The Fox C-6 School District Board of Education met on March 31, 2026, in Arnold, Missouri, covering a wide range of topics from state education policy to local investments and student achievements.

Student ambassadors representing both Fox High School and Seckman High School opened the evening with a strong report on recent accomplishments across the district.

Fox High School Highlights:

• Varsity mixed choir performed the national anthem at the University of Missouri during the state basketball championships
• Student Council earned both the Gold School of Character Award and Honor Council recognition
• Three students received the Distinguished Student Leader Award
• The marching band traveled to Orlando to perform at Walt Disney World
• Choir and band programs earned exemplary and outstanding ratings at the state contest

Seckman High School Highlights:

• A student-led talent show raised funds to support students in need during the holidays
• The annual “March for Hunger” food drive collected donations across the community
• Track and field athletes delivered standout performances, including a school record in the 100-meter dash
• The school hosted international exchange students from Germany, providing cultural learning opportunities

Together, the reports highlighted not only academic and extracurricular success, but also a strong culture of leadership, service, and community involvement across both schools.

Superintendent Dr. Paul Fregeau delivered one of the most consequential updates of the evening, raising concerns about Missouri’s current and proposed education policies.

Funding remains a concern. While the state previously committed to fully funding the foundation formula at $7,145 per student, actual payments have fallen short, landing closer to $6,900. The district, however, had planned conservatively and remains financially stable.

More pressing was discussion around proposed literacy legislation, including Senate Bill 1442 and House Bill 2872.

Key concerns included:

• Mandatory third-grade retention for students testing below standard
• No input allowed from parents or educators in retention decisions
• Reliance on a single test to determine a student’s future
• Creation of intensive reading classrooms that could pull students away from other core subjects
• Additional staffing and facility burdens without corresponding funding

Fregeau warned that the legislation could significantly impact both students and school operations, while urging parents to stay informed and engaged with state lawmakers.

With local elections approaching, district leaders are encouraging residents to participate in the April 7 vote.

On the ballot is a district bond issue requiring a 57.14% supermajority, along with three open seats on the Fox C-6 Board of Education.

Four candidates are seeking those three seats, including current board members Curtiss Frazier and Travis Lintner, alongside former board member Kenneth Woolsey and candidate Joe Looney.

District leadership emphasized that school board service represents one of the most direct forms of local government, with decisions that directly impact classrooms, teachers, and families across the community.

The board approved several operational items, including updated extra duty pay rates, adjustments to summer school pay scales, and a $201,000 contract for new field lighting at Seckman High School.

The lighting project followed concerns about past vendor responsiveness, with district leaders prioritizing reliability and long-term service support.

The meeting also highlighted strong community backing, with multiple local organizations and businesses contributing donations to support district programs and facilities.

Among the contributors was the Arnold Police Officers Association, which donated $1,500, along with several local businesses and community groups offering additional support.

The evening concluded with a heartfelt sendoff for outgoing board member Judy Smith, who was recognized for six years of service.

District leaders praised her commitment to students, teachers, and literacy initiatives, describing her as a true servant leader whose impact extended beyond the district.