Dear Southern Boone School District Family,

I would like to take a moment to provide an update on the Ranken Technical College construction project. This past week, the Southern Boone School Board of Education approved the construction bids related to the new Ranken Tech campus in Ashland. Over the next several weeks, you begin to see construction activity taking place at the location of the new campus on Perry Avenue, next to Salter Lawn Service. I am very excited about this project and the opportunities it will provide to the juniors and seniors at the high school, as well as adults throughout Mid-Missouri.

This project has been in the works for many years. I want to thank all those who have contributed to the workforce development fundraising campaign. The committee is very close to its $3 million goal. We have received major contributions of $250,000 by several businesses in the region who see the value of a technical college in our community and the impact it will have on their businesses' ability to hire highly skilled employees. The rate of contributions has been extremely humbling to witness. It reminds me of the blessings of our community and how uniquely special it is to live and work in Southern Boone. Thank you for your support of the Ranken Tech project.

You can learn more about the Ranken Technical College project at tomorrowsworkforce.org.

Finally, thank you to the parents, Southern Boone County PTA, Southern Boone School Board of Education and the entire community for the support and generosity that you’ve shown this week to our teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week. This type of recognition sets our school district apart from other districts in Mid-Missouri.

Thank you for everything you do for our students, staff and school district! Have a great weekend and Happy Mother’s Day!

Respectfully,

Christopher Felmlee
Superintendent of Schools

Southern Boone Announces New Activities Director

The Southern Boone School District announced this week that Trent Tracy has been named as the district’s new Activities Director. Tracy succeeds Dale Long, who has served in the position since July 2019. Tracy will begin the transition immediately and will take over as Activities Director on July 1st, 2022.

With Tracy becoming the new Activities Director, he will be leaving his position as head football coach for Southern Boone. The search for a new varsity head football coach will begin immediately.

The Southern Boone School District has over 20 MSHSAA varsity sports, fine arts and numerous other clubs and activities.

Free Meals For All Students Ending

As the 2021-2022 school year comes to an end, so will the free meals for all students in the Southern Boone School District. For the past two school years, the federal government has funded a program that provided free meals to all students at school throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier this year, Congress declined to continue funding this program.

Parents are asked to fill out the 2021-2022 free and reduced meal application before the end of this school year if you have not already filled out an application for this school year. You can turn in the completed form to your child’s school office or central office. If your family does qualify for free or reduced meals this will give you a 30-day grace period at the start of the 2022-2023 school year to complete another application for next school year.

The school district is encouraging all families to fill out an application. Even if you think your family won’t qualify, your application can help the school district in many different areas including federal funding and qualifying for grants.

This change will also affect summer school. Unfortunately, there will be no free meals for students at summer school in July. If you have a child(ren) attending summer school that might qualify for free or reduced meals, you will need to complete a 2021-2022 application.

Starting July 1, 2022, the 2022-2023 free and reduced meal application will be available on the school district’s website. Even if you fill out and turn in the 2021-2022 application, you will need to complete the 2022-2023 application for next school year as well.

Completing an application is the only way to be considered for free or reduced meals.

If you have any questions regarding free or reduced meals or need assistance with filling out an application, please call Southern Boone Central Office at 573-657-2147.