The Nashville High School Board of Education met for a regular monthly meeting last night at the high school. For their 1st item of business, under the treasurer’s report, it was announced that the school has received 92-percent of their taxes, with the other 8-percent expected to be received in the 1st full week of March. That total is going to be around $199,000. Under the principal’s report, Mr. Begando announced that the students surveyed about a potential change in the graduation gowns, from the navy blue to royal blue. That will be discussed at another meeting of the potential change. He also wanted to announce that the band received an invitation to perform at the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans from December 29th, 2018 through January 2nd, 2019. The band received an invitation to play at the Gator Bowl this past December, but declined. Mr. Brown stated that an O’Fallon band director recommended the NCHS group to perform at a bowl game, but after they declined to play this last year, it was unexpected that they would receive another one this soon. The board did accept this invitation, with music department expecting students to pay about $500 for the trip. The board also approved the 2nd reading and adoption of the revised board policies, which was discussed at last month’s meeting. Multiple items were approved under new business. That included the approval of the 2018-2019 school calendar, the approval of the math team to compete at SEMO on April 12th, 2018 and the approval of a parental request for a student to participate in 2 sports during this 2018 spring season. The board also elected to accept the consideration of opening an activity fund for the Kindness Matters project, so that they can keep track of the money that is raised. Repairs to the baseball dugouts was also approved, which will cost about $7,000 and is expected to be completed by the start of the baseball season. In regard to the ROE inspection repairs, it was estimated that it will cost the district just over $24,000 on repairs to 100 door closures, 17 door vents, stage repairs and addition and replacement of outlets. This will be a 2-year plan, which will be spread out with the Health and Safety fund. The board also approved the disposal of surplus district property in the cafeteria, which is expected to be sold to anyone in the public. After meeting in closed session for an hour, 3 approvals were made. The 1st one was to extend principal Begando’s contract though the 2020-2021 school year. Also approved was a revision to the Europe trip, which will now be in June of 2019. The last item of business was the approval to hire a new district superintendent, effective as of July 1st, 2018. That approval was Brad Turner, whose contract will be though 2021. The next meeting for the NCHS Board of Education will be on March 19th.