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KIRKSVILLE, MO. -- Some Heartland athletes will enjoy getting some new football equipment!

On Wednesday night, the Kirksville School Board held its meeting, and it began with acknowledging Ray Miller Elementary teacher, Lori Pinkston, for becoming a National Board Certified teacher.

She said she celebrated her achievement with her students by eating sweet and sour cupcakes.

“I told them it was a metaphor for what I’ve been through,” Pinkston said.

“First it started out as a little sour…and in the end it was (sweet),” said Pinkston.“ I wanted them to learn from that... you need to take chances. Even if I hadn't achieved it, I was grateful for the opportunity.”

The board then heard from Assistant Superintendent Jane Schaper on approving the purchase of 35 new Schlage security locks in the high school.

She said many of the current locks are original to the building and buying these locks will help improve with security.

The board approved the purchase of Schlage Classroom Security Locks from Negwer Door Systems for a total cost of $9,644.60.

Superintendent Patrick Williams then recommended the approval of purchasing 60 Schutt Vengeance football helmets from Viking Athletic Goods for the price of $14,940 and the approval of 40 Air Series shoulder pads from Viking Athletic Goods for the price of $7,960.

Williams said at the end of the football season helmets are inspected.

If they fail to meet safety standards, the helmets are sent for reconditioning.

Williams said the most recent assessment indicated that several helmets needed to be replaced. He says the new helmets will be safer for athletes.

Activities Director Scott Latham also told the board the importance of having new and safer equipment.

The board approved the purchase.