Board handles full agenda

GRAVETTE -- A small increase in school lunch prices next term was approved at the regular meeting of the Gravette School board last week. That was one of many agenda items which included planning for security systems for two schools, offering three new vocational classes at the high school, agreeing to continue a summer feeding program for youth in the district, continuing last year's tuition fee for pre-K students and approving contracts for several projects.

To meet USDA lunch price equity guidelines, an increase of 64 cents for school lunch prices was approved. The cost for lunches at all buildings will be $2.65, up from the current $2.04.

Three new vocational classes will be added to the high school curriculum during the 2014-15 term: heating and air conditioning, TV/film, and logistics. A culinary arts class will not be held next year.

At the opening of the meeting, Elementary PAWS winners led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance and various financial and other reports were presented and discussed.

The Board announced the name of the Classified Employee of the Year: Patti Bertschy, high school administrative assistant, who is completing 27 years of service, was introduced. High School Teacher of the Year is Megan Bassing, who is completing seven years as literature, English and ninth honors teacher. She was not present. Teachers of the Year for middle School, Upper Elementary and Glenn Duffy Elementary have not been announced.

Other Board Actions

The board approved a five-year office machine/computer maintenance contract with AAA Computer Business Systems of Fayetteville at a cost of $51,363 for the first year; approved purchase of new keyboarding equipment for the Upper Elementary School at a cost of $18,270; awarded a custodial contract for the system to MDX, a Gravette firm whose bid was $173,686. This followed rescinding action taken at an earlier meeting.

The board approved continuing the Seamless Summer feeding program for youth age 18 and under during the months of June and July. Noon meals will be prepared and served week days starting June 9 and continue through July 25. There is no charge for the free meals in the USDA program which is funded through the Arkansas Department of Education. Meals will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at two locations, the middle school cafeteria in Gravette and the Shiloh kitchen in Sulphur Springs, said Sheila Roughton, food service director. Adults who wish to eat with their children may do so by purchasing a meal for $3.00.

Richard Carver, facilities/transportation director, presented proposed summer projects for the district, which the board approved: seek bids to install security systems at both the Upper Elementary and the Glenn Duffy Elementary school buildings and seek bids to resurface and re-stripe the parking lot at the high school.

Special Needs Students

In other business, the board considered applications from 20 special needs students who live outside the Gravette School District and who wish to attend Gravette schools. The board approved two students from Decatur and 14 from Bentonville. Four applications were not approved.

There will be no increase in tuition fees for children in the pre-K program. This is for children whose families do not qualify for the free service which is provided for those who meet the program guidelines. The rates begin at $108 for one child and increase with each additional child. Space is limited. For information, contact the school administration building at 787-4100.

Following the agenda items, the board convened to a 40 minute executive session. When re-convened, the board took the following actions:

Accepted resignations for Rachel Gibson, gifted and talented teacher; Krista Flud, GHS algebra teacher; Justin Dow, GHS English teacher; Jennifer Cobb, fourth grade teacher; Jana Hardgrave, head junior high and assistant GHS girls' basketball coach; and Jennifer Davis, kindergarten teacher.

Approved transfers for Audrea Vore, from GDE kindergarten to GUE, third grade; Dusti Larson, from GUE third to GUE fourth grade.

Approved employment contracts for ALE teacher, Shannon Sherman; GHS assistant principal, Randall Hunt; child nutrition worker, Jennifer Mahon; bus driver, Greg Barber; and GHS math teacher Kimberly Goodwin.

Patron Questions

The board heard questions from school patron Lori Russell concerning the length of board member terms. Answer -- The terms are for five years and are staggered among the seven board members. Is it possible to divide the school district into wards similar to how cities are divided into wards? Answer -- Question will be referred to legal counsel for an answer.

General News on 05/28/2014