The Sweet Springs R-7 Board of Education took action to approve the district’s academic calendar and certified staff salary increases during its meeting on Wednesday, March 12.

The board first reviewed the 2025-2026 academic calendar. The first day of school for the next school year is August 18, 2025, with the last day set for May 15, 2026. The board approved the calendar as presented.

The board then approved a 2 percent increase to the base of the certified and extra duty salary schedules for 2025-2026.

The board also recognized the high school band and choir students for their performances at the District Solo and Small Ensemble Festival. The Marimba quintet featuring Drayton Hampton, Garret Hoyes, Matthew Nienhaus, Jacob Rapp, and Jason Riley received an Exemplary Rating for their performance. Sammantha McCleary and Alyssa Bargfrede earned Outstanding Ratings for their vocal solos.