February 21, 2024 Meeting Minutes
Board of Education Business Meeting
School District of Clayton
February 21, 2024 Meeting Minutes
Members Present:
Ms. Amy Rubin – President
Ms. Stacy Siwak –Vice President
Mr. Gary Pierson –Secretary
Mr. Jason Wilson – Director
Mr. Jason Growe – Director
Ms. Chris Win – Director
Absent:
Ms. Kim Hurst – Treasurer
Non-Voting Attendees:
Dr. Nisha Patel – Superintendent
Dr. Milena Garganigo – Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and
Learning
Dr. Robyn Wiens – Assistant Superintendent of Student Services
Dr. Cameron Poole – Chief Officer of Equity, Inclusion &
Accountability
John Brazeal, Chief Financial Officer
Jeff Puls – Chief Technology Officer
Luke Heitert – Chief Communications Officer/Safety & Security Liaison
Mohini Mahajan – 23/24 Student Representative to the Board
Heike Janis – Executive Assistant to Superintendent/Board of
Education
1. Business Meeting – 7:00 p.m.
Information: 1.01 Adequate Notice/Call to Order
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.
Ms. Kimberly Hurst was absent due to a family commitment. The absence was excused.
President, Amy Rubin, extended her deepest sympathy and sincere condolences on behalf of the board and the School District of
Clayton to the family of Jackson Spader who died in a house fire. Jackson was a Kindergarten student at Meramec Elementary School.
Action: 1.02 Adoption of Agenda
Adopt the agenda as posted.
Motion by Gary Pierson, second by Stacy Siwak.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Yes: Amy Rubin, Stacy Siwak, Gary Pierson, Jason Wilson, Chris Win, Jason Growe
2. Recognizing Our Own
Information: 2.01 Wydown Middle School Science Teacher - Chris Chisholm
The Board of Education recognized Mr. Chris Chisholm for his leadership with the Wydown WEB (Where Everyone Belongs) program.
Information: 2.02 Bus Driver Appreciation
The Board of Education recognized the Special School District bus drivers and aide who transport Clayton district students.
3. Public Comment
Information: 3.01 Public Participation at Board Meetings
Cordell Whitlock: Mr. Whitlock addressed the board members regarding the School District of Clayton and the Special School District
partnership.
Yalla Naga: Grateful for the work that everyone is doing regarding the special school district services. Ms. Naga expressed her
concerns about the partnership agreement.
Michelle Abounader: Ms. Abounader thanked the staff of the School District and Clayton and Special School District for their work
with students who receive special school district services. Cecelia "Cricket", her daughter, is thriving at Wydown from the services she
is receiving.
Tahnee Whitlock-Cordell: Thank you for getting us to this point and for continuing the work that needs to be done. Ms. Whitlock-
Cordell suggested additional language for the resolution the board is asked to adopt.
Board of Education Meeting
February 21, 2024
Page 2
4. Superintendent Communications
Information: 4.01 Superintendent Communications
Dr. Nisha Patel provided an update on current district events and happenings.
5. Student Representative to the Board
Information: 5.01 Student Representative to the Board of Education - Update
Mohini Mahajan provided an update about the opening of the Clayton High School Wellness Center, the Science Olympiad at the
secondary schools, concerns that students expressed about the Center of Clayton parking lot, and ideas for a senior student
showcase.
6. Presentations/Study Items
Action, Information: 6.01 Special School District Partnership Update
Dr. Robyn Wiens, Dr. Thurma DeLoach, and Dr. Michael Maclin provided an update on the Special School District partnership with the
School District of Clayton. Dr. DeLoach provided information about the work she has been able to do with the parents during the
facilitation process.
It is recommended that the Board of Education adopt the Board Resolution.
Motion by Gary Pierson, second by Amy Rubin.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Yes: Amy Rubin, Stacy Siwak, Gary Pierson, Jason Wilson, Chris Win, Jason Growe
Information: 6.02 Legislative Update
Jere Hochman provided legislative updates to the board members including open enrollment SB1051 (out of committee and will
come up on calendar for discussion and vote), HB1989 (passed in the House and has been moved into the Senate - don't know when
it may be heard), SB727 (tax voucher), tax credit voucher bills and tax reform bills.
7. Action Items
Action: 7.01 2025-2026 Academic Calendar Guiding Principles
That the Board of Education approve the 2025-2026 Academic Calendar Guiding Principles document as presented.
Motion by Gary Pierson, second by Stacy Siwak.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Yes: Amy Rubin, Stacy Siwak, Gary Pierson, Jason Wilson, Chris Win, Jason Growe
8. Consent Items
Action (Consent): 8.01 Consent Agenda 8.02 through 8.09
Resolution: That the Board of Education approve the consent agenda for agenda items 8.02 through 8.09.
That the Board of Education approve the consent agenda for agenda items 8.02 through 8.09.
Motion by Gary Pierson, second by Amy Rubin.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Yes: Amy Rubin, Stacy Siwak, Gary Pierson, Jason Wilson, Chris Win, Jason Growe
8.02 Surplus Property Declaration
8.03 Meramec Elementary Gym Floor Replacement
8.04 K-12 Tuition Agreement 2024-2025
8.05 January 2024 Financial Reporting
8.06 January 2024 Disbursement Report
8.07 Memorandum of Understanding - University of Missouri-Columbia College of Education Partnership
8.08 Personnel
8.09 Approval of Minutes
Board of Education Meeting
February 21, 2024
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9. Board Communications
Information: 9.01 Board Committee, Community and Liaison Reports
Jason Wilson attended the PTO Council meeting and provided an update to the board members.
10. Adjournment
Action, Procedural: 10.01 Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 10:09 p.m.
That the Board of Education adjourn.
Motion by Gary Pierson, second by Stacy Siwak.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Yes: Amy Rubin, Stacy Siwak, Gary Pierson, Jason Wilson, Chris Win, Jason Growe
______________________________________
___________________________________________
Amy Rubin, Board President
Gary Pierson, Board Secretary
Date: February 21, 2024