BUSINESS INSIDER
Continuing the Legacy
Square One Small Business
ESJCC Best Kept Secret
Elms Hotel & Spa hosts holiday meal
Strong Schools Build Strong Communities
Excelsior Springs School District Assistant Superintendent Mark Bullimore uses a slide show presentation to provide information on the upcoming April school levy proposal.
The Excelsior Springs School District hosted the March Chamber luncheon, recognizing the achievements of several of our fine teachers.
Ross Rea, 5th grade teacher, was named Best Teacher in the Town & Country Leader’s 2024 Community of Excellence Awards. Mr. Rea’s dedication, passion and commitment to his students make a lasting impact every day. He goes above and beyond to create an engaging, supportive, and challenging learning environment where students thrive. Whether he’s sparking curiosity through innovative lessons, fostering a love for learning, or providing encouragement and guidance, Mr. Rea exemplifies excellence in education.
Beyond the classroom, he is a role model and leader, building strong connections with students, parents, and colleagues alike. His ability to inspire, motivate, and support students ensures that every child feels valued and empowered to succeed.
Excelsior Springs High School Tennis Coach and Middle School (ESMS) Athletic Director Richie Marsh has been named Best Coach in the Town & Country Leader’s 2024 Community Excellence Awards. Mr. Marsh has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to student athletes.
This honor highlights Coach Marsh’s exceptional commitment to fostering a postive athletic environment and developing both the skills and character of his student athletes. His passion and leadership make a lasting impact on ESMS and beyond!
Katie Boone, English teacher, was named one of Missouri’s Outstanding Beginning Teachers by the Missouri Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (MACTE). A graduate of Park University, Ms. Boone is being recognized for her remarkable ability to build meaningful relationships with students and foster a classroom environment where they feel encouraged to expand their knowledge and personal growth. Her dedication to student success and passion for education have made a lasting impact in her first year of teaching at Excelsior Springs High School.
Named Missouri Council for the Social Studies Middle School Teacher of the Year, Andy Morris was recognized for this prestigious award for his outstanding contributions to civics education and his dedication to developing students as engaged and critical thinkers.
Mr. Morris is known for his innovative, engaging lessons that inspire students to explore citizenship, democracy, and government. Through hands-on activities and discussions, he encourages critical thinking and civic engagement. His passion for education extends beyond the classroom, equipping students with the skills to become informed and responsible citizens.
Jennifer Harding, high school Math teacher, was a nominee for the 2024-25 LifeChanger of the Year Award. The award is a prestigious national recognition honoring educators who make a significant impact on their student and school communities.
Sponsored by the National Life Group Foundation, LifeChanger of the Year recognizes and rewards outstanding K-12 educators across the country who exemplify excellence, leadership, and positive influence. Ms. Harding was nominated for her dedication, optimism, and unwavering committment to her students and colleagues.
Ms. Harding creates an engaging and supportive classroom where students feel valued and empowered to succeed.
With the upcoming Excelsior Springs Levy Proposal for the School District coming on Tuesday, April 8, Assistant Superintendent Mark Bullimore discussed how the levy proposal is designed to increase compensation for employees to attract and retain high-quality educators and staff. Current total levy is $5.2262 per $100 assessed value. The new levy would be an increase of $0.70 per $100 assessed valuation. Over the past five years, the board has increased base teacher salaries by $6,000 and raised entry-level classified pay by approximately $4 per hour to stay competitive, meet minimum wage increases, and attract and retain highly qualified staff. Additional operating funds are now necessary to sustain current salary commitments and continue improving staff pay.
Mr. Bullimore shared statistics with luncheon attendees on how the levy would help ESSD in closing the pay gap.
