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ClaudetteRiley

@claudetteriley.bsky.social

Springfield's largest teacher union has a new leader, one who vows to rebuild relationships, listen to members and repair any damage from an apparent rift with the district.
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Springfield NEA union elects new leader who vows to repair SPS rift, listen to members

Springfield NEA president Shannon Benne has served in many union roles from treasurer to bargaining team member.

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June 17, 2025 at 4:49 PM

ClaudetteRiley

@claudetteriley.bsky.social

Springfield Public Schools places deputy superintendent Travis Shaw on paid leave, future with district unclear.

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SPS deputy superintendent Travis Shaw placed on paid leave, future with district unclear

A top Springfield Public Schools official confirmed June 16 that deputy superintendent Travis Shaw is on paid leave for an undisclosed reason.

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June 16, 2025 at 6:15 PM

ClaudetteRiley

@claudetteriley.bsky.social

Dwayne Fulk, president and CEO of City Utilities, said: "Joel has a sixth sense when it comes to what questions people will ask, what they want to know and the best part is that he is extremely calm."
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Joel Alexander, longtime spokesman for Springfield City Utilities, will retire June 12

Joel Alexander, only the second official spokesman in the history of City Utilities, will retire after 23 years with the public utility.

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June 9, 2025 at 2:19 PM

ClaudetteRiley

@claudetteriley.bsky.social

"We are committed to transparency. We are committed to keeping our customers informed," Presley said in a June 5 interview. "The heart of what we do is serve this community."
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Who is Jamie Presley? Meet Springfield City Utilities' new public information officer

Jamie Presley, manager of communications at Springfield City Utilities, has worked for CU since 2018 after nine years at KY3.

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June 9, 2025 at 2:16 PM

ClaudetteRiley

@claudetteriley.bsky.social

Members of the Missouri Board of Education elected new leadership with strong ties to Springfield during a Tuesday meeting marked by significant change.

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New leaders of Missouri school board, elected amid major shakeup, have ties to Springfield

Mary Schrag was elected president of the Missouri Board of Education and Kenneth "Brooks" Miller Jr. was elected vice president Tuesday.

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May 13, 2025 at 5:18 PM

ClaudetteRiley

@claudetteriley.bsky.social

"There were lots of tears shed around the building today when she passed the final test," said Glendale Principal Josh Groves. "There was a parade of probably 40 staff members in and out of that room to congratulate her."

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Fighting terminal leukemia, Springfield mom of two boys earns high school diploma

Genesee Bolivar, a mother of two, recently returned to Glendale High School to earn a diploma despite dealing with a terminal leukemia diagnosis.

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May 11, 2025 at 9:16 PM

ClaudetteRiley

@claudetteriley.bsky.social

Larry Lee, a founding member of the Ozark Mountain Daredevils who penned the hit "Jackie Blue" with late bandmate Steve Cash, died Saturday in Springfield.

"It was unexpected for all of us," said manager Dwight Glenn.
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Ozark Mountain Daredevils' Larry Lee, co-writer of 'Jackie Blue' song, dies Saturday

Larry Lee, who was inducted into the Springfield Public Schools Hall of Fame in 2023, worked as a session musician, songwriter and record producer.

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May 11, 2025 at 9:16 PM

ClaudetteRiley

@claudetteriley.bsky.social

"Teaching is hard but when we are there for the kids, we might be the light of their day. They might be having a bad day and we can change that," she said.
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SPS Teacher of the Year finalist Danielle O'Neil strives to be a 'light' for students

Danielle O'Neil, one of five finalists for Springfield teacher of the year, said she greets students by name and asks about their day.

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April 30, 2025 at 2:12 PM

ClaudetteRiley

@claudetteriley.bsky.social

With $48M in unspent funds, SPS wants to add Bingham, Bissett to 2023 bond project list. The board supported the move, unanimously.
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With $48M in unspent funds, SPS wants to add Bingham, Bissett to 2023 bond project list

Principals at Springfield's Bingham and Bissett elementary schools say the upgraded facilities, which include storm shelters, are badly needed.

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April 29, 2025 at 11:34 PM

ClaudetteRiley

@claudetteriley.bsky.social

Gov. Mike Kehoe has pulled his appointment — at least temporarily — for Springfield eye surgeon Thomas Prater, one of four recent appointees to the Missouri Board of Education.
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Gov. Kehoe withdraws support, for now, for Tom Prater to serve on MO Board of Education

Gov. Mike Kehoe has pulled support, at least temporarily, for Springfield eye surgeon Tom Prater, one of four appointees to the Board of Education.

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April 24, 2025 at 6:32 PM

ClaudetteRiley

@claudetteriley.bsky.social

Landon Gray, superintendent of the Sparta district, has accepted a job in Ozark.

The Ozark school board voted April 17 to hire Gray, who lives in Ozark, as the executive director of finance and business services for the 2025-26 year. He starts July 1.
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Sparta school superintendent accepts finance, business director job in Ozark district

Landon Gray, who lives in Ozark, has been the Sparta superintendent since mid-2021. He will move to the Ozark school district July 1.

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April 22, 2025 at 12:30 AM

ClaudetteRiley

@claudetteriley.bsky.social

In election post, SPS board member questions display of Iran flag, blames board makeup

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In election post, SPS board member questions display of Iran flag, blames board makeup

Springfield school board member Maryam Mohammadkhani questions display of Iranian flag at school, alleges it was hung under "guise of inclusivity."

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April 9, 2025 at 12:37 AM

ClaudetteRiley

@claudetteriley.bsky.social

At New Covenant Academy tonight for the commissioning ceremony for new head of school, Tim Casey.

April 3, 2025 at 11:18 PM

ClaudetteRiley

@claudetteriley.bsky.social

Local poets group Bards of Moon City publishes third anthology, hosts poetry readings

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Local poets group Bards of Moon City publishes third anthology, hosts poetry readings

In celebration of National Poetry Month, the Bards of Moon City will host a series of free poetry readings in Springfield during April.

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April 3, 2025 at 1:58 PM

ClaudetteRiley

@claudetteriley.bsky.social

Here is where each Springfield school board candidate stands on annualized pay
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Here is where each Springfield school board candidate stands on annualized pay

A question about annualized pay came up during a candidate forum Saturday hosted by the Springfield NAACP.

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March 31, 2025 at 3:06 PM

ClaudetteRiley

@claudetteriley.bsky.social

Teacher diversity, achievement gaps, LGBTQ student support topics at SPS candidate forum
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Teacher diversity, achievement gaps, LGBTQ student support topics at SPS candidate forum

At a Springfield NAACP forum, school board candidates were asked about achievement gaps, teacher diversity, support for LGBTQ students.

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March 31, 2025 at 3:05 PM

ClaudetteRiley

@claudetteriley.bsky.social

Rob Hornberger, who found love and his calling on Missouri State's campus, is retiring
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Rob Hornberger, who found love and his calling on Missouri State's campus, is retiring

Rob Hornberger, who helped create Missouri State's inaugural strategic enrollment management plan, will retire this summer.

www.news-leader.com

March 31, 2025 at 3:05 PM

ClaudetteRiley

@claudetteriley.bsky.social

More than 30 people showed up Saturday for the school board forum hosted by the Springfield NAACP. Candidates Gail Smart, Sarah Hough and incumbent Kelly Byrne were present. David Myers was unavailable because of military duty.

March 29, 2025 at 10:49 PM

ClaudetteRiley

@claudetteriley.bsky.social

Top officials, and the architects and designers hired to review options, said new construction will be more cost-effective in the long run and result in a better, safer school campus.
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SPS board agrees to build new Pershing Middle School on same campus

Springfield school officials said Pershing students and teachers will be able to remain on campus while the new middle school is built.

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March 26, 2025 at 3:55 PM

ClaudetteRiley

@claudetteriley.bsky.social

SPS leader proposes $400K in stipends for teachers, staff at six high need schools

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SPS leader proposes $400K in stipends for teachers, staff at six high need schools

Superintendent Grenita Lathan outlined the plan Tuesday for strategic support stipends at six schools with extra challenges.

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March 26, 2025 at 1:35 PM

ClaudetteRiley

@claudetteriley.bsky.social

School choice, increased public scrutiny part of Ozark school board candidate forum

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School choice, increased public scrutiny part of Ozark school board candidate forum

Three Ozark school board candidates are vying for two open seats in the April 8 election. Only one incumbent is on the ballot.

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March 26, 2025 at 1:34 PM

ClaudetteRiley

@claudetteriley.bsky.social

Springfield school board candidates endorsed by labor union that represents school bus drivers

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SPS board candidates endorsed by labor union that represents school bus drivers

Three of four Springfield school board candidates won the backing of the Teamsters Local No. 245 and the Springfield Labor Council.

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March 24, 2025 at 9:52 PM

ClaudetteRiley

@claudetteriley.bsky.social

"It was something she was doing that became a book that will be sold nationally and internationally." - David Harrison

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