Checking In with Silex Schools: More Students, Higher Teacher Pay and New Opportunities
SILEX, Mo. — Silex R-I is starting the school year with growing enrollment, stronger local funding for teacher salaries and more students earning recognition for their academic performance.
Lincoln CountyWatch sat down with Superintendent Nick Heggemann in September to catch up on the district’s progress and discuss opportunities available to students and families. Our October update covers everything from voter-approved teacher raises to college tuition assistance and support inside the classroom.
One of the biggest developments came from voters. Heggemann said Prop Owls passed with approximately 65% support, providing local funding to support teacher and staff pay.
The district’s base teacher salary schedule increased from $35,900 to $40,000. Silex had been relying on a state grant to make up that difference; the levy provides a more stable local funding source.
For a small district competing with neighboring schools for teachers, that matters. Heggemann said the goal is to remain competitive and sustain raises over time. He emphasized that the measure funds compensation rather than new buses or buildings.
The district is also seeing more students qualify for its Cardinals game reward. This year, 145 students earned eligibility through their performance on state assessments, compared with approximately 50 when the incentive was first offered.
Students generally qualify by scoring proficient or advanced on Missouri Assessment Program tests or end-of-course exams. Students receiving special education services can also qualify through individual growth goals, recognizing improvement alongside achievement.
Heggemann highlighted middle school English as an area of progress, while noting that a fuller breakdown of testing results would first be presented to the school board.
The district’s focus goes beyond preparing for a test. Reading, writing and extra help for students who fall behind remain priorities. Writing practice extends across subjects, including elective classes, with students learning to answer questions clearly and support their responses with evidence.
Enrollment is approximately 460 students, an increase of nearly 4%. Several new teachers have joined the district, including Silex graduates returning to teach in their hometown.
The FFA program has a milestone of its own: Silex students hold both the Area 5 president and vice president positions. Heggemann said the program helps students build confidence, communicate and lead beyond their local chapter—skills that carry into public speaking and life after school.
One opportunity Heggemann wants more families to explore is the A+ program, which can help eligible graduates cover tuition at participating Missouri community colleges and technical schools.
Eligibility involves attendance, grades, math achievement and tutoring or mentoring requirements. Silex offers a class through which high school students help elementary students during the school day while completing their required hours.
Families interested in the program can contact high school counselor Johna Long through the school office at 573-384-5227. Heggemann encouraged parents to ask about it rather than assume their student has brought home every detail.
Support is also available for students facing difficulties during the school year. Compass counselors visit the district regularly, giving students someone to talk with about social, emotional or home-related concerns. Heggemann credited the Lincoln County Resource Board with helping fund that service at no cost to the district.
At the time of the interview, elementary attendance was approximately 97%, with high school attendance at approximately 95%. The district uses incentives to celebrate attendance, reading goals and positive character.
Heggemann described the approach as steady, incremental growth: helping students improve a little each year and building on that progress. With more students enrolled, stronger support for teacher pay and opportunities stretching beyond graduation, Silex is working to give families more reasons to stay connected to their school.
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