CARTHAGE, Mo. — The Carthage R-9 Board of Education met in special session on Monday, June 8, 2026, 6:00 pm, at the Carthage R-9 Administration Office. Present were Board members Ms. Niki Cloud, Mrs. Lora Phelps, Dr. Mark Westhoff, Mr. Jeff Jones, Ms. Maria Sanchez, and Mrs. Robin Blair. Mr. Ryan Collier was absent. Ms. Niki Cloud led the Pledge of Allegiance.
The board members approved the agenda.
Dr. Holley Goodnight, Assistant Superintendent for Business, presented to the Board information regarding the KE Baker remodel update.
Dr. Luke Boyer, Superintendent, and the board members reviewed the 2026-2027 proposed budget.
The Board met in closed session immediately following the regular meeting to discuss personnel matters in compliance with Section 610.021 (3) of the Revised Statutes of Missouri.
In closed session the Board approved the following personnel action:
Approved the employment of certified and support staff as presented contingent upon receiving a clear criminal record check from the Missouri Highway Patrol and Federal Bureau of Investigation, and a clear check of the Adult Abuse/Neglect Registry maintained by the Missouri Department of Social Services for all employees new to the district:
Certified Hire
Cooper Rooks, social studies teacher, Carthage High School- Mr. Rooks is an aspiring educator and history student currently completing a Bachelor of Science in History with a minor in Multicultural Studies at Pittsburg State University, expected in May 2026. He previously earned an Associate in Arts degree from Coffeyville Community College. His experience includes multiple education field placements and student teaching at Cherryvale Middle/High School.
Support Hire
Dylan Pugh, summer custodian, Carthage Junior High School
Colt Pugh, summer custodian, Carthage Junior High School
Zane Browning, summer custodian, Carthage Intermediate Center
Carson Kinder, summer custodian, Fairview Elementary
Katelyn Borland, summer custodian, Sixth Grade Center
Luke O’Neal, summer custodian, Columbian Elementary
Dakota Borchgardt, summer custodian, Steadley Elementary
Support Transfer
Heather Hunt, administrative assistant, Parents as Teachers
Miranda Plybon, School Nurse, Steadley Elementary
Certified Resignation
Jessica Jones, ag teacher, Carthage Technical Center
Support Resignation
Hayden Sanders, cook, district
Bethany Bloss, special education paraprofessional
Meghan James, paraprofessional, Early Childhood Center
Darin Youngberg, special education paraprofessional- Sixth Grade Center
Katie Booth, special education paraprofessional, Steadley Elementary Center
Abby Williams, bus driver
Paola Trujillo, special education paraprofessional, Pleasant Valley Elementary
Karen Watts, phlebotomy instructor, Carthage Technical Center-South
Jared Zamouski, EL paraprofessional, Fairview Elementary
Substitute Resignation
Emmitt Lee, substitute custodian
Originally appeared on The Turner Report
