GRAVETTE -- Two major decisions were approved by the Gravette School Board at its meeting last week: setting a schedule for making up days lost to inclement weather and setting dates for two informational public meetings to discuss the Bella Vista elementary school project.

Nine classroom days have been lost to ice and snow and five of those days, previously built into the school calendar, will be made up on May 27, 28, 29, 30 and June 2. To make up the other four lost days, the following days will be considered make-up days: March 21, 22, 25 and 26. This shortens spring break but will allow June 2 to remain as the last day of school.

If additional days are lost, however, those days will be made up starting June 2.

Setting two public informational meetings about the proposed Bella Vista school and addition to the High School building were approved: The first, Feb. 17 at 7 p.m. at the GHS commons, will be followed by a meeting Feb. 20 at 7 p.m. at Highlands Crossing in Bella Vista.

Other Board Business:

• A brief report by Crafton-Tull architect, David Swearingen, said the firm has made some adjustments to the plan being considered, but more adjustments are being made to meet the board's request. That report will be forthcoming at a future meeting.

• Approved the procedure for nominating persons for Teacher of the Year honor in each of the four schools: Glenn Duffy Elementary, Upper Elementary, Middle School and High School. Nominations for the awards can be made by faculty and staff members, students and citizens in the school district. Nomination forms are available at the administrative office. A Classified Person of the Year will be made from nominations submitted by school staff members. The deadline for nominations is April 18.

• Approved a high school band trip to Dallas later this year, where the band will compete in the concert band competition being held at Six Flags. The band has been and is involved in projects to fund the trip. The board approved a $100 contribution for each of the 37 students scheduled to go, as well as for a bus driver. James Hendrix, band director, provided information for the trip, and his request for board sponsorship met with approval.

• Approved Lisa Jarvis and Doni Helser to serve on the Performing Arts Committee.

• A Facilities Committee report by Richard Carver resulted in the board approving the taking of a bid for repairs to the roof of the lobby area of the competition gymnasium.

• Gave approval for Carver to seek bids to sell a school bus. Anyone interested may seek information at the transportation building.

• Superintendent Richard Page read a resolution by Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe, complimenting school board members throughout the state and declaring January as School Board Recognition month. Gravette board members will receive recognition at the basketball game this Friday, Jan. 31.

• A report from the Certified Personnel Committee provided board members with comparative teacher salaries in comparison with other schools. Board president Dan Alsup said, "It was an eye-opening report."

• Heard from Principal Duane Thomas the report that Gravette Middle School ranked in the top 20 in the state in mathematics improvement.

Citizen Addresses Board

Prior to the opening of the business session, Alsup noted no action would be taken concerning the Bella Vista project. Only one person spoke in the public comment segment.

Ty Russell, of Gravette, addressed the board concerning the project. Having attended schools in another state, he stressed he "has no emotional attachment" to the project, but he addressed some concerns. Briefly, he questioned if the growth rate in the district justified the decision at this time; he noted a decrease in growth rate in recent years. He mentioned the Upper Elementary school is designed for additional classrooms which might be considered. His main concern was the lack of information that has been given the public concerning the projects, noting all with whom he has come into contact stress similar concerns.

A response from board members and Superintendent Page said a several page report outlining the project will be ready for distribution as requested by the board at an earlier meeting. This, in addition to the planned public meetings, will provide information that will be helpful for citizens concerning the project. Ed.Note: Information about the meetings appears earlier in this story.

Board members Jay Oliphant and Dan Yates were out of town and unable to attend the meeting. Jack Skillett, John Edwards, Susan Santos, Jim Singleton and Dan Alsup were present.