The information below includes highlights from the Ladue Schools Board of Education Business Meeting on February 25, 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 Feb. 25 Business Meeting

Student and Staff recognition:

Superintendent Dr. Jim Wipke, Board President Marissa Rosen, Director of Communications Kimberly McKenzie, and 2024 District Teacher of the Year Ashley Lock recognized Ladue Horton Watkins High School sophomore Zoe Mei has been named the Missouri recipient of the 2026 Billy Michal Student Leadership Award!

This prestigious honor, awarded by The National WWII Museum, recognizes one student from each state who embodies the "American spirit" through teamwork, creativity, and perseverance. Zoe was selected for her exceptional leadership and the positive impact she continues to make right here in our community. As part of this award, Zoe will travel to New Orleans this June for the American Spirit Awards, where she will join student leaders from across the country for an immersive leadership experience.

Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction, Dr. Laila Crabtree, and Spoede Principal, Issac Bjerk, recognized Spoede Elementary 4th-grade teacher Kevin Heyman with February’s Excellence in Education Award, a monthly honor recognizing outstanding educators across Ladue Schools who go above and beyond to inspire, uplift, and make a lasting impact. 

Superintendent Remarks

• Celebrated School Excellence:
  • Extended a "huge congratulations" to Conway Elementary for its recognition as a Gold Star School, a testament to the hard work of students, staff, and families.
  • Honored Reed and Spoede Elementary Schools for winning the first annual "Louie Awards" from the Gateway to Success Foundation, recognizing outstanding student growth over the past year.

• Student Engagement:
  • Highlighted the successful Financial Aid Community Meeting hosted by the High School counseling department, which saw an impressive turnout of over 200 attendees.

• Leadership Transition: 
  • Introduced incoming Superintendent Dr. Geoff Macy to the Middle School and High School Student Advisory Councils, noting Dr. Macy’s enthusiasm for future collaboration with these student leaders.

• Fine Arts & Athletics: 
  • Commended Justin Scheuer and the high school theater students for their "phenomenal" production of Legally Blonde.

• Black History Month Activities: 
  • Noted meaningful learning experiences across the district, including a group from the high school who recently visited the Mill Creek exhibit at the History Museum and a successful trivia assembly at the Middle School.

• District Operations & Partnerships
  • Recognized Dr. Laila Crabtree for a successful professional development day.
  • Reported that Early Childhood enrollment is filling up quickly under the leadership of Dr. Stacy Carlock and Dr. Derrick Wallace.
  • Expressed deep appreciation for the Ladue Education Association (LEA) for their continued collaborative partnership.

• Staff Achievements: 
  • Celebrated three members of the leadership team for national and state-level honors:
    • Dr. Derrick Wallace: Presented on a national panel at the AASA National Conference.
    • Dr. Tom Devitt: Received the Outstanding Instructional Leadership Award from the Executive Board of Missouri.
    • Dr. Stephanie Simon: Received the Special School District Distinguished Leadership Award.

Below is an overview of action and information items from the agenda for the February 24, 2026, Board of Education business meeting. To view the agenda, updates, and presentations, visit the district’s website: Ladue Schools Diligent Community page.

ACTION ITEMS

2026-27 Board Meeting Date Revision

The Board approved revisions to the 2026-27 Board Meeting dates.

Byrne & Jones Pay Application

The Board approved the latest payment application to Byrne and Jones for the West Campus Field Reconfiguration, and was shown a bird’s-eye view of the stunning transformations at Ladue Schools’ West Campus via a video presentation created by Catalyst intern, Vincent Hsiao.

Prepayment of Debt 

The Board approved the prepayment of additional debt (bonds) to Zions Bancorporation.

2026-27 Meet and Confer Resolutions

The Board approved the 2026-27 Meet and Confer Resolutions as presented by Dr. Julie Helm and the Ladue Education Association. 

2026-27 Leave Proposal 

Dr. Julie Helm presented a comprehensive proposal on the 2026-27 leave proposal for certified staff, which was approved by the Board. 

INFORMATION ITEMS

2027-28 Academic Calendar

Dr. Laila Crabtree proposed the 2027–2028 District Calendar for Board of Education review and consideration.

2025E Policy Updates 

Dr. Crabtree provided policy updates pertaining to Instructional Materials and Media Centers, ensuring our libraries and resources remain high-quality and aligned with district values.

Cordogan Clark Presentation 

Cordogan Clark provided an update regarding a new Administrative Center site and space planning, ensuring our physical environments continue to support the district’s current and future needs.

UPCOMING MEETINGS

Our next Board of Education meeting will be a work session on Monday, March 9, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. All information regarding that meeting will be posted on the Ladue Schools Diligent Community homepage.