The Mena School Board met for their September meeting on Tuesday evening in the Mena High School Library.
The board unanimously approved the 2020—2021 operating budget. Including federal programs, VI-B & special education.
They also unanimously approved the 2020-2021 Standards of Accreditation, the Polk County Virtual Academy Charter School Statement of Assurance as well as Resolution Act 1120.
Superintendent Benny Weston then made the board aware of a bond sale which will take place in the near future. These bonds will receive an improved rate which will save the district money over the life of the bond.
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Lee Smith then recommended to the board that they accept a bid from Velocity Fusion for a new phone system for the district & new intercom system on three campuses. The cost to the district will be just over $119,000. The board voted to accept that bid.
Graduation 2021 was next on the agenda & after a brief discussion a date of Saturday, May 22nd was approved.
Each school board member is required to take 6 hours of training this year & they were made aware of 9 hours of training being made available in the month of October that they can take advantage of.
The board quickly approved the financial reports.
Under personnel. The resignation of Jessica Smith, from her position as Family & Consumer Science teacher, was accepted & will become effective September 30th. They then approved the transfer of Lauren Frost to that position from her current position as a secretary at MHS effective October 1st.
Finally the board approved the drafting of a letter, to the faculty & staff at Mena Public Schools, expressing their deepest gratitude for the good job they have done under difficult circumstances this school year.