The Mena School Board met for their regular July meeting on Tuesday in the district administration building.
The meeting began with the superintendent’s report. Dr. Lee Smith recognized presenters from Trane (energy/hvac partner) who introduced a proposed district-wide energy/infrastructure assessment and improvement plan that integrates student STEM learning. They described the teams, data-driven approach (15-minute interval energy monitoring, air quality checks), ASHRAE-based equipment condition scoring (red/yellow/green), and a funding strategy leveraging Arkansas’s Academic Facilities Partnership Program to cover ~72.4% of qualifying costs with a 27.6% local match. Estimated budgetary scope presented was ~ $4 million with ~$2.9 million potential state funding and ~$1.1 million local match; presenters proposed a financing strategy to avoid using capital reserves by repaying match via energy and operational savings. Next steps discussed include completing engineering and detailed qualification by August and returning with final findings and cost/pricing for decisions.
Dr. Smith next reported to the board recent state merit pay results. 23 staff qualified for a total exceeding $67,000 in merit funds, four staff ranked in the top 25% statewide in their teaching fields, two staff were recognized as mentors for early-career teachers, and 22 staff were acknowledged for teaching in designated shortage areas such as secondary math and science. Smith said this is a strong year for merit recognitions and noted positive implications for the coming year.
In new business, the board approved the local Veterans Administration Office as a new community service partner.
The board approved adjustments to the 2026–2027 salary schedule, including targeted stipend increases and a new program stipend. Specific changes discussed were a $100 increase to the security staff stipend to cover higher supply costs (examples mentioned: ammunition and other role-related supplies) and a $3,000 grant-dependent stipend for the LIFT program, which provides job placement support for special needs students and requires summer and after-school coordination outside standard contract arrangements.
Next on the agenda was the approval of new board policies for 2026-2027 as prescribed by the Arkansas School Boards Association to comply with legislation. Assistant Superintendent, Bridget Buckley, summarized changes to remote attendance, adjustments clarifying maternity leave reimbursement for licensed and classified staff, an elementary student acceleration referral process, honor roll and graduation recognition alignment with the high school handbook (retaining A/B criteria and clarifying ACT composite vs. superscore), updates to Arkansas Course Choice eligibility, clarification of concurrent credit versus dual enrollment funding and assurance that students can still achieve the non-distinguished governor scholarship, an increase in the micro-purchase threshold from $10,000 to $15,000, and an expanded artificial intelligence policy addressing district-wide governance and classroom use.
Next, MHS Principal Celeste Ashcraft listed adjustments to the MHS handbook to align with new board policies and improve teaching and learning. Those adjustments were to align dismissal with middle school and shorten passing times, a formalized early graduation committee and process, qualification criteria for accelerated courses, limits and eligibility rules for concurrent and dual enrollment tied to students' success plans, clarifications to honor graduate and valedictorian/salutatorian eligibility, attendance tracking changes to close a loophole, and dress code updates specifying tops with sleeves and a standard neckline, clarification on head covering allowances, prohibition of pajamas/house shoes, and costume rules for pre-approved days.
Mena Middle School Assistant Principal Amy Montgomery addressed the board with recommended changes to the MMS handbook. Changes included a revised bell schedule that preserves instructional time, clarification and restriction of dress code to prohibit sleeveless tops, elimination of energy drinks on campus with limited exceptions before school or at specified breakfasts/lunch, and explicit language addressing Zyn/energy pouches. A standardized fundraising policy was added requiring voluntary participation, that all proceeds be processed through school activity accounts (no Venmo/PayPal/personal accounts), prior approval of fundraiser purposes via district administration, and that funds do not create refundable individual balances if a student leaves.
Holly Harshman Principal Tamara Smart next addressed the board with recommended changes to the Holly Harshman Elementary handbook. Changes include clarifying an 8:00 AM tardy cutoff, adding a bullying report process with a QR-linked Google form for discreet student submissions, and expanding the discipline matrix to include academic integrity (explicitly naming plagiarism and AI-generated work), corporal punishment (noting district Policy 4.39 and parent permission), and protocols for threatening or violent statements with threat assessments. Smart described how staff educates students about bullying distinctions, the process for handling reports, and parental communication practices.
Assistant Principal Pete Rose addressed the board and stated that no changes were anticipated to the handbook at Louise Durham Elementary.
Athletic Director Craig Bentley spoke on changes to the Athletic handbook. Including clarifications and formal language updates to existing athletic policies rather than creating new rules. Main points covered: a clarified 24-hour rule to protect coaches and participants from emotionally charged meetings immediately after games or practices. The addition of district fundraising policies and how athletes participate in fundraising, with one person leading the clarification effort. Updated guidance on athletic lettering to reflect current practices (generally awarding letters to athletes who complete a season, with exceptions for injury or extenuating circumstances). The meeting noted these are refinements to existing handbook language to better reflect practice, not new policies.
All handbook changes were accepted, and new policies were approved by the board.
The board approved a media package proposal received from Jamie Hammack of The Mena Star. The proposed package would replace multiple smaller print and radio buys with broader monthly coverage and more radio spots for an agreed monthly cost of $1,415.00 covering recurring advertising needs but excluding legal ads.
Next on the agenda was the purchase of new Chromebooks. At the June meeting, the board approved technology purchases; however, the Chromebooks approved for purchase were no longer available. The board approved the purchase of a different model at an increased cost of just over $13,000.00.
Dr. Smith then updated the board on the first meeting of the Hall of Honor committee. Including proposed bylaw changes focusing on membership classification and eligibility timing. Also proposed adding two ex officio advisor roles by current employees, making committee member names public, reducing the waiting period for former employees to be eligible from ten years to five years, and changing the phrase “after graduation” to “former students” to include individuals who contributed to the community without graduating.
District Maintenance Supervisor Danny Minton then updated the board on facilities maintenance, including an existing service contract with Trane that covers controls, chiller, and air handler maintenance, which is critical because chiller failures shut down classrooms. The contract provides remote control access for LD and preferred emergency response and discounted hourly rates. Silvy's Construction is preparing the road for paving at LD, LD dishwasher delivery, asphalt work behind the visitor bleachers at Bearcat Stadium, and front parking lot erosion issues by the concession stand caused by heavy rain. The board approved repair work for HVAC and approved resurfacing/repair of the tennis courts with cost-sharing arranged and noted that the city will enforce the work. An invoice for facility insurance was reviewed. This year’s premium is $312,000.00.
The board approved the most recent financial report.
In personnel, the board approved:
Restructure
Vincent Coleman-AM Bus Driver to full-time Bus Driver.
Alicia Farringer - Special Ed Literacy Teacher to Literacy Interventionist grades 6-10 & continue as Dyslexia Support Specialist.
Hire
Jason Henriques - Grounds/Bus Driver
Tasha Salguero - MHS Special Ed Para
Heather Vaughn - MMS Special Ed Resource Teacher.