDENT RECOGNITIONS
At the top of the meeting, Athletic Director Justin Dreyer recognized Perryville High School students who earned Academic All-State honors.
Cross Country Academic All-State honorees included Micah Brown, Marcas Smith, Clayton Bauwens, Rodney Rauh, Katie Baggett, Alexa Hagan, Anna Rehagen, Lucy Blythe, Easton Blechle, Esveidy Antonio, Grace Buchheit and Addie Kirn.
Volleyball Academic All- State honorees were Kaeli Klaus, Emma Blechle, Lydia Schlimpert and Allyson Burns.
CLOSED SESSION
In closed session, the board approved the following motions:
RETIREMENT
■ Marion Bahr — Custodian (effective March 31, 2026)
RESIGNATIONS
■ Alexus Earhart — Teacher (effective June 30, 2026)
■ Amanda Cattoor — Middle School Cheer Coach
HIRES
2026-2027 School Year
■ Central Office Administrators
■ Directors and Building Administrators
■ Landon Armbruster — Teacher
■ Emma Ferguson — Teacher ■ Brianna Hoehn — Teacher
■ Devyn Barton — Teacher
■ Dwayne Hadler — High School Head Boys Soccer Coach
2025-2026 School Year
■ Lisa Richards — Evening Custodian
■ Kathy Giesler — Transfer to Paraprofessional Transportation Aide
■ Leah Buerck — High School Assistant Girls Soccer Coach
