VIENNA — Maries R-1 Special Education Director Joe Edwards shared administrative updates with the school board during its Dec. 19 meeting.

The special education report began with an update that the district had received an additional $23,899 in federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Congress appropriates the funds to support early intervention and special education services for children and their families. Funding supplements additional costs the district incurred during the 2022-23 school year with reimbursements during the current school year.

Edwards attended an active shooter preparedness webinar hosted by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency of the United States Department of Homeland Security.

“We’re doing a lot of things right,” he said. “I got some ideas to go through the building.”

Edwards said the district could look at some of the safety improvements he heard about during the webinar if there is any money left over from the state school safety grant. Earlier this year, the district received $50,000 as part of a grant program to support a range of school safety improvements including physical and technological security upgrades.

Edwards and Vienna Elementary School Principal Shanda Snodgrass completed teacher observation certification for master scoring.

At the time of the meeting, the district had held 35 meetings about individualized education plans or eligibility for plans. Edwards said there had been a large increase in students receiving special services. At the same time last year, 41 students received special services compared to 53 students this year. There has also been an increase in referrals.

Vienna High School Principal Tim Metcalf was unable to attend the meeting because he was supervising the Vienna Eagles boys basketball team’s win in New Haven. Edwards also read his report.

The district’s giving tree helped 15 families this year. Metcalf recognized The Maries County Bank, Colton’s Steakhouse, Maries County courthouse employees and many community members for their contributions to the tree.

Fourteen teachers are in the process of creating curricula. Aspects of the curricula include standards, learning targets, activities and resources.

Students in middle school and high school participated in a door-decorating contest.

Some of the high school students recently had an opportunity to tour the Rolla Technical Institute (RTI) and learn about the programs it offers to high schoolers. The center hosts about 20 courses including agricultural education, automotive technology, criminal justice, culinary arts, early childhood careers, masonry and more.

Students interested in attending RTI during the school day will have an opportunity to apply in January. In February, the district will choose applicants to fill up to 20 spots.

Over the break, the Eagles will compete in an invitational basketball tournament in Bourbon. At the end of the report, Metcalf picked on his predecessor by including the line, “The girls and boys are undefeated this season against Ian Murray and the Iberia Rangers.”