The Wentzville R‑IV Board of Education at its Feb. 20 open session approved a suite of items including the Focus School Software Hall Pass agreement, the WNEA certified staff agreement and the WNEA nurses agreement. The board also adopted revisions to Policy 61.45 on service animals and therapy dogs.

These items generated votes or roll-call tallies at the meeting. The board recorded a failed motion to table the Focus School Hall Pass agreement before later approving the agreement. The board approved the WNEA teacher and nurse agreements after discussion about contract language and administrative costs.

Why it matters: The hall-pass software drew sustained attention from board members over concerns about digital tracking and training, and the union agreements prompted several board members to ask administration and legal counsel to review contract language related to payroll deductions and use of district resources. These decisions affect district operations, classroom practice and contract terms with employees.

Votes at a glance
- Consent agenda (as amended): approved (unanimous voice vote).
- Policy 61.45 (service animals and therapy dogs): adopted (voice vote).
- Focus School Software Hall Pass agreement: motion to table failed (Ayes: Secretary Henke, Dr. Olsen; Nays: Dr. Biesenthal, President Lizaak, Vice President Julie Scott). Final approval carried by roll call (Ayes: Dr. Biesenthal, President Lizaak, Vice President Julie Scott, Dr. Walsh; Nays: Secretary Henke, Dr. Olsen).
- WNEA certified staff agreement (teachers): approved by roll call (motion carried; several members voiced concerns and requested follow-up review of certain contractual provisions).
- WNEA nurses agreement: approved by roll call (motion carried).

Discussion and follow-up: Board members who opposed or questioned agreements asked administration and the district’s legal counsel to review contract language that refers to payroll deductions, political-action-committee contributions and use of district equipment for union business. Administration said it would investigate and coordinate with legal counsel and the union on potential clarifying edits or an MOU if necessary.

The board recorded these outcomes during the Feb. 20 meeting; some members asked for administrative follow-up and legal review before similar language is included in future agreements.