Mena School Board Meeting
August 19th, 2025
The Mena School Board held their regular August meeting on Tuesday in the District Administration Building.
The meeting began with the Superintendent’s Report. Dr. Lee Smith updated the board on current student enrollment, highlighting an increase to 1,711 students from 1,676 at the end of the previous year. Over the past three years, there has been a net loss of approximately 40 students due to 582 transfers in and 622 transfers out. This year alone, the institution experienced a net loss of 11 students, with 99 transferring in and 110 transferring out. The administrative team plans to analyze these enrollment trends further to develop strategies aimed at improving student retention.
Dr. Smith then recognized Assistant Superintendent Bridget Buckley, who spoke on the utilization of assessment data to enhance teaching strategies and interventions. It was noted that assessment data reviewed in July helped identify classroom strengths and weaknesses, leading to actionable next steps for teachers to implement plans for core instruction and targeted interventions. Ongoing assessments, including oral reading fluencies, diagnostic spelling, and math fluency, were acknowledged as part of district-wide efforts. A significant decision was made to revise intervention strategies and core literacy instruction for students in grades 6-10, reflecting a commitment to data-driven educational improvements.
In new business, the board approved the addition of the Mena American Legion as well as the Mena Lions Club as new community service partners.
The board also approved the purchase of a used special needs bus from the American Bus Co. at a cost of $93,100.00.
Next, the board approved the purchase of security cameras to be placed on buses that were recently added to the fleet at a cost of $18,351.00.
The board approved the addition of policies 3.22B and 8.16B dealing with the purchase of staff t-shirts.
Next on the agenda was project updates. Dr. Smith approached the board with a request from the basketball staff to purchase four new goals that anchor to the ceiling for the Union Bank Center. The board approved the purchase at a cost of $54,000.00. After some discussion, the board requested that Dr. Smith return at a later date with the cost of adding two additional goals for a total of six.
Dr. Smith then notified the board about upcoming training dates. APSRC dates are scheduled for October 7th and November 4th, with financial training on September 23rd.
Dr. Smith then updated the board on the most recent financial report. He stated that the district closed out the year better than expected with a surplus of $727,000.00. He also stated that July expenses were up over the previous year,
Finally, the board approved the restructuring of the following contracts.
Melody Rowe from Louise Durham Elementary REACH program, teacher apprentice to LDE Paraprofessional.
Charity Mabry from bus route 1 to route 4.
Leah Taylor from LDE Paraprofessional to Paraprofessional/Bus Driver for the afternoon only on route 6.