2023-2024 Odessa City Guide Page 14 Schools Odessa R-VII The Board of Education meets in public session at 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month at the high school media center, 713 South Third Street. Meeting agendas are available the Friday before each meeting at the central office. District patrons wishing to place items on the agenda must submit them in writing to the superintendent’s office the Wednesday prior to the board meeting, in accordance with guidelines in the district’s Policy and Procedures Manual. Brian Young, President Cole Shippy, Vice President Chad Hubbard, Director Brad MacLaughlin, Director Jessica Porter, Director Kelsey Legate, Director Adam Bradley, Director Odessa R-VII Board of Education Odessa R-VII School district is located in western Lafayette County and includes a portion of northern Johnson County. The district is approximately 25 miles east of Kansas City. The district has consistently earned over 90% of total points possible on the state’s annual performance report. The Odessa R-VII District operates under a $4.7185 tax levy. Student population for the district currently totals 1989 in grades K-12. The district employs approximately 259 persons including classified staff. Odessa R-VII offers many programs and its students excel in state and national academic competitiveness. Odessa R-VII students traditionally receive high honors in such organizations as DECA, FBLA, FCCLA, FFA, FEA, Math Relay Team, drama, speech and debate, band and vocal music. Both the FFA and engineering instructors have received honors and recognition in the work they do with students. Other outstanding programs offered by the district include Drug-Free World, special education, breakfast, all-day kindergarten, infant care for teen students and patrons, Peer Helpers, Hi-Step, SOAR before and after school child care, Parents as Teachers, gifted, at-risk, entitlement, summer school, computer labs, vocational Lex La-Ray Vo-Tech School in Lexington with job training courses, student athletic activities, before and after school tutoring and numerous organizations/clubs. Integrated technology is an important element in the Odessa R-VII curriculum with students frequently using computers and various media to problem solve, research and create project-based products. Students who reside more than one mile from their attending school may be transported by bus to the appropriate facility. One-mile requirement does not apply to Grade 5 and younger. The ACE program offers alternative classes for students struggling in a regular classroom setting. Parents support the schools through active parent/teacher organizations. PTO at the elementary level and STEP at the middle school give volunteer support and host fundraising activities. More than 50% of the teaching staff in the district hold master’s degree along with an average of more than 10 years longevity. The R-VII School District remains competitive with the surrounding area regarding base salary. This is the benchmark of most school districts and Odessa has managed to keep pace with an experienced staff. According to the state funding mechanism, the district strives to maintain a salary schedule comparable to those districts of similar size, as well. Academically, Odessa offers students a range of choices from computer labs in each R-VII school to a physics requirement for each high school student with four levels of study offered. Odessa’s athletic program offers football, basketball, track, tennis, golf, cross country, soccer, volleyball, wrestling, softball, baseball and cheerleading. In addition to an excellent sports program and other traditional clubs and academic organizations, Odessa has an outstanding fine arts program. The district continues to provide diverse opportunities to ensure a variety of experiences and opportunities for the students. According to performance data from state testing, Odessa R-VII surpassed Missouri standards set by the state in mathematics and communication arts. Almost all students realized gains in achievement scores compared to the previous year. ACT scores continue to improve, as well. In April 2022, residents passed a no tax increase bond issue to fund district facilities improvements including secure entrances at district buildings, the addition of a bus loop between McQuerry Elementary and Odessa middle School, parking lot and repairs to driveways, parking lots, roofs, district tennis courts and the brick facade of Odessa Middle School. Recent bond issues have also funded the construction of a district childhood center and renovations to the athletic stadium. Dr. Jon Oetinger, superintendent, stresses the district has good cooperation with the local police department. The Drug Free program is part of the curriculum for sixth-graders at the middle school. A School Resource Officer is on site. The public health and safety department in Odessa assists the school district. The county health department holds annual immunization clinics. The fire department is involved in bicycle and fire safety along with inspection of buildings and fire extinguishers, and insurance inspection reports. Brian Young Cole Shippy Chad Hubbard Brad MacLaughlin Jessica Porter Kelsey Legate Adam Bradley
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