GRAVETTE -- Members of the Gravette school board, in a special meeting Monday, June 6, gave unanimous approval to entering contract negotiations with BiLD Architects PLLC for preparing plans and cost estimates for a basic maintenance facility for the school.
Bryan Johnson, chairman of the facilities committee, reported that the committee had interviewed four architects in anticipation of doing the work and the committee's recommendation was to go with BiLD. Plans are to build a new 3,600- to 4,200-square-foot structure for maintenance work so the current facility can be used to house the school's welding class. Anticipated completion date for the building is September 2016.
In a later motion, the board also approved directing the facilities committee to enter discussion with Bill Hayford, business manager, and representatives from BiLD for a proposed four-classroom or larger addition, and possibly a library, for the upper elementary school. Board members plan to meet with the architectural firm and discuss various options for the building, square-footage needs and possible uses and bring a report to the June 20 regular board meeting.
Board members also voted to authorize appointing a facilities subcommittee to evaluate potential building sites for a new elementary school.
A first reading of the changes to the student handbooks for the school was approved. Final approval of the student handbooks will be voted on at the June 20 board meeting.
Board members adjourned into executive session to consider several personnel matters, including one transfer, 12 new hires and two resignations. After returning to regular session, they voted to transfer Jody Lester from accounts payable to payroll and benefits clerk.
The board voted to employ April Stiglbauer as accounts-payable clerk; Mason Ingle as high-school algebra teacher; Bryan Bearden as high-school science teacher and head baseball coach; Teddy Lewis as sixth-grade math teacher; Jason Hill as sixth-grade English teacher; Andrew Vire as seventh- and eighth-grade math teacher, assistant high-school basketball coach and head junior-high boys' basketball coach; Kolbie Kesterson as middle-school art teacher; Jennifer Davis as second-grade teacher; Dana Betz as pre-kindergarten teacher; Brenda Ratliff as alternative learning instructor in the Lions M.A.N.E. program at Upper Elementary School; Kim Sutherland as cafeteria cook and cashier at Glenn Duffy Elementary; and Joe Stockton as assistant football coach and assistant track coach.
Resignations were accepted from Stephanie Summerford, director of curriculum and instruction, and Adam Vore, Title I paraprofessional. Board member Jay Oliphant said he wanted to add a note in the motion thanking both for their outstanding service to the district.
General News on 06/15/2016