Mountain Grove R-III School Board gets reorganized

The Mountain Grove R-III School District held its reorganizational meeting last week, which came just one week after voters showed their support for three candidates on election day, April 8. After the election results were accepted in the April 16 meeting, an oath of office was administrated to Amanda Owens, Sheena White and Logan Williams.
During the reorganizational meeting, the Board members voted to have Joe Golden as the new Mountain Grove R-III School Board President.
Ryan Morris was selected as vice-president.
Meanwhile, Bobbi Benson was appointed as Board secretary and Donna Courtney was appointed as Board secretary.
With the new Mountain Grove R-III School Board sworn into office, a measure was later approved to offer a contract in an effort to bring back Dr. Lori Golden as the Middle School Principal for the 2025-2026 school year.
Board members voting “Yes” to offer Dr. Golden a contract were Sheena White, Logan Williams, Amanda Owens and Ryan Morris. “No” votes were cast by Board members Jared Moore and Danny Lathrom. Joe Golden was not present for the vote.
Back on Feb. 19, the School Board, by a 5-0 vote, did not renew Dr. Golden’s contract. As news spread, many patrons used Social Media to express their support for her.
Nick Openshaw’s resignation of the same position was approved and he was officially hired once against as the Middle School Assistant Principal.
Sara Marcantonio was hired as elementary secretary and Hailey Sherwood was hired as a custodian.
One surprise resignation was for Mountain Grove volleyball coach and teacher Ashley Kell.
Other resignations were approved for Stephanie Anderson, assistant archery; paraprofessionals Allyson Dickinson and Abigail Wright; and Middle School baseball coaches Matt Anderson and Donny Anderson. Retirement was accepted for elementary teacher Dana Lowe.