The Mena School Board met on Tuesday at the district administration building. This was their regular May meeting.
The first item of business was the Superintendent’s Report, and Dr. Lee Smith immediately recognized Mrs. Kristine Albin and the Mena High School yearbook staff. They presented each board member with a copy of the 2025 Mena High School Yearbook.
Dr. Smith then recognized Assistant Superintendent Bridget Buckley, who shared an academic update with the board focusing on Louise Durham K-2 students. Buckley stated that at the beginning of the year, 202 students were reading below grade level, which decreased to 98 by the end of the year, indicating a 51% reduction in struggling students. The number of students ready to advance to the next grade level increased from 131 to 249, representing a 90% growth. Over 60% of students are expected to be ready for third grade in the upcoming year, which is a significant increase compared to previous years. Every grade level from kindergarten to third grade showed improvement over the previous year, with the lowest gain being 7% and the highest being 12%.
In new business, Dr. Smith recommended contracting with Brian Lyles of Lyles Therapy for occupational therapy only. This move is expected to save the district approximately $9.00 an hour for occupational therapy, and the board approved.
The board also approved the 2025-2026 classified salary schedule.
Next, the board voted to approve the creation of a new position called Senior Class Liaison. This position will coordinate athletic poster photos, communicate with parents and poster creators, and arrange and distribute athletic posters.
Next on the agenda was the approval of the 2025-2026 Student Accident Insurance with the ASBA/American Fidelity at a rate of $12,712.64. That is a significant savings over previous years, and the board approved.
The board also approved the 2025-2026 Aramark contract renewal.
The 2025-2026 meal charge policy was next on the agenda. This was to clarify meal charge policies in the student handbook. The board approved.
At the recommendation of the Food Services Director, a .10 cent increase was approved. All paid lunches for students will increase to $3.15.
Next year, all students’ breakfast will be free. But again, at the recommendation of the Food Services Director, the adult breakfast rate will increase to $2.90.
The board also approved the renewal of the Horizon Software, which is used in the cafeteria.
The board approved an update to the Mena Middle School computer lab at a cost of $28,889.00 to be paid from declining enrollment funds.
The board approved the district’s investments remain with the Union Bank of Mena. A total of three bids were received, with the Union Bank rate being the highest.
Dr. Smith then updated the board on School Choice for 2025. The school choice window ended on May 1st. Mena had five students leave the district and 4 students enter the district.
New dates were selected for the June and July school board meetings. Those meetings will now take place on
June 24th and July 22nd.
The board approved the financial reports after Dr. Smith stated that revenue outpaced expenses in April.
In personnel
RESIGNATIONS
Colby Singleton-Professional Learning Coach
Macy Taylor-LDE Teacher
Janette Bernard-MMS LPN
Landry Wiles-MMS Special Education Para
Cheyenne Bell-MMS Agriculture and Career Development
Ashton Bowser-LDE Teacher
Tommy Johnson-Assistant Junior High School Basketball
RESTRUCTURING
Audrey Youmans- Teacher Intern to ESL Para HHE
Shawna Powell-ELA Teacher to Business Technology MHS
Teresa Torix- to JAG MHS
Melody Rowe-Special Ed Para to Elementary Para LDE
Randy Peters- Added Assistant Jr. High Basketball stipend
Zen Valencia-Added Wrestling Coach stipend
Craig Bentley- Added Assistant Jr. High Football stipend
HIRES
Devan Adams - Special Education Paraprofessional MMS
Phillip Sanders - Alternative Education Paraprofessional HHE Elementary
Christi Head - Paraprofessional HHE
Denise Kelsey - Paraprofessional HHE
Audrey Youmans - Elementary Teacher HHE
Nathalia Trinidad - Paraprofessional MMS
Jessica Johnson - Elementary Teacher LDE
Ashton Herod - Elementary Teacher LDE
McKenzie Conatser - Elementary Teacher LDE
Amber Labertew - Professional Learning Coach, Literacy MHS
Kari McPherson - Special Education Paraprofessional MMS
Leilani Day - Varsity Cheer Coach and 6th Grade Math Teacher, MMS
Finally was the restructuring of the board.
President - Phillip Wilson
Vice President - Ty Plunkett
Secretary - Todd Aynes