GRAVETTE -- Students in Gravette Public Schools are on spring break this week. Superintendent Richard Page announced the holiday at the March school board meeting March 17, noting that it was possible because the district used only four of its snow days this year. The last day of school is scheduled for May 28.
Just preceding the meeting, board president Jay Oliphant expressed appreciation for those who worked to make the Air Force Band of Mid-America concert possible Monday night. He described the concert as "phenomenal, inspirational" and said it made him proud to be an American. He noted the Performing Arts Center was practically full and thanked all those who supported activities there.
Ty Russell, local chiropractor, addressed the board, representing a group that has been meeting to rehash each board meeting. He noted that the mayor of Farmington had praised the Farmington school board for being partially responsible for the town's growth. He expressed hope that the Gravette board, through the policies they institute, could promote such expansion in Gravette.
Bill Hayford presented the financial report for February. He said the district was right on target with revenues, with income about 2.3 percent above February of last year. Total federal monies received were up about 9 percent, or about $6,000, and he predicted about $200,000 more in property tax revenue. Total cash balance was $4,700,000.
Superintendent Page gave his report to the board and announced a board planning session for April 7 at 3:30 p.m. A facilities committee has been established with three members from the community and will meet April 10 at noon.
The attendance report showed a little growth in attendance. "Our numbers are staying up," Page said.
Zane Vanderpool, Glenn Duffy Elementary principal, presented a proposal for tuition for the prepaid program and a program outline for the next three years. The Schools for Success Program is partially funded by grant money from Arkansas Better Chance and roughly $33,000 in tuition will be received by the end of the year. The program has 50 free slots and 10 tuition slots. The Gravette district applied for another Endeavor Foundation grant and will receive $75,000 each year for the next three years. Money will be received July 1 for next year. The district may have to reimburse some of the money at the end of the three years if all slots are not filled. Plans are to continue with the same rate of tuition, $108-$304 per month.
Vanderpool said he believed students in preschool were more "kindergarten ready." Mandy Barrett, Upper Elementary principal, confirmed the value of preschool programs based on her experience in McDonald County, Mo.
Sheila Roughton gave the food service report, showing an increased cash balance, with revenues up $40,000 and expenditures down about $900.
Robin Leonard gave the technology report. He reported that computer testing had gone smoothly and predicted there would be no going back to paper and pencil. Curriculum directors say it is well-liked by the students and encourage continuing it. Teaching to prepare for this testing is more intense, giving the students deeper knowledge. Leonard presented technology highlights of the year, including several lab upgrades and planning for summer projects. The district has good teachers, he said, and they are using the technology.
High school principal Jay Chalk gave the vocational education update, reporting on a construction trades think-tank he, superintendent Page and several students had attended that day (see related article). He said a vocational update would be on the agenda each month.
Page reviewed a number of proposed board policy updates. Changes are proposed in personnel policies, the board is being asked for a legislative liaison and changing board members' terms from five years to three years is being considered. Board member Dan Yates said he felt more people would be interested in serving on the board if terms were three years. Policy changes will be reviewed and considered at the April 7 board planning meeting.
Richard Carver gave the custodial services report and recommended hiring custodial workers in-house rather than from an outside firm. He said he then would have better quality workers and would have more control over them. He recommended hiring six additional custodians for the evening hours and one lead worker who would get $1.50 more per hour. He said more schools were going to hiring custodial workers in-house, including Gentry and Washington County. Carver outlined problems encountered with the current custodial service, including work left undone and thefts in all school buildings. (The thieves have been caught and stolen items returned.) A motion to authorize Carver to move forward in finding in-house staff passed unanimously.
Following an executive session, the meeting was reconvened and board members voted to accept the resignations of Meghan Walker, ESL director; Leta Witt, ESL aid and migrant clerk; Joe Hook, bus driver; Tina Bersi, HOSA sponsor, science and med pro teacher; and Joyce Tarter, special education teacher. All resignations are effective at the end of the current school year. The board also accepted the transfer of Tammie Loyd from part-time Title I aide to full-time Title I aide at Gravette Upper Elementary.
General News on 03/25/2015