District leaders presented Themes 3 and 4 of the Mehlville R‑IX strategic plan to the board on Oct. 16, describing draft goals on staffing, compensation, professional development, facilities and budgeting and inviting further community input.

Dr. Shannon Pike, assistant superintendent for human resources, outlined Theme 3 (employee equity and staffing). Pike said the theme focuses on three priorities: competitive compensation and retention, job‑embedded professional development, and a positive inclusive culture. “It was very clear. Our stakeholders in Mehlville want high quality employees who feel valued, supported, and committed for the long term,” Pike said.

Marshall Crutcher, the district chief financial officer, presented Theme 4 (finance, facilities and operations). He said draft goals include effective financial management with transparent accountability, safe and well‑maintained facilities, and efficient operations. Crutcher summarized community feedback emphasizing stable reserves, consistent replacement cycles, equitable facility upgrades (restrooms, playgrounds, parking and athletic spaces), and ongoing updates on fund use.

District staff outlined the process and timeline: work on the plan began in January 2025; community surveys and focus groups were held in spring; the plan’s draft will be revised based on input in November and a final draft will be presented to the board in December. Staff invited the public to a community involvement session on Oct. 22 at 6:30 p.m. at Bernard Middle School.

Board members praised the process and linked the strategic priorities to recent bond measures, saying Prop S and Prop E made many facility and staffing improvements possible. A board member noted the strategic plan sessions help the community see how ballot‑measure support translates into facility upgrades and higher compensation that aid recruitment and retention.

Staff did not present specific new dollar amounts during the discussion; they characterized the goals as guidance to shape future budget and staffing decisions and asked the public to participate in the October community session.