Mena School Board Meeting
October 23rd, 2025
The Mena School Board held its regular October meeting on Thursday in the Mena Middle School library.
First up was the Superintendent's Report. Dr. Lee Smith turned the floor over to Mena Middle School FCCLA Students.
Students focused on the activities, accomplishments, and future goals of the FCCLA chapter. Key highlights included the chapter's achievement of logging 341 service hours for community projects and the upcoming participation in the Leadership in Action Project for foster children. Members are also set to attend the Chapter Officer Leadership Academy to refine goals and plan events. Additionally, the chapter plans to initiate a program series called Leadership Camping aimed at enhancing leadership skills among members.
Dr. Smith then recognized Mena Middle School Principal Teresa Warner. She spoke on enhancing student engagement and leadership development through various programs, including FCCLA, FBLA, and FFA, highlighting personal success stories that illustrate their impact. A parent recently shared a positive experience regarding their previously disengaged child, who has become enthusiastic about school due to the influence of male teachers. Additionally, Warner expressed her appreciation of faculty members during the meeting, recognizing their valuable contributions to the initiatives discussed.
Finally, Dr. Smith yielded to Assistant Superintendent Bridget Buckley, who shared the latest academic report. Buckley said the newly implemented summative assessments for early grades, marking the first year such evaluations have been conducted for kindergarten through second grade. A significant concern was raised regarding approximately 30% of third graders identified as needing intensive support based on the assessment results. Ms. Smart and her team will analyze these students to develop strategies aimed at preventing retention by the end of the school year. Additionally, it was noted that the assessment data are consistent with classroom observations and DIBELS reading assessments, reinforcing the validity of the findings.
In new business, the board approved the expulsion of a student.
Next, the board approved the annual equity compliance report and the budget of expenditures.
The board also approved updates to key policies, specifically highlighting Policies 3.56 and 8.46, which now align with state law regarding parental leave, reflecting a shift in terminology to "parental leave." Additionally, Policy 4.5 was discussed, which pertains to school choice options available for individuals aged 18 years. The conversation emphasized the importance of these updates in ensuring compliance with state regulations and enhancing support for affected individuals.
The board approved updates to the Mena High School handbook. Mrs. Buckley stated that these changes address concerns regarding graduation rates, specifically how incorrect student grade classifications due to credit tracking negatively affect these rates. Participants discussed the need for adjustments to ensure accurate student classifications.
Next, the board approved the purchase of 100 new replacement Chromebooks for students at a cost of $37,050.00.
They also approved revisions to the non-licensed salary schedule. Mainly dealing with the expansion and rearrangement of bus routes.
District Maintenance Supervisor Mr. Danny Minton then addressed the board with information on project updates. Starting with the roof replacement project for the superintendent's office, where three bids were reviewed, leading to the decision to proceed with Cannon Roofing at a cost of $17,650.00. The discussion then shifted to improving parking lot lighting at the high school and middle school, with a total renovation cost of $18,446.00 approved for the installation of 300 watt LED fixtures. Additionally, ongoing issues with cafeteria equipment were highlighted, particularly an aging steamer, which may require replacement soon, while a standalone heater will be installed at LDE to resolve the dishwasher's hot water supply problem.