By Tim SchmidtRecord Managing EditorOne female student thumbed through a rack full of clothes and found a couple of items to her liking. A male classmate was nearby, looking through dozens of movie titles to see which one piqued his interest.Another student purchased a Dr. Pepper flag because that is his favorite drink.As Missouri Commissioner of Education Margaret Vandeven watched and talked to students shopping Monday at the Rebecca Boone Trading Post, the thoughtfulness of some who spent their “dollars” on family members left quite a mark.“I think that it is really promoting the concept of giving back to others,” Vandeven told The Record.Vandeven, who has held the state’s top education position since Jan. 1, visited the Trading Post Monday.The Trading Post opened a little over a year ago as a place where students are able to use “Boone Bucks” to buy basic necessities from shoes and clothing items to hygiene products, books and food items. Students go shopping twice a month.How much money a student has depends on their attendance and behavior. The store helps them learn important life skills, such as accountability and the economics behind a purchase.School officials said an increase in attendance and a reduction in discipline at Rebecca Bone has been a direct result of the Trading Post. This year, discipline problems have dropped by 50 percent.“It has really grown and become an integral part of this building,” Superintendent Dr. Jim Chandler said.The Trading Post left a positive impression on Vandeven, who liked how it was a creative way for students to keep students motivated and remain on top of their classroom work. Being in school usually leads to improved grades, she said.“Working in any system where you are educating the whole child is really important,” Vandeven said. “We talk a lot about the academics which is essential for success, but when you come to school, it’s really about educating the whole child.”Rebecca Boone Principal Dr. Jill Schowe said the success of the Trading Post has been made possible thanks to the outpouring of support from volunteers and supporters.“It’s a reflection on our community and how they have rallied behind us and supported us,” Schowe remarked. “Whether it’s monetary or items donated, it’s a huge accomplishment.”District officials were thrilled that Vandeven took the opportunity to visit and watch firsthand how the store has generated a buzz at the school and in the district.“To us, it’s an honor to have the commissioner come by our school,” Chandler said. “We feel it’s important for people to see the good things happening in our district. It’s an honor that she found time to come out and see the good things happening at Rebecca Boone.”Vandeven has been in her current position as education commissioner since Jan. 1. She was selected from a field of four other candidates to succeed Chris Nicastro, who retired following five years in the position. The O’Fallon resident had served as deputy commissioner for the past nine years and previously taught at private schools in St. Charles County and Maryland.One of her focuses moving forward is the “Top 10 by 20,” an initiative to get Missouri in the top 10 states in student achievement by 2020.“We have been moving forward,” Vandeven said. “I have a great team in place. It has been really busy since Jan. 1 of course. There has been quite a bit in education happening across the state, but there are a number of people who want to work together and move the state forward.”Margie Vandeven, right, state education commissioner, poses with students Emory Pais, left, and Wyatt Karrenbrock outside the Rebecca Boone Trading Post. The students had recently purchased items from the Trading Post, which Vandeven visited Monday, Feb. 23. Tim Schmidt photo.
