The Mena School Board met for their regular December meeting on Tuesday in the District Administration Building.
The Meeting began with the Superintendent’s Report. Dr. Lee Smith reported that Arvest Bank had made a $1000.00 donation towards unpaid meal charges. He also stated that the district remains approximately $3800.00 behind on collections.
Smith then recognized Assistant Superintendent Bridget Buckley who shared the latest academic report. Buckley said that they are learning that one of the best things that the interim assessment data can be used for is where the district is on instruction. We have been able to see areas where we are off pace and that helps educators close that gap. All of the middle-of-the-year assessments have been finished in elementary. Overall 49 students have moved from below to above benchmark and 182 students have moved up one or more levels. Louise Durham has made gains in all three grade levels in reading. Fourth-grade math and literacy have both shown marked improvement. In math, a foundational skills program has been added.
In new business, the board approved and amended the classified salary schedule adding the position of Paraprofessional/Bus Driver.
Next, Dr. Smith updated the board on projects around the district.
He told the board that with the recently approved safety grant a new six-foot security fence has been erected around the playground at Holly Harshman Elementary. Also, work has begun on the concession/bathroom renovation and expansion at Bob Carver Bearcat Stadium.
Dr. Smith then asked the board to approve a bonus policy for all classified personnel who are currently in their 90-day probationary period. The bonus policy would qualify those approved at the November meeting to be given to other probationary employees if they become contracted within the same fiscal year.
The board quickly approved the financial report after Smith told the board that revenue outpaced expenses in November and that the district remains on pace for the year.
Finally, the board approved the restructuring of a contract for Audrey Youmans from HHE ESL Paraprofessional to HHE Part-Time ESL Paraprofessional at 25 hours per week.
The board also approved the hiring of Madyson Birtcher and Alicia Farringer as bus drivers.