Rural Schools, Missouri’s Future: A Community Conversation
Hosted by Mexico Public Schools & North Callaway R-I
Tuesday, September 29
Mexico High School, Emmons Hall
6:00 - 7:30 PM
Presented by Duane Martin, education advocate and school law attorney with EdCounsel
Panel Participants: Dr. Troy Lentz, Mexico Schools Superintendent; Dr. Kenya Thompson, North Callaway Superintendent; Mrs. Jessica Ekern, Mexico Schools School Board President
Public schools are the heart of rural Missouri communities. They educate our children, support local families, anchor local economies, and help shape the future of our towns. They serve as community gathering places, major employers, activity centers, and investments in the future of our towns and the next generation.
This town hall program invites parents, educators, board members, business leaders, public officials, and community members to take a clear-eyed look at Missouri’s policy approach to rural public schools.
Together, we will ask three practical questions: Are rural schools being placed in a hole? Is Missouri continuing to dig that hole deeper? And what can citizens do to help rural schools, rural students, and rural communities move forward?
The goal is to inform, engage, and encourage Missourians to understand what is at stake for rural schools and why these schools matter to the future of our state. The goal is not to attack any person, party, or official.
This event is free and open to the public.

- The gym roof has been replaced and is now waterproof and airtight
- The last coat of sealer was put on the gym floor this week
- The new floor is a solid wood floor that replaces the old sports court flooring.
- We still have work to complete in the classrooms for tile
- The gym should open to students in the next couple of weeks
We know this has been a long, drawn-out project, so we want to thank our middle school teachers, coaches, administrators, students, and families for their patience. We look forward to hosting many events in this updated and shiny space. It's a great time to be a Thunderbird! #ThunderbirdProud
Thank you for your flexibility and support.
The JV football game scheduled for tonight at Hermann has been cancelled due to Hermann having low numbers.








The Lady Thunderbirds will play on Saturday in Hallsville at 9:30 AM.

North Callaway will play the first game on Thursday at Harrisburg, with a 6:30 PM start time. We look forward to a great night of softball and strong Thunderbird support.

School is almost here, and there’s a lot happening across North Callaway! 🦅💚🤍
In this 90-Second Superintendent Update, Dr. Thompson shares a few important back-to-school reminders, including Open House events, updates about bus routes and transportation, and a few other things families need to know as we get ready to welcome students back.
Thank you to our families, students, and staff for helping us get ready for another great school year. We’re excited to see our hallways come alive again!
▶️ Take 90 seconds to hear the latest from the Superintendent! More details were emailed to registered families earlier today.
Go Thunderbirds! 💚🤍
https://youtube.com/shorts/3qT-uvISIlw?si=PUVal3D-9RlDqmcT
Thank you to all of our families and students who joined us for the Middle School and High School Open House events! We loved seeing everyone back in our buildings, meeting teachers, exploring classrooms, and getting ready for another fantastic year. 💚🤍
A special shout-out to our National Junior Honor Society members for volunteering their time and helping make the Middle School Open House a success. Your leadership and willingness to serve are a great example of what it means to be a Thunderbird!
We’re excited for the year ahead and can’t wait to see our students back in the hallways! It’s going to be a great year to be a Thunderbird! 🦅💚🤍

