Known for 'taking care of people,' Humansville named top Missouri rural district in 2023

Searching for an example of the school culture in Humansville? Look no further than "High Five Fridays."

At the end of each week, students from a different club volunteer to stand at the main entrance of the campus and personally greet each classmate that enters.

"The students here benefit from small class sizes that have a wonderful, caring environment," said Cassie Ahlers, the president of the school board. "A feeling of closeness."

The 360-student campus on North Oak Street is the beating heart of Humansville, just 50 miles north of Springfield by way of Missouri 13.

The challenges are vast — high poverty, limited jobs and housing, the churn of families moving in and out — and so is the creativity with which the teachers, support staff and parents are finding resources and solutions.

That caught the attention of the Missouri Rural Education Association, which in late October named Humansville the Outstanding Rural School District for 2023.

"It was an extremely proud moment for our school district," said Superintendent Tammy Erwin. "There are days that are hard and anytime you can celebrate winning an award like this, especially a small school like us, it speaks to the people."

She said while constantly striving for higher student achievement and maintaining a high graduation rate are key, it is easy to "get hung up" in just the numbers.

"There is so much to be said about just taking care of people," Erwin said. "It is a huge compliment to our staff and all the work that they do for our kids. We don't pay the most ... but our people love kids and I think that makes a huge difference in what we do here."

The district found a way to offer free breakfast and lunch to every child, every day. Full-day preschool is available at no cost.

"We want everybody to start off on the right foot," she said.

Through technology, students have access to online learning and foreign language and advanced courses that are not available in Humansville. Each child has a laptop or other device.

The district has forged a series of partnerships — with the Ozarks Food Harvest, Ozarks Community Health Center, Keeling Foundation and others — to provide a weekend backpack program, on-site mental health and dental care, clothes, dual credit tuition, and sports and graduation attire.

The district drives students to the Dallas County Technical Center in Buffalo and pays for students to take up to two dual credit courses.

"We would really like to get involved in some of the apprenticeship programs that some other districts are starting to do," Erwin said. "With our location, there has to be more planning because we don't have as many businesses in town but it would help our students even more with college and career readiness."

"Look for ways to help students"

Mary Beth Dodson, who oversees federal programs for the district, said the district is one of the largest employers in the town of 900 people.

"Many students attending Humansville do not come to school ready to learn with adequate supplies or with all their basic needs met," said Dodson, in a nomination letter. "Compassionate adults recognize their struggles and look for ways to help students realize their potential and overcome these struggles."

There is also stability at the top. Even though leadership turnover can be common in small districts, Erwin has been in the superintendent role for 11 years.

She refers to the school community as "Tiger Family."

"Communication and relationships are very important — not only with your students, but with your community and your families," Erwin said. "It is important for school districts and the folks raising these children to be on the same page to give them the best experience possible."

Erwin said the school — elementary, middle and high are on the same campus — embraces the entire community. In return, the parents, grandparents and community members show up in large numbers to school assemblies, games, and other events.

"I hold this school very close to my heart. It is a tight-knit community made up of many people that were born and raised here," wrote Ahlers, a parent and alum, in a nomination letter for the award. "Many of the students' parents are alumni of the district, which has created such a strong bond and sense of family here."

Despite the longevity of some in Humansville, others move in and out, primarily in search of jobs and housing.

Erwin said the district has experienced an enrollment uptick since the pandemic, especially in the middle grades.

She said community support for the school is strong. In April 2022, voters approved a $3.2 million bond issue for a new air-conditioned gymnasium and the work to build that structure has started.

"That stability and trust helps a lot"

Humansville is the fourth largest district in Polk County behind Bolivar, Pleasant Hope, and Marion C. Early. Halfway and Fair Play are smaller.

Bolivar Superintendent Richard Asbill praised Erwin and said the honor was deserved.

"She is a very good leader who cares about Humansville," Asbill said. "It's a good representative for Polk County and a good representative for small, rural districts."

Erwin, a native of Walnut Grove, taught middle school English in Weaubleau, Fair Play and Osceola. She was hired in Humansville 18 years ago, where she taught and was principal before becoming the superintendent.

"It's family. When you are in a place this long, you form relationships and have an understanding of what is important to your community and your district. Having that stability and trust helps a lot," she said. "In education, especially these days, you are going to have disagreements. People know they can call and be heard."

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Erwin added: "You are not going to make everybody happy but in the end if people know you care about their child, it helps."

Many small, rural districts in Missouri have switched to a four-day school week, primarily as a way to hire and keep teachers.

Erwin said that option would not be a good fit in Humansville, where essentially 100% of the student body qualifies for free or reduced-price school meals, a national measure of poverty.

"The more we can be here for our kids, the better," she said.

Of the 60 employees of the district, 40 are teachers. Some grew up in Humansville, others live in cities as far away as Springfield and drive back and forth.

Erwin said there are districts that pay more but Humansville has accessed grants and other resources to get starting pay for teachers to $38,000 and help cover tuition for graduates pursing a teaching certificate.

More: Bolivar Superintendent Richard Asbill, or 'Sawyer's dad,' announces plans to retire

The district offers other perks, including a long-standing mentoring program for new teachers and ample training.

"The district implements a mentoring program for teachers that goes way beyond what is required to train and support new teachers," said Dodson, in a nomination letter for the MARE award.

"Elementary teachers are being trained in the science of reading and curriculum is continually reviewed and updated to meet state standards and improve learning."

Donna Root, the curriculum director and professional development chair, who has been in the district for 29 years said the "staff is like family" and conversations center on what is best for students.

Over the years, she has seen firsthand the bonds that form between employees and families.

"We help take care of each other," said Root, in a letter to MARE.

"If staff members see a need for a student, for another staff member or within the community, they do their best to meet the need or find a resource connection."

Claudette Riley covers education for the News-Leader. Email tips and story ideas to criley@news-leader.com.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Humansville is the top rural school district is Missouri. Here is why