Mena School Board Meeting June 2026

The Mena School Board met for its regular June meeting on Tuesday, the 16th, in the District Administration Building.

The meeting began with the Superintendent’s Report. Dr. Lee Smith delivered the annual report on bullying and school discipline, reviewing incident counts, credibility determinations, and resulting consequences across elementary, middle, and high schools. He noted that most confirmed bullying incidents occurred at the middle and high school levels, provided a breakdown of offense types and disciplinary responses (including in-school suspension, detention, parent conferences, and warnings), and highlighted that bus incidents accounted for nearly 30% of referrals. Overall, there was a 13% decrease in discipline referrals compared with the prior year, attributed in part by principals to the new no-cell-phone policy, and described ongoing efforts to address bus-related misconduct and to refine tracking and

interventions. 

The board then reviewed a resolution to comply with Act 1105 of the 2017 legislative session, limiting unrestricted year-end balances to 20% of overall revenue. Any amount above the 20% cap must be transferred into the building fund and presented a specific threshold amount ($2,328,854) after deducting categorical and restricted balances. The board authorized the superintendent and district treasurer to transfer the excess as described; the resolution was read and approved.

The board approved the district's AR App required by the state to access federal funds. Dr. Smith explained that the AR app details plans across academics, attendance, and discipline, and describes how federal funds will be used. He noted the document was included in the packet previously shared and that board approval is required for compliance. 

The board then approved a bid on insurance for the district’s fleet of vehicles.  A bid from Farm Bureau for $44,628.30 for the 2026–2027 school year was presented, with Dr. Smith noting Farm Bureau has been the long-time carrier and has treated the district well. Smith requested approval to accept that bid and noted a letter from Tony Hooper at Farm Bureau stating the company will exit the fleet insurance market after the next school year, requiring the district to seek a new carrier the following year. 

Next up for discussion was the student accident and athletic insurance policy for students injured during sports, team activities, or on the playground. Dr. Smith explained the recommendation to carry a policy that includes catastrophic coverage and noted a small premium decrease tied to reduced enrollment. The premium changed $12,070.00 this year.

Next on the agenda was computer and Chromebook replacement. The board approved technology purchases for teacher computers now and deferred Chromebook purchases to the next fiscal year to reduce the impact on next year’s tech budget. Dr. Smith explained that prices have risen and recommended using remaining funds in the current technology budget to buy teacher computers this year, then include Chromebooks in next year’s budget. The total for both purchases is $283,732.

The board then approved the renewal of Horizon Software for 2026-2027. The software is used to manage student accounts and child nutrition requirements and is subject to a yearly renewal.

District Maintenance Supervisor Danny Minton then reviewed maintenance and capital projects following ice and snow damage and routine summer work. Minton mentioned insurance-adjuster activities for roof and exterior HVAC damage, potential warranty claims, and awaiting coverage determinations. Procurement decisions were made for four combi ovens for Louise Durham and Mena Middle School. Approving a bid of $105,466.00 from Markham with funding from child nutrition/food services. Quotes were presented for carpeting in the high school office and counseling center. A bid of $20,866.67 from Dequeen Flooring. A bid for resurfacing the parking lot behind the football field and the LD car rider line. Silco: $42,500 parking lot, $29,700 car rider; combined $62,700 with discount. 

The board also approved the most recent financial report. Dr. Smith told the board that the month of May was better than expected financially, and the budget remains on target as the end of the fiscal year looms.

After a brief executive session, the board returned with personnel decisions.

Resignation:

Shelby Williams - Kindergarten Teacher.

Restructure:

Donald Hughes - From LD Special Ed Para to MMS Special Ed Para.

Denise Kelsey - From HHE Para to LD Special Ed Para.

Hire:

Bryan Richardson - MHS Assistant Principal.

Samuel Gorman - MHS AE Science & Social Studies.

Lauren Frost - CTE Pre Educator, AR Tourism & Outdoor Recreation.

Additional Stipend:

Michael Millard - Esports Co-Coach/Sponsor

Shawn Erickson - Esports Co-Coach/Sponsor