Expanding Athletic Partnerships
The Norborne R‑VIII School announced this week that it is extending its cooperative agreement with Hardin‑Central to add girls basketball to the list of shared sports. Starting next season, Norborne’s female athletes will compete under the Hardin‑Central Bulldogs banner, a move that mirrors a similar joint effort previously established between Keytesville and Northwestern of Mendon.
District officials say the partnership is intended to broaden competitive opportunities for young women in the region and to streamline resources across the two districts. By fielding a combined team, the schools hope to maintain robust programming while preserving each community’s unique identity.
Financial Adjustments and Upcoming Meeting
In addition to the athletic changes, the school board approved a refinancing of existing certificates of deposit with Home Savings and Loan, a step officials say will lower borrowing costs for the district. The board also finalized meal pricing for the 2025‑26 school year, setting elementary lunch at $2.75, high school lunch at $2.95, and staff lunch at $3.50. Breakfast prices will remain unchanged at $1.60 for students and $1.70 for adults.
The board has scheduled its next regular meeting for August 10, where further items on the agenda are expected to be discussed, including potential extensions of the cooperative model to other sports.