Cler-Mont Elementary School
The Fort Osage Board of Education initiated a search for a school site in November, 1965. On January 11, 1966 the Board voted to purchase 4.74 acres from the Christian Church Commission for $2,200 per acre and 5.26 acres from Andes and Roberts Brothers Construction Company for $13,487.00.
A bond election was conducted on January 18, 1966 in the amount of $280,000 to purchase the land, erect, and furnish the school building. Cler-Mont was to be a 14-room elementary school.
It was July 13, 1966 the Board of Education officially named the new elementary school Cler-Mont. The school was named after the Chief Cler-Mont of the 1800s Osage Indians.
In October 1966, Cler-Mont Elementary School opened its doors. Having been temporarily housed in Elm Grove, Susquehanna Baptist Church, and a rental residence, students and staff were happy to make the move and continue the school year in their new home. An open house was held on November 20, 1966 for the community to tour the building and meet the staff.
On October 17, 1967 bonds were voted to build phases II and III which included 15 classrooms, a multi-purpose room, a kitchen, and a resource library.
In 1973 the Fort Osage Board of Education entered into an agreement with the City of Independence to initiate a city/school park.
In 1993 a school-based health clinic opened to supply students with appropriate health care. This health clinic has since closed.
Cler-Mont was honored during the 1993-1994 school year as a Gold Star School from the State of Missouri.
In the 1994-1995 school year Cler-Mont was selected by the United States Department of Education to receive the National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Award. The highest honor a school in the US can receive. In order to receive this honor the school must excel in leadership, teaching environment, curriculum and instruction, student environment, parent and community support, and organizational vitality.
In 1998-1999 school year starting times, bus schedules, lunch schedules and new agenda planners for all students were changed.
In January of 1999, fifth grade moved out of Cler-Mont and began attending the new middle school.
In the 2005 school year BIST Behavior Intervention Support TEam was implemented school wide.
In the fall of 2006 PTA purchased new playground equipment for the school with the help of fundraising and a grant from the Independence Parks and Recreation.
In the 2008-2009 school year Cler-Mont got a new library and office area. The attendance boundaries also changed.
Cler-Mont Principals
Harold Black 1966-1968
Norton Rainwater 1968-1970
Joseph Embleton 1970-1985
Rose Mary Gardner 1985-1986
Anna Margaret McGuire 1986-1992
Patricia Henley 1992-1994
Sue Meyer 1994-2005
Lynett Calder 2005-2006
Julie Stout-2006-2020
Ryan Souza-2020-present
Cler-Mont Assistant Principals
Jo Green 1994-1997
Patrick Farnan 1997-?
A bond election was conducted on January 18, 1966 in the amount of $280,000 to purchase the land, erect, and furnish the school building. Cler-Mont was to be a 14-room elementary school.
It was July 13, 1966 the Board of Education officially named the new elementary school Cler-Mont. The school was named after the Chief Cler-Mont of the 1800s Osage Indians.
In October 1966, Cler-Mont Elementary School opened its doors. Having been temporarily housed in Elm Grove, Susquehanna Baptist Church, and a rental residence, students and staff were happy to make the move and continue the school year in their new home. An open house was held on November 20, 1966 for the community to tour the building and meet the staff.
On October 17, 1967 bonds were voted to build phases II and III which included 15 classrooms, a multi-purpose room, a kitchen, and a resource library.
In 1973 the Fort Osage Board of Education entered into an agreement with the City of Independence to initiate a city/school park.
In 1993 a school-based health clinic opened to supply students with appropriate health care. This health clinic has since closed.
Cler-Mont was honored during the 1993-1994 school year as a Gold Star School from the State of Missouri.
In the 1994-1995 school year Cler-Mont was selected by the United States Department of Education to receive the National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Award. The highest honor a school in the US can receive. In order to receive this honor the school must excel in leadership, teaching environment, curriculum and instruction, student environment, parent and community support, and organizational vitality.
In 1998-1999 school year starting times, bus schedules, lunch schedules and new agenda planners for all students were changed.
In January of 1999, fifth grade moved out of Cler-Mont and began attending the new middle school.
In the 2005 school year BIST Behavior Intervention Support TEam was implemented school wide.
In the fall of 2006 PTA purchased new playground equipment for the school with the help of fundraising and a grant from the Independence Parks and Recreation.
In the 2008-2009 school year Cler-Mont got a new library and office area. The attendance boundaries also changed.
Cler-Mont Principals
Harold Black 1966-1968
Norton Rainwater 1968-1970
Joseph Embleton 1970-1985
Rose Mary Gardner 1985-1986
Anna Margaret McGuire 1986-1992
Patricia Henley 1992-1994
Sue Meyer 1994-2005
Lynett Calder 2005-2006
Julie Stout-2006-2020
Ryan Souza-2020-present
Cler-Mont Assistant Principals
Jo Green 1994-1997
Patrick Farnan 1997-?