Scotland County School District Updates

MEMPHIS, Mo. — Scotland County R-1 High School celebrated the Class of 2026 during commencement exercises Sunday, May 17, in Memphis. The ceremony opened with “Pomp and Circumstance,” performed by the Scotland County R-1 Concert Band under the direction of Ben Oliver. Class President Zada Ketchum welcomed family, friends, faculty and community members, saying graduation is about growth and reflecting on the class motto: “To accomplish great things we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe.” Ketchum thanked the community, families, advisers, teachers and mentors who helped guide the class to graduation day. High…

Scotland County R-1 High School held their prom, themed “Arabian Nights” on March 21. Pictured with prom queen and king Keeley Brown and Wesley McSparren is the Prom Court.

By Mike Scott, NEMOnews Media Group Superintendents across northeast Missouri say three proposed property tax measures moving through the Missouri House could significantly reduce funding for rural school districts — potentially affecting staffing, programming and long-term financial stability. The legislation — Missouri House Bill 2780, Missouri House Bill 1766, and Missouri House Bill 2329 — would change how personal property is assessed and how local tax rates are calculated under the Hancock Amendment. While supporters say the bills would reduce tax burdens, rural superintendents say the revenue impact on schools could be severe. Clark County R-1: “You Can’t Lose Half…

MEMPHIS, Mo. — The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has released the 2024-25 Annual Performance Report (APR) for the Scotland County R-I School District. The report shows that Scotland County earned 69.3 percent of the total points possible, maintaining full accreditation under the state’s Missouri School Improvement Program (MSIP 6). The APR measures how districts perform in academic achievement, attendance, graduation rates, and college or career readiness. Scotland County’s report showed strong attendance, excellent graduation outcomes, and full compliance with state requirements, though academic scores in some subjects remain below state averages. In English Language Arts, the…