GENTRY -- School board members on Jan. 20 reviewed the performance of Randy Barrett, Gentry School District's superintendent, and renewed his contract for another year.

Though, in past years, the vote has sometimes been split, Gentry school board unanimously approved a one-year contract extension for Barrett, who holds a doctorate in educational administration, to serve as superintendent of Gentry schools through the 2014-2015 school year.

The action came following an executive session and a review of Barrett's performance in regard to goals the board established at its January meeting last year.

The released board goals and evaluative results are as follows:

Goal 1 -- "Improve ACT scores in comparison to other 4A schools in Benton and Washington Counties (striving to achieve #1 status in all areas)." The board's handwritten notes indicated Barrett had "achieved expectations," noting "increased participation in all categories."

Goal 2 -- "Strive to maintain a 13 percent carryover balance and nothing less than 11 percent." According to the board's evaluation, Barrett achieved the goal and did a "very good job," noting the board "appreciated the focus on the financial data."

Goal 3 -- "Continue to collaborate with board and strive to execute intent of the board. Keep the board informed of school-related issues and follow proper procedure." According to the board's evaluation, Barrett "achieved [the] goal." Notes say, "We appreciate the added communication that you have provided us. Continue to do so. Excellent job of achieving this goal."

Goal 4 -- "Establish a committee of business leaders, parents and community members to meet regularly to increase school involvement in the community and vice versa." According to the board's evaluation, Barrett met the goal. The board said it "still would like to see more improvement," indicating Barrett had done a good job with a new advisory committee and that the board members "appreciate the involvement."

Goal 5 -- "Continue to show improvement in extracurricular activities with emphasis on high-profile sports and developing JV players. Provide a minimum of 10 games for JV basketball players." According to board notes, Barrett "did not meet [the] goal." The board said it did "see individual achievements in some sports but would like to see better numbers in participation."

The board renewed the same evaluative goals for the 2014-2015 school year, with the exception that it set the higher goal of a 15 percent carryover operating fund balance with no less than a 12.1 percent carryover, and it modified Goal 4 to say that the board wanted Barrett to "continue [the] committee of community members and encourage all participants in [the] committee to 'think outside the box,' and [to] engage community members to be more directly involved in the schools."