The Mena School Board held its regular July meeting on Tuesday in the district administration building.
The meeting began with Superintendent Dr. Lee Smith recognizing Mr. Daniel Hintz with the Revitalize Mena project. Hintz focused on the new bike trail system as well as revitalization efforts in Mena, emphasizing housing availability, community development, and strategic planning for future growth. The planning group will continue to develop the downtown master plan and address infrastructure needs, noting the downtown area's high land valuation of over $327,000 per acre. Additionally, discussions on economic development highlighted the current state and future initiatives, with plans to support partner organizations.
The meeting continued with the Superintendent’s Report, and Dr. Smith quickly yielded the floor to Assistant Superintendent Bridget Buckley, who updated the board on the recent Arkansas Teaching, Learning & Assessment System (ATLAS) results. Buckley stated that the district exceeded state scores in 27 of 32 categories, including a significant improvement in math scores due to recent instructional changes. Next steps for the district include the establishment of writing expectations for K-12, with all participants committing to accountability. These next steps involve enhancing students' critical thinking skills in writing, emphasizing the need for more than just essay writing.
The board next approved handbook changes for each campus as well as athletics. Only minor changes were noted, mainly focusing on academic integrity, attendance policies, breakfast procedures, and social media policies.
The board also approved the purchase of new desktop computers at Mena High School and Holly Harshman Elementary. Plus some portable teacher devices and Chromebooks for students at a cost of just under $180,000.00.
Next, Dr. Smith updated several projects happening this summer, noting that the MHS & MMS parking lot resurfacing, as well as the awning project at LDE, had been postponed due to recent rain. Smith did say that the track resurfacing and striping project had been completed.
The board then adopted a resolution requesting approval from the Secretary of Education to continue banking with Union Bank of Mena, while disclosing that one member of the school board also serves on the bank’s board of directors. The resolution affirms that all legal requirements regarding conflict of interest have been addressed and that the board, after full discussion and consideration, determined that continuing the banking relationship serves the best interest of the district. The resolution pertains to the district’s banking services for the term beginning June 30, 2025, and ending June 30, 2027.
The latest financial report was quickly approved, with Dr. Smith stating that the district remains in good financial health and on target with the budget.
Finally, in personnel, the board approved the restructuring of the contract for Dusty Gardner to assistant volleyball coach for Sr. High and Jr. High, as well as Vicent Coleman from full-time bus driver to morning bus route only.