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You've got eMule!
Vol. 14 No. 14
Welcome back to The eMule! Below is the latest news from the Poplar Bluff R-I School District.
| District awarded $1.5M grant for FEMA safe room at Eugene Field | |
Over $1.5 million has been awarded to the Poplar Bluff School District to construct a tornado safe room designed to withstand winds of up to 250 miles per hour at Eugene Field Elementary School.
The district agreed to pay 25 cents on the dollar for a local investment totaling approximately $500K in the matching grant program approved through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Board of Education unanimously decided on Thursday, March 19.
“Being awarded this FEMA grant is a significant milestone that has been years in the making,” said R-I Superintendent Dr. Aaron Cornman, who referred to the project as a ‘major victory for the south side of our community.’ “Following the impact of last year’s tornado on our school community, school safety has remained a top priority for all our stakeholders. Much like the safe room at the Junior High, this project serves as an initial cornerstone for the implementation of our recently approved long-range facility plan, allowing us to accelerate our footprint and enhance safety where it is needed most.”
The safe room is penciled in to be located on the northeast corner of the Nickey Street campus; however, the district has the ability to submit a change order, depending on the building’s multi-purpose functionality for its day-to-day student use. The district is also in discussions with the Poplar Bluff Planning and Zoning Commission over potentially rerouting Cross Street, which would open up more adjoining acreage on the Eugene Field campus site.
Outside of school hours, the EF5 tornado-rated facility would be open to the community during severe weather events, following the same emergency protocol established for the district's other safe rooms constructed through the Hazard Mitigation Assistance Program at O’Neal Elementary and Junior High.
“Any community where we’re able to build a new facility, we will consider storm-rated construction, and measures to make that a possibility rather than a pipe dream,” said Charles Kinsey, R-I assistant superintendent of business. “This is a shot of adrenaline at the beginning of our long-range plan, and quite a bit more cost-effective, with us having the ability to get started with an investment from the federal government.”
The grant proposal was originally submitted by administrators during the 2020/21 school year for Lake Road Elementary, but was deemed ineligible due to the campus location in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). A pivot to Eugene Field was made shortly thereafter five years ago.
In November 2024, following the selection of Dake Wells Architecture to lead the district's next 10-year plan in collaboration with community stakeholder committees, school officials chose Dille and Pollard Architecture over the Eugene Field expansion due to their extensive experience with safe rooms, including the 2016 structure at Junior High, which doubles as a gym. The district now has two years to build its third FEMA safe room, the first greenlit project under the long-range plan that was approved by the BOE in February.
Above: Eugene Field Elementary is shown from the southeast corner, where the district also owns acreage on the other side of Cross Street.
Below: The northeast corner of the Eugene Field campus features a vacant area where the FEMA safe room is currently penciled in.
| PBHS principal receives Congressional Record from U.S. Rep. Smith | |
A Congressional Record from the office of U.S. Rep. Jason Smith, R-Missouri, was presented to Poplar Bluff High School Principal Dr. Valerie Ivy for being named the 2026 Missouri High School Principal of the Year.
Hand-delivered by Mike Schoelhamer of Smith’s Poplar Bluff office last week at Lake Road Elementary during a Professional Learning Community meeting of district administration, the official record was read by the Congressman in February during the second session of the 119th Congress.
“Those who know Dr. Ivy describe her as a tireless advocate for both her students and lifelong learning,” the document states. “…Through this commitment, Dr. Ivy has built a legacy of success and earned a reputation as a leader who always has her students’ backs.”
Ivy was formally recognized Monday, March 23, during the 53rd annual spring conference of the Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals at Lake Ozark. She will go on to be honored among 50 top principals across the country—one of whom will be named the National High School Principal of the Year—during the National Education Leadership Awards later this month in Washington, D.C.
“Southeast Missouri is lucky” to have Dr. Ivy, Smith posted on his official Facebook page. Representing Missouri’s 8th Congressional District in the U.S. House, Smith previously delivered a Congressional Record to Poplar Bluff Schools when Lake Road Elementary was named the district’s very first National Blue Ribbon School.
Above: (Right to left) Mike Schoelhamer, constituent services specialist for U.S. Rep. Jason Smith, delivered a Congressional Record to PBHS Principal Dr. Valerie Ivy, pictured alongside R-I Superintendent Dr. Aaron Cornman, on Wednesday, March 25, at Lake Road Elementary School.
Below: Accompanied by (from right) R-I Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum Dr. Rondi Vaughn, Assistant Superintendent of Personnel Jennifer Taylor and PBHS Assistant Principal Dr. Stephanie Kuper, Dr. Valerie Ivy receives the 2026 Dr. Jim L. King High School Principal of the Year award at the Lodge of Four Seasons.
| VFW supports Poplar Bluff Mules Trapshooting Team | |
VFW Post 6477 has generously donated $5,000 to help remove potential financial barriers that could hinder the growth of the Poplar Bluff Mules Trapshooting Team.
“Their donation was given with the intention of helping to pay for our practice clay target rounds and assist families with food expenses while traveling,” explained coach Charlene Mills, who was presented the check Tuesday, March 17, at the VFW on South Broadway.
Mills noted that the team is district-sponsored and has a budget provided through an endowment from the Midway USA Foundation; however, the cost of practice clays and additional meals while traveling can add up.
The connection with the Veterans of Foreign Wars was made when parent James Perkins, whose son Kaden is a sophomore team member, became aware of the monetary challenges some families may face. Perkins serves as the Officer of the Deck at the local post.
Above: Head coach Charlene Mills accepts a check from Cmdr. Roger Taylor on Tuesday, March 17, at the VFW. Also pictured is (left to right) Kaden Perkins, Lily Reeder, Dexter Kilcoyne, assistant coach Shea DePew, Amon DePew and Dr. Larry Kimbrow of Post 6477 as well as the Board of Education.
| Vacated term filled by returning board member | |
Returning voluntary servant John Scott was sworn in to the Board of Education to complete outgoing president Tim Gaebler's vacated term during the regularly scheduled school board meeting held Thursday, March 19, in the Administrative Building.
Scott, a local attorney and Poplar Bluff High School alumnus, previously served on the BOE for three consecutive terms, beginning in 2014. The board interviewed a total of seven applicants for the open position, which runs until April of 2027.
“It’s an honor to serve under Dr. Brown as our president,” stated Scott with respect to the longest-serving seated member of the board, Dr. Cynthia Brown, who has served for 22 years and counting. She replied: “It’s good to have you back, sir.”
Citing an address change, Gaebler submitted his resignation in February, after being initially appointed in 2020 to fill the vacancy left by member Heather Tuggle, who also moved outside the district prior to completing her term.
Also in recent memory, board member Dr. Mike Price similarly rejoined the BOE to originally complete the vacated position of Alana Robertson in 2022, after Price previously served two terms that concluded a decade earlier.
A school board election will be held on Tuesday, April 7, to fill three three-year seats in which five candidates are vying for, two of whom are newcomers and the balance incumbents.
Above: (Left) R-I Superintendent Dr. Aaron Cornman swears in John Scott to the Board of Education on Thursday, March 19, in the Administrative Building.
| Bonus: MHAM celebrates student artists | |
Poplar Bluff Superintendent Dr. Aaron Cornman was given a tour of the Margaret Harwell Art Museum by Director Steve Whitworth on Tuesday, March 24, to admire the artwork of area students.
Last month, the museum presented its 5th annual Invitational Art Exhibit for regional elementary art classes, including top K-8 art students from the R-I school district, organized by retired area art teacher Marty Harlen.
Beginning Friday, April 3, the museum will continue its student theme, showcasing its 26th annual Juried Regional High School Art Exhibit at the 421 N. Main St. location. Whitworth, who plans to retire July 31, noted that while there are numerous private galleries in Missouri, the MHAM is one of only five city-operated art museums.
Above: MHAM Director (right) Steve Whitworth shares with Superintendent Dr. Aaron Cornman the backstory he learned of one of the art pieces on display that features superheroes by student Carter Battles of the Poplar Bluff Middle School.
Below: R-I Superintendent Dr. Aaron Cornman peruses the artwork of kindergarteners displayed last month at the Margaret Harwell Art Museum during a private tour.
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Shoe Drive
The Mules Baseball program is hosting a shoe drive until Thursday, April 30, to raise money for students through Funds2Orgs. Gently used shoes, anything from boots to flip flops, are being accepted during the school day in the box under the portico to the left of the front entrance at Junior High, located at 550 N. Westwood Blvd. Shoes may also be dropped off during Mules Baseball games, as well as at partnering business sites throughout town. The goal is to raise between 2,500 and 5,000 pounds, according to organizer Allison Bell, Junior High social studies teacher. The shoes donated will be shipped to developing countries, and kept out of landfills.
Easter
School will be dismissed on Friday, April 3, and Monday, April 6, in observance of Easter. School will resume for students on Tuesday, April 7.
Open Enrollment
Open enrollment for the 2026/27 school year at the Kindergarten Center will take place from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. April 7-9, with extended hours from 4:30-7 p.m. Tuesday, April 7, at 1200 Camp Road. Child(ren) must be 5 years of age on or before July 31. Please bring birth certificate, shot record and proof of residency. Enrollment is not necessary for students already attending the Early Childhood Center. To make a registration appointment online, click here.
Foundation Golf
The Poplar Bluff School Foundation’s 26th annual Golf Tournament will be held on Friday, May 8, at Ozark Ridge Golf Course, with tee time beginning at noon following lunch. All proceeds from the golf classic go toward innovative teacher grants outside of the classroom budget, and a student scholarship for a PBHS graduate entering the field of education. To enter a team in the four-person scramble, sponsor a hole or donate a raffle prize, please call 573-785-7751, ext. 5.
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On Wednesday, March 18, the DAR reported about the special meeting of the Board of Education during which seven applicants were interviewed to fill Tim Gaebler’s vacated seat.
KWOC reported about John Scott getting re-appointed to the Board of Education.
On Thursday, March 19, KBSI Fox23 reported about the district’s steadfast progress one year following the tornado that struck the Kindergarten Center.
The DAR reported about the selection of John Scott, a familiar face on the school board.
On Friday, March 20, KWOC reported about Claire Funke of PBHS being named a National Merit finalist.
On Saturday, March 21, the DAR reported about Claire Funke’s honor, that follows in the heels of her brother, Jack, of the Class of 2025.
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