Archie R-V Parents and Community,

I've been fortunate to observe the immense progress of our staff and students for this first quarter. So many hurdles were overcome by the staff and faculty to get the building ready for the first day of attendance. Following the construction project that occurred (thanks to the voters of the Archie Community), it was an enormous race to opening day.

Since then, I have watched and interacted with staff and students who are learning, engaging, and challenging themselves to grow every day. On the court, on the field, or classroom, Archie has so much to be proud of. Our Ag department is one of the best in the area. Our music and band departments are raising some very talented musicians. I've seen such fan support for our athletic program, that I would say is second to none. A small rural school, truly is the heart of a community.

The small rural school is under a heavy burden across America, and nowhere less than Archie R-V. Our budget has been slashed due to a huge withholding of $190+ million dollars this year across the state. Currently, it is predicted that another $270 million dollars will be underfunded for Missouri schools. These are the best of times and the worst of times. We have the best students and staff, supported by families that want nothing bust success for their children. But the worst case scenarios of financial strain are upon us, coupled by some new mandates by the state. Private and charter schools are gaining funding while public schools are left scrambling to stay afloat. The new A-F Report card, something that has been rapidly rolled out too soon, will only serve to demoralize many Missouri schools, and most pointedly, small rural districts without the resources to compete with the wealthier urban schools. (I am attaching an explanation letter about the impending release of the A-F Report Card)

However, I think there are some folks who don't want to see small public schools succeed, who will be surprised that we will be resilient. Here, in our little corner of Cass and Bates Counties, we are stronger, more resourceful, and stubborn enough to prove folks wrong. We are, "Archie Strong"!

Thanks for allowing me to be your Superintendent, and your continued support of Archie R-V Schools!

Tim Thompson, Superintendent

Archie R-V Schools

A-F Report Card Letter:

Dear Staff, Parents and Community Members,

In the coming days, the State will release preliminary letter grades for all public schools across Missouri. As the Superintendent of Archie R-V Schools, I believe leadership requires transparency. I want to directly communicate to you regarding this new system, what it accurately reflects, and the concerns that school leaders across Missouri share. The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is launching its first pilot A-F grading system for public schools, established by an executive order signed by Governor Kehoe in January 2026.

To help understand this rollout, our community should be aware of three critical facts:

● Every school district and school building will be assigned a single letter grade.

● This grading system is in addition to the state’s existing Annual Performance Report; it does not replace it.

● The metric is built almost exclusively on standardized test scores. It is critical to emphasize that this grade is a pilot. This marks the first year of a brand-new state system using performance data from the 2024-2025 school year.

I fully expect this framework to shift over time, meaning local grades will likely change. The A-F framework rests on an executive order and on action by the State Board of Education, not state law. While schools welcome accountability, we have shared our professional concerns with the state regarding the rushed timeline used to develop this system. School districts will continue to advocate for a fair, comprehensive evaluation process. Standardized tests are a single, narrow snapshot—they do not define our schools. Ultimately, no state-assigned rating can replace your knowledge as a parent or stakeholder. You know your child’s teachers, their classroom environment, and the real progress they make every day. Our responsibility is to work alongside you to help your child achieve their full educational potential. Whether navigating a letter grade or any other mandate issued from Jefferson City, our mission does not waver. Our commitment remains fixed on our local systems and community priorities we have established to support student success.

The Public school serves every single child who walks through our doors, without exception. We welcome students with very different needs, life circumstances, and starting points. This open-door responsibility is fundamental to who we are, and it’s why a single letter can never capture the scope of a school or the dedication of the educators who choose to serve there. Our public schools are the foundation of a prosperous future for our community, and that foundation is built on local trust, not state labels.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership. I will keep you informed throughout this process.

Respectfully,

Tim M. Thompson, Superintendent