The information below includes highlights from the Ladue Schools Board of Education Business Meeting on Feb. 26, 2025–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 February 26 Business Meeting

Board President Remarks

• Thanked the community for patience during recent snow days. Emphasized safety as the top priority in making decisions and appreciated the community’s support and understanding.
• Expressed excitement over strong attendance from Ladue Educators Association (LEA) and highlighted the importance of the partnership between the district and LEA.
• Congratulations to Fern Wagstaff on achieving the Advanced Level of the MBA Board Secretary Academy. She is on track to reach Master Level, and the official announcement will be in June.
• The Coaches vs. Cancer Basketball Game (boys & girls) is scheduled for Friday night, Feb. 28, vs. Clayton, and the community is encouraged to attend and show support. It's a Pink-Out event – shirts for the event are on sale.
• Board changes ahead: Excited to welcome Amy Kuo Hammerman and Robert Snidman as new board members joining in April. Official installation on April 9th. Farewell to Jeff Kopolow, who is retiring after 15 years of service. Invites the community to attend the March 26 meeting to honor his contributions, and the April 9th meeting to welcome our newest members.

Superintendent Remarks

• Echoes President Rosen’s remarks about the tough winter. The inclement weather led to more snow days than desired. Thanks to our parents and families for their support. Special appreciation to Mike Noonan and the custodial and maintenance crew for their efforts and to Dr. Geoff Macy for early morning road checks. Grateful for everyone’s patience and teamwork in handling winter-related challenges.
• Teachers and the LEA receive appreciation for creating AMI (Alternative Methods of Instruction) plans and the extra work they took to ensure our students continued learning despite disruptions.

• Recognition of students’ outstanding performance in the recent LHWHS theater production of "The Prom.” Excited to attend the upcoming jazz concert as our students continue to excel both academically and with their extracurricular activities. 

• Congratulations to boys’ basketball coach Chad Anderson on reaching his 300th career victory.
• Pleased to report the Facilities and Finance Committee held a productive meeting with community members to discuss the potential for a new administrative center and explore options for rebuilding and renovating alternative locations. 
• The Board Advisory Committee recently met to discuss strategies for enhancing community awareness of current legislative matters. I have been visiting schools to discuss these matters impacting public schools. To further address these legislative issues, we are planning work session meetings with the board and community to discuss topics like tax reduction bills and open enrollment. The emphasis will be on understanding how school funding works, noting that local funding, not income tax, is the primary support for the Ladue School District. 
• Advocates for ways to offset lost revenue from tax reductions and stresses that open enrollment should not be considered until Missouri's Foundation Formula is restructured for equitable funding.
• Thanks to the Ladue Education Association for their positive and collaborative approach.

Below is an overview of action and information items from the agenda for the January 25, 2025, Board of Education business meeting. To view the agenda, updates, and presentations, visit the district’s website: Ladue Schools Diligent Community page. 

ACTION ITEMS

2025-26 Meet and Confer 

The Board reviewed and approved the 2025-26 Meet and Confer resolution as presented. 

S. M. Wilson Pay Application

The Board approved the latest pay application from S. M. Wilson.

Excuse the Board Member from the meeting

The Board approved a motion to excuse Jeff Kopolow from the open board session. 

INFORMATION ITEMS

Old Bonhomme School Presentation 

Dr. Stephanie Simon and her team reviewed the 2024-25 Old Bonhomme Elementary School improvements, district and school goals, and highlighting student achievements and educational strategies. 

Reed School Presentation 

Dr. Chris Schreiner and his team presented on the 2024-25 Reed Elementary School improvements, building and district goals, and highlighting student achievements and next steps.

2025-26 Academic Calendar Revision 

Dr. Laila Crabtree reviewed a proposed change to the 2025-26 Academic Calendar.

Administration Center Facility Review

Dr. Geoff Macy provided an update on the review of the Administration Center facility assessed by the Finance and Facilities Committee

2024D Board Policy Updates

Dr. Wipke, Dr. Macy, Dr. Helm, Dr. Crabtree, and Dr. Taylor-Johnson presented Board Policy updates. 

UPCOMING MEETINGS

The next Board of Education regular business meeting is Monday, March 10, 2025. The Meeting ID and link will be posted on the homepage of the Ladue Schools Diligent Community page.