CARTHAGE, Mo. — The Carthage R-9 Board of Education met in regular session on Monday, May 18, 2026, 6:00 pm, at Carthage South Technical Center – Community Room. Present were board members Ms. Niki Cloud, Mr. Ryan Collier, Mrs. Lora Phelps, Mr. Jeff Jones, Ms. Maria Sanchez, and Mrs. Robin Blair. Dr. Mark Westhoff was absent. Ms. Niki Cloud led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Carthage Technical Center student groups, Skills USA, FCCLA, and FFA shared their successes as National Qualifiers.
The Board approved the Consent Agenda for the purpose of approving the meeting agenda, minutes of previous meeting, payment of bills, district financial report, and amendments to FY26 budget.
Mrs. Kim Ensminger, Director of Early Childhood Center, and Mrs. Kamie Bourgault, Director of Parents as Teachers, presented to the board the CSIP Priority 1: Developing Successful Students, Objective 3: Success-Ready Students (Kindergarten Readiness).
Mr. Jeff Jones provided a Carthage R-9 Foundation update stating scholarship season is completed.
For information regarding the Raise The Curtain campaign contact the Carthage R-9 School Foundation.
Dr. Holley Goodnight, Assistant Superintendent for Business, provided the Board information regarding the bids the district received for the KE Baker remodel update. Bids came in higher than originally anticipated. Dr. Goodnight is working through project costs and will follow up with the Board.
Dr. Goodnight provided the Board information regarding the contract for custodial supplies. Dr. Goodnight stated Osborn Paper Company meets all bid requirements and specifications.
Dr. Goodnight provided the Board information regarding the contract for pest management control. Dr. Goodnight stated Bug Zero, Inc., meets all bid requirements and specifications.
Dr. Goodnight provided the Board information regarding the contract for HVAC-Energy Services Company (ESCO). Dr. Goodnight stated Navitas meets all bid requirements and specifications.
Dr. Luke Boyer, Superintendent, presented the 2026-2027 budget review. Key areas discussed were state and federal funding, fund balances, district debt payments, tax revenue, and assessed valuation. The Board will approve the preliminary budget during the June 15th board meeting with amendments made as the year progresses.
Dr. Boyer presented his report to the Board.
The Board met in closed session immediately following the regular meeting to discuss legal, personnel, student matters, and negotiated contracts in compliance with Section 610.021 (1), (3), (6), and (12) of the Revised Statutes of Missouri.
In closed session the Board approved the following personnel actions:
Approved the employment of certified, support, and substitute 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
Kaily Harvey, fourth grade teacher, Carthage Intermediate Center- Ms. Harvey is an experienced elementary educator with a background in many subject areas in grades 5-7. She holds a Master’s degree in reading from Grand Canyon University and has a Bachelors in Elementary Education from Missouri Southern State University.
Stephanie Rodgers, math teacher, Carthage High School- Ms. Rodgers is a certified educator with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Missouri State University. She has experience teaching math at both the elementary and secondary levels, currently serving as a high school math teacher in Diamond, Missouri, after previously teaching 5th grade math in Carthage.
Kenneth King, special education teacher, Carthage Junior High School- Mr. King holds an MBA in Healthcare from Colorado Technical University and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Communication from Missouri Southern State University. Mr. King has served in leadership and consulting roles with organizations including Press Ganey, HealthStream, and Freeman Health System, specializing in patient experience improvement, leadership coaching, and organizational culture initiatives.
Richard Neria, math teacher, Carthage High School- Mr. Neria is being recommended under PSRS Critical Shortage. He comes highly recommended with 28 years of experience from Carl Junction Schools. Mr. Neria has obtained 2 Masters Degrees in Educational Technology and Educational Leadership from Pittsburg State University.
Tim Head, assistant principal, Carthage Intermediate Center- Mr. Head is an experienced educator with more than 15 years in special education, currently serving as a Special Education Teacher with the Webb City R-VII School District. He previously taught in the Joplin R-VIII School District and has additional experience in paraprofessional support and youth ministry leadership. Mr. Head holds a Bachelor of Biblical Literature from Ozark Christian College, a Master’s degree in Special Education from Missouri State University, and is currently completing a post-master’s building principal certification through Pittsburg State University.
Maria Aguilar, dual language- Spanish teacher, Carthage Junior High School- Ms. Aguilar is a highly experienced teacher with many years in Houston ISD. She obtained her Bachelors degree in political science from Texas A&M, and completed teaching certificate programs in Elementary education, Secondary Spanish, as well as English as a second Language.
Support Hire
Donald LeMasters, bus driver
Leticia Guevara Rodriguez, custodian, Carthage High School
Zia Honaker, IT tech seasonal, IT Department
Luke Jones, IT tech seasonal, IT Department
Substitute Hire
Breanna Lathrop
Certified Transfer
Nancy Stefan, science teacher, Carthage Junior High School
Ryan Mankin, special education teacher, Carthage Junior High School
Kimberly Hoover, special education teacher, Carthage High School
Jennifer Denney, Title 1 teacher, Steadley Elementary
Shelia Norwood, Title 1 teacher, Carthage Intermediate Center
Support Modification
Carter Brammer, IT tech seasonal, IT Department
Michael Lanyon, IT tech seasonal, IT Department
Landon Schmelzer, IT tech seasonal, IT Department
Support Transfer
Dakota Sisseck, behavior interventionist, Steadley Elementary
Kayla Foster, ELL paraprofessional, Carthage High School
Stephen Abbiatti, head custodian, Steadley Elementary
Kimberly Thomas, cook, Fairview Elementary
Paula Amershek, cook, Steadley Elementary
Kimberlee Patrick, cook, Steadley Elementary
Certified Resignation
Christina Ogden, Title 1 teacher, Steadley Elementary
Jessica Dutter, practical nursing instructor, Carthage Technical Center
Justin McKee, MO Options Teacher, Powers Learning Center
Jessica Alves, special education teacher, Fairview Elementary
Support Resignation
Carson Tyndall, bus aide
Lora McDaniel, custodian, Administration Building
Oakley Branstetter, special education paraprofessional, Steadley Elementary
Bradley Bos, bus driver
Raquel Lara, ELL paraprofessional
Courtney Lashmet, paraprofessional, Early Childhood Center
James Robinson, bus driver
Originally appeared on The Turner Report
