Over the past few weeks, we've shared information about Amendment 5 because it could have implications for Missouri school funding.

But when you head to the polls, remember that your ballot includes more than one question.

Depending on where you live, you may also see statewide amendments, primary races, local issues, and candidates for public office.

Take a few minutes to review your sample ballot before Election Day, so you know what to expect.

No matter how you choose to vote, thank you for taking the time to get informed and participate in the election. An informed community is a stronger community.
about 4 hours ago, Savannah R3
Graphic reading "Your Ballot Is More Than One Question" with reminders that ballots may include statewide amendments, local issues, primary races, and candidates, encouraging voters to review their sample ballot before voting.
Not every teacher is cut out for middle school—but for Bethney Pedersen, it's exactly where she wants to be! 💛🖤

Bethney joins Savannah Middle School as an 8th Grade ELA and 7th Grade Reading teacher, bringing five years of teaching experience to the SR3 Family.

After teaching in a smaller district, Bethney was excited for the opportunity to join a larger school and focus exclusively on middle school students. She says her family—especially her sister, who is also a middle school reading teacher—has been her biggest source of encouragement throughout her career.

Outside the classroom, Bethney enjoys reading, playing softball, working out, and driving her Dodge Challenger. She also credits her first-grade teacher, Mrs. Nance, with helping shape both her educational journey and her decision to become a teacher.

When asked what instantly brightens her day, Bethney had the perfect middle school answer: humor and a good joke! We have a feeling she'll fit right in.

Welcome to the SR3 Family, Bethney!

#WeAreSR3 #SR3Family
about 12 hours ago, Savannah R3
Portrait of new Savannah Middle School ELA teacher Bethney Pedersen smiling while wearing glasses and a peach-colored shirt.
Some schools just feel like home. 💛🖤

That's exactly how Eastin Woolf felt while student teaching at Minnie Cline Elementary—and now she's officially joining the SR3 Family as a 2nd Grade Teacher!

Eastin says the support and encouragement she received from the Minnie Cline staff made such a lasting impression that she knew it was where she wanted to begin her teaching career. Now she'll have the opportunity to work alongside the educators who helped inspire her while serving the students and families of SR3.

Teaching has always been close to home for Eastin. Both of her parents are educators, and she credits them with inspiring her passion for the profession and encouraging her every step of the way.

When she's not in the classroom, Eastin enjoys spending time outdoors, visiting the lake, exploring new coffee shops, and cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs. She also admits an iced coffee—or an Alani Nu—is the perfect way to start the day! ☕❤️💛

We're excited to officially welcome Eastin to the SR3 Family and can't wait to see all she'll accomplish with our second graders! #WeAreSR3 #SR3Family
1 day ago, Savannah R3
Portrait of new Minnie Cline Elementary second grade teacher Eastin Woolf smiling outdoors in graduation attire.
Over the past few weeks, we've been talking about how Missouri funds public schools and how the Foundation Formula works.

On August 4, Missouri voters will have the opportunity to weigh in on Amendment 5.

This graphic ties together a few of the key facts we've shared along the way.

If you'd like a better understanding of where school funding comes from, how the Foundation Formula works, and why General Revenue matters, we've created a plain-English guide on our website.

📖 Learn more: https://www.savannahr3.com/page/mo5

As always, our goal is to provide factual information so our community can make informed decisions.
2 days ago, Savannah R3
"Before You Vote" graphic highlighting that 42% of SR3 funding comes from the state, 64% of General Revenue comes from income tax, and Amendment 5 proposes phasing out Missouri's individual income tax.
Help us welcome Olivia Butcher to the SR3 Family! 💛🖤

Olivia is joining Savannah Middle School as an 8th Grade English and Reading Teacher, where she'll begin her first year in education.

When searching for the right place to start her teaching career, Olivia says Savannah's supportive community stood out immediately. She's excited to become part of a district where students, families, and staff genuinely support one another.

Outside the classroom, Olivia loves staying active through running, pickleball, volleyball, weightlifting, and hiking. In fact, she's already conquered two 14,000-foot mountain peaks in Colorado—and has plans to tackle two more this summer! 🏔️

Olivia says one of her favorite teachers made history come alive by helping students imagine what it looked, sounded, smelled, and even tasted like to live through historical events. That creativity inspired her and continues to shape the kind of engaging classroom she hopes to create for her own students.

We're excited to welcome Olivia to the SR3 Family and can't wait to see the impact she'll make at Savannah Middle School. #WeAreSR3 #SR3Family
3 days ago, Savannah R3
New Savannah Middle School English teacher Olivia Butcher smiles while hiking on a rocky mountain summit in Colorado.
If we're being honest... we're a little in denial that August is almost here. 😅

Summer has flown by, but the calendar doesn't lie...

🎒 Online Registration for returning Savannah R3 students opens August 1!

If you're new to Savannah R3, welcome! New student enrollment is completed in person. Please contact your child's school office to schedule an enrollment appointment.

We'll be sharing more registration tips, reminders, and step-by-step information throughout the week, so keep an eye on our page and your inbox!

For now, enjoy these last few days of summer... and maybe don't look at the calendar. 😉 #WeAreSR3 #SR3Family
3 days ago, Savannah R3
Back-to-school graphic announcing Online Registration for returning Savannah R3 students opens August 1, 2026.
Help us welcome Rachel Landess to the SR3 Family! 💛🖤

Rachel joins Helena Elementary as a 3rd Grade Teacher, bringing 10 years of experience in education—including time spent as a paraprofessional right here at SR3!

An Andrew County native, Rachel is excited to return to Savannah because of the close-knit community she remembers so well. One tradition she's especially looking forward to? Savannah Homecoming! During the years she previously worked here, the celebration was canceled, so she's excited to finally experience what everyone has been talking about.

When she's not in the classroom, Rachel enjoys baking and spending time with her family and fiancé. She says her teachers inspired her to become an educator, and after hearing for years that she loved to talk and always had great ideas, she jokes that teaching turned out to be the perfect career. 😊

As for her dream superpower? Instantly grading papers! (We're guessing every teacher can relate to that one. 😉)

We're excited to welcome Rachel back to the SR3 Family and can't wait to see the difference she'll make for our students at Helena Elementary. #WeAreSR3 #SR3Family
4 days ago, Savannah R3
New Helena Elementary third grade teacher Rachel Landess smiles while holding a small white dog in front of a fall pumpkin display.
🎓 Savage Alum Alert! 💛🖤

There's something special about coming home.

Please help us welcome Caleb Hundley, SHS Class of 2011, back to the SR3 Family! Caleb is returning to Savannah High School as a Business Teacher and will also serve as an assistant coach for football, basketball, and baseball.

Caleb actually began his teaching career at SR3 before spending the last three years in Cameron. Now, he's returning home because, as he puts it, "I'm so glad my kids will graduate from Savannah—great school, even better community."

A proud husband and father of three, Caleb loves coaching youth sports, family adventures, and just about anything that brings a little friendly competition. If given a superpower, he'd turn every lesson into game day—making learning so exciting that every student would be eager to compete.

As a student, one of the teachers who made a lasting impact on Caleb was Mr. Hartong, whose ability to make learning fun inspired him then—and continues to influence the educator he is today.

Welcome home, Caleb! We're excited to have another Savage return to inspire the next generation. #WeAreSR3 #SR3Family
6 days ago, Savannah R3
Family photo of returning Savannah High School business teacher and Savannah alum Caleb Hundley with his wife and three children by the waterfront.
How does Missouri decide how much state funding each public school district receives?

If you've ever wondered...

Where does Missouri get the information used to calculate state funding for public schools?

Why does attendance factor into the calculation?

Who decides how much funding is available in the first place?
...you're not alone.

We put together a plain-English guide that answers those questions and explains how Missouri's school funding system works.

📖 Read the article here:
https://www.savannahr3.com/article/3037651

Our goal is simple: to help our community better understand how Missouri's school funding system works.
6 days ago, Savannah R3
Understanding Missouri’s Foundation Formula
Help us welcome LaTeshia Rhoad to the SR3 Family! 💛🖤

LaTeshia joins Savannah R3 as our new Special Services Director, bringing 17 years of experience in education from both Maysville R-I and the St. Joseph School District.

When asked what drew her to SR3, LaTeshia shared that she was inspired by the great things she had been seeing throughout the district. She looks forward to supporting students, families, and staff while helping every learner reach their full potential.

Outside of work, LaTeshia loves spending time with her husband and two children, cheering on the Kansas City Royals, relaxing on the family farm, and curling up with a good book. She's also recently taken up crocheting and enjoys the challenge of learning something new!

When asked what superpower she'd choose in her role, her answer perfectly reflects why she chose this profession: she'd love the ability to give every teacher and every child exactly what they need to be successful—without ever having to worry about the cost.

We're excited to welcome LaTeshia to the SR3 Family and look forward to the leadership and support she'll bring to our students, staff, and families.

Welcome to SR3, LaTeshia! #WeAreSR3 #SR3Family
7 days ago, Savannah R3
LaTeshia Rhoad, Savannah R3's new Special Services Director, smiles beside her husband in an outdoor selfie.
Help us welcome Miya Wiederholt to the SR3 Family! 💛🖤

Miya is joining Minnie Cline Elementary as a 1st Grade Teacher and brings three years of teaching experience to SR3.

After spending time in Minnie Cline's after-school program, Miya knew it was a place she wanted to call home. She was looking for a district closer to home, but it was the welcoming environment that ultimately made SR3 the perfect fit.

One of Miya's favorite school memories says a lot about the kind of teacher she is today. As a fourth grader, she loved Because of Winn-Dixie—except for the ending. So she rewrote the final chapter with the happy ending she wanted and shared it with her teacher, Mrs. McGuinness. Her teacher still keeps that story and shares it with students each year, including Miya's three younger sisters. ❤️

When she's not in the classroom, Miya enjoys crafting, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. She's also the proud owner of two very big dogs—a black Lab mix and a fluffy Great Pyrenees—who are always a hit with her students!

We're excited to welcome Miya to the SR3 Family and can't wait to see the impact she'll have on our youngest learners.

Welcome to SR3, Miya! #WeAreSR3 #SR3Family
8 days ago, Savannah R3
Portrait of new Minnie Cline Elementary first grade teacher Miya Wiederholt smiling in front of the Eiffel Tower.

Summer has a funny way of slipping by. ☀️

The heat may be sticking around for a while, but summer break won't.

Before backpacks, bus stops, and alarm clocks return...

💦 Cool off at the pool.
🎣 Go fishing at the newly stocked ponds at Memorial Park.
🌅 Watch one more sunset.
✨ Catch a few fireflies.
😴 Stay up a little too late.

Childhood has a funny way of slipping by, too.

Make a few more memories together.

School will be here soon enough. 💛🖤

Whether you're at the pool, Memorial Park, the ballfield, camping, or just enjoying a quiet evening on the porch, we'd love to see how your family is spending these last days of summer. Share a photo in the comments! ☀️💛

#WeAreSR3 #SR3Family

8 days ago, Savannah R3
A student wearing a cowboy hat fishes from the grassy bank of a pond on a sunny summer day with trees reflected in the calm water.
Five smiling children pose together in a community swimming pool while families enjoy a sunny summer afternoon in the background.
Help us welcome Zoe O'Meara to the SR3 Family! 💛🖤

Zoe is joining Helena Elementary as a Special Education Teacher, and she'll be beginning her very first year in education.

When deciding where to start her teaching career, Zoe says it was the people who made SR3 feel like home. She was inspired by the welcoming atmosphere, the support among staff, and the district's commitment to helping every student succeed. She's excited to grow as an educator while making a difference in the lives of her students.

Outside the classroom, Zoe enjoys spending time with family and friends, being outdoors, and—believe it or not—riding dirt bikes! She also admits an iced coffee is an instant mood booster and says her teaching superpower would be an endless supply of coffee. ☕🏍️

We're excited to have Zoe join our team and can't wait to see the impact she'll make at Helena Elementary.

Welcome to the SR3 Family, Zoe! #WeAreSR3 #SR3Family
9 days ago, Savannah R3
Portrait of new Helena Elementary Special Education Teacher Zoe O'Meara smiling outdoors in a white outfit with a graduation stole.
🏡 Sometimes, home is the place you choose.

About seven years ago, Kinsley Whisenand and her family made Savannah home because they loved the small-town feel and sense of community. This fall, she's excited to take that connection one step further as the new Attendance Secretary at Savannah High School.

Whether she's welcoming students and families through the front office or cheering on her son, Dean, from the sidelines at a baseball or football game, Kinsley enjoys being part of the community she now calls home.

She believes that positivity is contagious.

"Bringing positivity creates positivity! When someone can share a positive thought or comment it makes my day better, and I try to share the same with others."

When she's not at the ballfield, you'll likely find Kinsley at the gym—or wishing for her dream superpower: an endless supply of caffeine! ☕😉

Welcome to the SR3 Family, Kinsley! We're excited to have you at Savannah High School.

#SR3Family #WeAreSR3
10 days ago, Savannah R3
Black SR3 staff ID badge hanging from a black "SR3 Family" lanyard on a white background. The badge features a portrait of Kinsley Whisenand. Text identifies her as the Attendance Secretary at Savannah High School.
How does Missouri decide how much state funding each school district receives?

Many people assume the state simply divides education funding equally among school districts. In reality, Missouri uses something called the Foundation Formula to calculate how much state funding each district receives.

Think of it as Missouri's funding calculator. Rather than giving every district the same amount, the Foundation Formula considers factors such as:

• Student attendance
• Local property values
• Local tax effort
• State funding appropriated by the legislature
• Other factors established in Missouri law

Here's a simplified look at how the process works:

1. The Missouri Legislature appropriates funding for K-12 public education.

2. The Foundation Formula calculates how much state funding each Missouri public school district receives.

3. Missouri school districts receive their calculated share of state funding.

4. Those funds are then used by school districts to support teaching and learning for students.

Later this week, we'll take a closer look at where the Foundation Formula gets the information it uses to make those calculations.

#WeAreSR3 #SR3Family
10 days ago, Savannah R3
Flowchart showing the Missouri Legislature appropriating education funding, the Foundation Formula calculating each district's share, and districts using those funds to educate students.
🖤💛 Savage Alum Alert! 💛🖤

For Jennifer Flint, joining the SR3 team feels a lot like coming home.

A proud 2016 Savannah High School graduate, Jennifer is returning to SR3 as a Parents as Teachers Parent Educator, where she'll have the opportunity to support young children and families throughout our community.

Jennifer says she always knew Savannah was a special place.

"I went to school here and know how great the community is already. I knew this would be a great team to work with!"

Some of her favorite memories as a student include serving as a Share Aid during her senior year, when she had the opportunity to work with students at Savannah Middle School. Today, she's excited to give back to the same community she once called home.

When she's not working with families, Jennifer enjoys reading, playing tennis, building LEGO creations, and spending time with her husband, Payton, and their three boys—all proud members of the SR3 Family.

Welcome home, Jennifer! We're excited to have you back at SR3. 💛🖤

#SR3Family #WeAreSR3
11 days ago, Savannah R3
Black SR3 staff ID badge hanging from a black "SR3 Family" lanyard on a white background. The badge features a portrait of Jennifer Flint. Text identifies her as a Parents as Teachers Parent Educator in Special Services. A gold "ALUM" icon indicates she is a Savannah R3 graduate.
💛 Please help us welcome Duke Newsted to the SR3 Family!

This fall marks an exciting new chapter for Duke. As he prepares for his September wedding, he's also beginning a new role at SR3 as a Paraprofessional, Assistant Varsity Wrestling Coach, and Assistant Middle School Track Coach.

After working in the Park Hill School District, Duke says Savannah immediately felt like home and offered the opportunity to continue doing what he loves—supporting students and coaching young athletes.

When asked what inspires him most, Duke didn't hesitate:

"Just seeing my students and athletes' faces light up after they have finally figured something out they didn't think they could do."

Outside of school, you'll likely find him hunting, fishing, cheering on college wrestling, or spending time with his fiancée, Kaitlynn, and their families as they prepare for their wedding this fall.

Welcome to SR3, Duke! We're excited to have you on the team and wish you all the best as you begin this exciting new season. 💛🖤

#SR3Family #WeAreSR3
13 days ago, Savannah R3
Black SR3 staff ID badge hanging from a black "SR3 Family" lanyard on a white background. The badge features a portrait of Duke Newsted. Text identifies him as a Paraprofessional, Assistant Varsity Wrestling Coach, and Assistant Middle School Track Coach serving Savannah Middle School and Savannah High School.
💛 Please help us welcome Ashley Lippold to the SR3 Family!

Ashley joins John Glenn Elementary as our new 2nd Grade Teacher, bringing 20 years of teaching experience and a passion for helping students grow into confident problem-solvers.

After teaching third grade in St. Joseph, Ashley was drawn to Savannah because of its strong sense of community and collaborative spirit.

"Joining SR3 felt like a great opportunity to contribute my experience, continue developing professionally, and be part of a team that values collaboration, commitment, and continuous improvement."

For Ashley, this move is a true family adventure. She and her husband, Garrett, are excited to become part of the SR3 community, and their 9-year-old twins, Cruz and Jett, will be joining John Glenn as fourth graders this fall.

When she's not in the classroom, Ashley enjoys crafting, decorating for events, spending time by the pool or at the beach, and making memories with her family.

Welcome to SR3, Ashley! We're excited to have you and your family as part of our community. 💛🖤

#SR3Family #WeAreSR3
14 days ago, Savannah R3
Black SR3 staff ID badge hanging from a black "SR3 Family" lanyard on a white background. The badge features a portrait of Ashley Lippold. Text identifies her as a 2nd Grade Teacher at John Glenn Elementary.
What does Amendment 5 actually say?

There's been a lot of discussion about Amendment 5, but many voters haven't had the opportunity to read the actual language that will appear on the ballot.

Today's graphic includes both the official ballot language and the Missouri Secretary of State's official Fair Ballot Language to help explain what voters will see on the ballot.

Because Missouri's individual income tax is the state's largest source of General Revenue—and General Revenue helps fund public education—Amendment 5 has generated questions about what the proposal could mean for schools.

At this time, the long-term impact on public school funding cannot be known with certainty because implementation would require future legislative action over several years.

Learn more, including our FAQ and links to official resources, at savannahr3.com/mo5.

Savannah R3 is providing factual information from official sources and is not advocating for or against Amendment 5.
14 days ago, Savannah R3
Side-by-side comparison titled "What does Amendment 5 actually say?" The left column displays the official Missouri Amendment 5 ballot language. The right column displays the Missouri Secretary of State's official Fair Ballot Language explaining what a "yes" vote and a "no" vote would mean. A source note at the bottom credits the Missouri Secretary of State's 2026 Ballot Measures. The graphic directs readers to compare the official legal language with the state's voter-friendly explanation.
🖤💛 Savage Alum Alert! 💛🖤

Some stories have a way of coming full circle.

Just four years after graduating from Savannah High School, Khia Haley is returning home as our newest History Teacher—stepping into the very classroom of the teacher who first inspired her to pursue education.

A proud member of the Class of 2022 and a graduate of Missouri Western State University, Khia credits her former government teacher, Mrs. Ross, with making a lasting impact on her life.

"She has a wonderful way of integrating storytelling into valuable lessons—not only history lessons, but life lessons as well."

Now, following Mrs. Ross's retirement, Khia has the opportunity to carry that legacy forward for the next generation of Savage students.

When asked what brought her back to SR3, her answer was simple:

"This community is wonderful. The people are supportive, caring, and so kind. This place is home!"

We're excited to welcome Khia back to SR3—somehow, we always knew she'd find her way back home.💛🖤
☺️#SR3Family #WeAreSR3
15 days ago, Savannah R3
Graphic featuring a black SR3 staff ID badge hanging from a black "SR3 Family" lanyard on a white background. The badge displays a portrait of Khia Haley smiling outdoors while holding a gold apple. Text identifies her as a History Teacher at Savannah High School. A gold "ALUM" icon indicates she is a Savannah R3 graduate.