GRAVETTE -- Two meetings of the Gravette School Board last Monday evening settled one question and set in motion a plan to provide information to the public concerning a proposed elementary school in Bella Vista.

The first meeting, held at 6 p.m. at the administrative building, involved discussion concerning the elementary school. During the second meeting, held an hour later, the board approved purchase of scoreboards for the new ball field at the high school campus.

Dan Alsup, board president, opened the first meeting with a statement stressing that he and Superintendent Richard Page "need direction from the board" concerning how to proceed with the elementary school project, specifically if it "should be put on the agenda in January or February." He pledged to support any decision the board makes.

"Neither one," board member Dan Yates said. "Time is not essential."

Yates also suggested more public meetings on the question.

"We need to go ahead," board member John Edwards said. "People need to know."

Edwards pointed out that the board had tried to find a suitable location for the new facility, now planned to be located on property donated by Cooper Community.

Of all land considered in the Hiwasse area, "we could not afford the cost," Edwards said, recommending the January meeting. The project "has been underway for two years," he said.

Jim Singleton, board member, noted he had "numerous conversations about the project and we want (and need) to be transparent" concerning the plan.

He proposed getting a fact sheet together to present to the public. He indicated he preferred the January board meeting.

"We need to do something," said board director Susan Santos. "We're beginning to look like we're doing nothing. I think it's time," she said, noting she favored action at the January meeting.

Board members Jay Oliphant and Jack Skillett were not present for the meeting.

More Discussion

Discussion continued for another 20-30 minutes, during which Yates noted "state projections (student population) do not indicate a need (for the school) at this time."

Other discussion centered on appointing a facilities committee and gave tacit approval for Superintendent Page to pursue that option. It was also agreed the meeting could depend on whether the architect could be prepared for an early January meeting.

At the close of the meeting, an exception was made for public comment.

Hope Duke, of Gravette, spoke several minutes reminding board members that one reason for the new school, the time students spend on buses, can also apply to children in the Sulphur Springs, Maysville and surrounding areas. She also asked the question, "Why are you doing this so fast?" She pointed out that a central location for all schools is more compatible for families with children in the various school buildings and that it would be unhandy to have a school in a remote location.

"I strongly oppose a school in Bella Vista at this time," said Haidee Larson, of Sulphur Springs. She agreed with earlier remarks that many people lack knowledge about the project.

Second Meeting

A second meeting Monday evening of the Gravette School Board opened with introduction of art student winners in the Christmas card design project, Claire Perry, Tia Berger, Raven Tracy and Audrey Parsons.

The two girls present, Raven and Audrey, led recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. This was followed by public comment, including:

Lori Russell, of Gravette, who mentioned the bus-time travel of Bella Vista children and noted Maysville and Sulphur Springs children also have long bus-travel times. Among other points, she said most parents would like to keep all schools close together and that more community awareness of the school project is needed. Haidee Larson, of Sulphur Springs, reaffirmed her comments of opposition to the project at this time.

Following financial and audience reports, David Swearingin, representing architectural firm Crafton-Tull, showed drawings of the proposed Bella Vista school site as well as possible classroom configuration. He also reported Cooper Community will donate an additional 1.7 acres to the approximately 15 acres already pledged for the project. He noted that a suggested meeting be held in February.

Cindy Kirkpatrick, director of special education in Gravette schools, provided information about the department.

Editor's Note: She is preparing a report for the Westside Eagle Observer for publication soon.

Cheryl Pickering, representing Northwest Arkansas Education Service Coop, spoke to the board concerning potential vocational programs which are being considered for Gravette High School. She noted that a satellite-offered program is expected to be made available next semester if approved by the State Department of Education. She and Superintendent Page discussed the possibility of creating new vocational programs which could be offered cooperatively to other area schools. Welding was one which could be undertaken with minimal expense. Board members mentioned plumbing and electrical courses should be considered because of the need for such instruction for area students.

New Scoreboards

A main item of business at the meeting was approving a contract with Rainey Electronics of Little Rock for scoreboards at both the baseball and softball fields. Only one bid, $47,091.57, was received. It was noted the cost is less than had been anticipated. Several sponsors have been secured to help pay for the project. Additional sponsors could help with the project. Firms interested are asked to contact athletic director, Norman Mitchell, at 787-4180.

Superintendent Page noted the board is expected, at its January meeting, to consider a plan for making up the days lost recently to weather conditions.

Board member Singleton asked that the cost of webcasting board meetings be researched. Page responded that Tech Director Robin Leonard has been working on the feasibility of such a system which could also allow broadcasting of athletic events, concerts, programs and other activities.