The Mena School Board met for their regular March meeting on Monday at the District Administration Building. All members were in attendance.
The Meeting began with the Superintendent’s report. Dr. Lee Smith immediately yielded the floor to Assistant Superintendent Bridget Buckley who shared the latest academic progress. Buckley reported that the Atlas summative assessments are set to begin on April 14th and will continue through May 9th, allowing a week for makeup testing. Teachers are working to ensure students are familiar with online assessments to avoid navigation issues.
Dr. Smith then shared an update on legislative activity that may affect education. Including:
Act 134-Requires public schools to teach the perils of communism and autocratic governance, which will be embedded in state standards.
Act 135-Amends the definition of a novice teacher, stating that graduates from traditional programs will not be considered novice teachers.
Act 229-Mandates the administration of firearm safety instruction in public schools starting next year.
Act 123-Provides all public school students one free breakfast daily upon request, as part of a funding appropriation bill.
Act 248-Regulates liability for shooting sports and provides immunity to certain individuals, specifically farmers and ranchers, who allow students to practice shooting sports on their property.
Next on the agenda was approval of the ELA curriculum purchase for Mena Middle School and Mena High School. The total cost for the new curriculum is $41,680, with 57% of that amount eligible to be covered by Title I funds already allocated for reading and literacy.
A motion was made to approve the curriculum, which includes professional development as part of the cost.
The state’s requirement for the district to adopt a new cyber security policy was next up for discussion. The discussion revolved around the implications of cyber security threats, particularly after the ransomware attack on the Little Rock District, which resulted in the theft of sensitive data including financial and personal information.This is the first phase and will require continuous monitoring, periodic updates, and adherence to best practices to reduce cyber security threats.
The board then considered the purchase of a bus to replace the one damaged in an accident in January. The cost of the bus will be $145,435.00 with insurance covering $113,000.00.
District Maintenance Supervisor Danny Minton then updated the board on projects. New netting for Union Bank Park has been ordered. Efforts continue to improve security measures. Prices are being sought for fencing and radios. Work on the concession stand and restrooms at Bob Carver Bearcat Stadium is approaching conclusion. MInton asked the board for approval to use the building fund to resurface the track at a cost of $145,500.00. Also new fencing is planned for the Duckett Outdoor Classroom and Environmental Science Lab to prevent unauthorized access.
The board quickly approved the latest financial report with no discussion.
The final item on the agenda was personnel and there was a lot of movement to cover.
RETIREMENT:
Karen Herpich-Special Ed paraprofessional at HHE.
Mandy Maddox-Kindergarten Teacher at LDE.
RESIGNATION:
Dusty Gardner-Head Jr. Girls Basketball & Assistant Track Coach.
Rachel Dover-Sr. Cheer Coach.
Susan Tyler-Special Ed Teacher at MHS.
Olivia Ward-Elementary Teacher at HHE.
RESTRUCTURE:
Dusty Gardner-To Assistant Jr. Girls Basketball, Assistant Jr. & Sr. Volleyball Coach.
Jessica Buckley-To Head Jr. Girls Basketball Coach.
HIRE:
Rodney Rowland-Assistant Wrestling Coach.
Eric Nichols-Assistant Jr. Girls Basketball and Assistant Track Coach.
Rachel Dover-Assistant Sr. Girls Basketball Coach.
Kaela Mendoza-Counselor at LDE.