The information below includes highlights from the Ladue Schools Board of Education Business Meeting on January 28, 2026–this summary is an unofficial record. The official minutes of each Board meeting can be found on the district website under About Us/School Board/Diligent Community. Upon request, meeting minutes are also available for viewing at the Administrative Center following Board approval (typically two weeks after the meeting).

Video recording of the Jan. 28 Business Meeting

Student and Staff recognition:

Superintendent Dr. Jim Wipke, Board President Marissa Rosen, and Director of Communications Kimberly McKenzie recognized three student leaders: Aaron Lin, Alina Tenenbaum, and Brandon Barrett.

Aaron Lin, a senior at Ladue Horton Watkins High School, was named a 2026 Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS) Scholar. Aaron is the only student from Missouri selected this year. Aaron was recognized for his independent research project, “The Geometry of a Counting Formula for Deformations of the Braid Arrangement.” His work stood out among thousands of submissions from students representing 203 high schools across 34 states, Washington, D.C., and China.

Alina Tenenbaum, a junior at Ladue Horton Watkins High School, recently spearheaded a Wheels to Africa bike drive. Alina and her father, along with the Ladue Community, generously donated over 80 bikes. The "Wheels to Africa" bike drive is a youth-led initiative that collects used bicycles in the U.S., refurbishes them with volunteer help, and ships them to communities in Africa to empower people by providing transportation for education, healthcare, and accessing markets. Alina’s leadership helped turn compassion into action and opportunity for communities thousands of miles away.

Brandon Barrett has accomplished a rare and remarkable feat, earning all 141 merit badges offered by Scouting America, an achievement that recently earned him recognition on Fox 2.

Merit badges cover a wide range of subjects, from outdoor skills and conservation to science, technology, trades, and civic engagement. Each badge requires focused learning, hands-on experience, and guidance from certified counselors. Bradon also achieved the rank of Eagle Scout last year, a distinction that requires at least 21 merit badges and the completion of a major service project. For his Eagle Scout project, Brandon worked with the Missouri Department of Conservation at the August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area to improve fish habitats by designing and installing underwater structures to support local ecosystems.

His Scouting accomplishments build on another prestigious honor he received last year—the Congressional Award Gold Medal, the highest level of recognition presented by the United States Congress to youth who demonstrate initiative, achievement, and service. The award recognized years of personal development, community service, physical fitness, and exploration.

Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction, Dr. Laila Crabtree, and Old Bonhomme Elementary Principal, Dr. Stephanie Simon, recognized Old Bonhomme Spanish teacher Antón Martín with January’s Excellence in Education Award, a monthly award that recognizes outstanding educators across Ladue Schools who go above and beyond to inspire, uplift, and make a lasting impact. 

Board President's Remarks

• Recognized Upcoming Observances: Highlighted several significant observances beginning in early February, including Black History Month, Career and Technical Education Month, and National School Counseling Week, thanking district counselors for their dedication to student success.
• Cultural Celebrations: Noted the upcoming celebrations of Lunar New Year and Ramadan within the school community.
• Encouraged Event Attendance: Invited the community to attend several upcoming events, including:
  • Dance Marathon: Feb. 7 in the High School Multi-Purpose Room.
  • High School Musical: Legally Blonde from Feb. 19–21 at the PAC.
  • Community Events: Middle school basketball games and Conway Elementary’s Passport Night.
• Closing Reflection: Encouraged the community to embrace the diversity and dedication found within the schools as they navigate the remainder of the winter season.

Superintendent Remarks

• Inclement Weather Update: Thanked the community for their patience regarding the recent "snow days," emphasizing that student and staff safety remain the top priority in weather-related decisions.
• Building Visits: Shared observations from a morning visit to Conway Elementary, noting the high energy from parents and students as they returned to the classrooms to start the short week.
• Cabinet Leadership Highlights: Provided updates on several collaborative administrative efforts.
  • Human Resources: Dr. Helm and Dr. Macy are continuing the "meet and confer" process with the teacher leadership team.
  • Innovation: Met with Dr. Crabtree to review new possibilities for Ladue Education Foundation (LEF) grants.
  • Special Education: Held a productive meeting with Dr. Wallace and Dr. Maclin, Superintendent of the Special School District (SSD), to ensure continued excellence in service for students with special needs.
  • Communications: Commended Mrs. McKenzie for her "around-the-clock" work managing emergency alerts and community announcements during the recent storms.
• Semester Progress: Reflected on the fast pace of the school year and expressed excitement for the significant work planned as the district enters the month of February.

Below is an overview of action and information items from the agenda for the December 10, 2025, Board of Education business meeting. To view the agenda, updates, and presentations, visit the district’s website: Ladue Schools Diligent Community page. 

INFORMATION ITEMS

2026-27 Board Meeting Date Revision

Marissa Rosen provided updates on Board of Education meeting dates for the 2026-27 school year. 

Old Bonhomme Elementary Presentation 

Dr. Stephanie Simon and Dr. Elysabeth McCrary presented a comprehensive update on Old Bonhomme’s School Improvement Plan. 

Finance Workshop and 2025-26 Budget Update 

Dr. Geoff Macy provided updates on the district's finances and the Administrative Center. The presentation also included a Debt Service Fund Analysis by Finance and Facilities Committee member Tom Pisarkiewicz.

​​​​​​​UPCOMING MEETINGS

Our next Board of Education meeting will be a work session on Wednesday, February 25, at 6:00 p.m. All information regarding that meeting will be posted on the homepage of the Ladue Schools Diligent Community.