GENTRY -- The Gentry School Board renewed classified personnel contracts, approved allowing next year's prom to be held off campus and approved a variety of policy changes on their first or second readings at the board meeting in the Pioneer Activities Complex on May 14.
Contracts for 85 classified personnel were renewed by the board for the next school year. Salary increases of $500 for the year were approved for the superintendent, dean of students, athletic trainer and speech therapist.
Resignations were approved for Karri Wesson, band director; Anthony Carreira, history teacher; Vicki Denny, food service; Sharon Query, food service; Lisa King, bus driver; and Kathy Hummingbird, custodian.
Next year's prom will again be held at the Cypress Barn in Siloam Springs. The junior class made its plea for the off-campus location with a PowerPoint presentation to the board.
A number of policy changes were approved on their final reading, including one to clarify reasons for expulsion from school and another to include among prohibited dress items clothing with messages or photos displayed related to drugs, alcohol, gangs, weapons or racial slurs.
Jason Barrett, the school district's maintenance and transportation director, reported on the recent test of the RAVE Panic Button phone app which enables teachers and staff to report emergencies like fires and active shooters to the district and emergency services with one push of a button on their phones. He said he was pleased with how the test worked and with lessons learned from the test.
Barrett also reported the intermediate school classroom facility was on schedule with mason work ongoing outside and flooring work being done inside.
Christie Toland reported on students recognized for their early college experience coursework and on other activities at the schools.
General News on 05/23/2018