The Mena School Board held their regular June meeting on Tuesday in the district administration building.
The meeting began with a report from a representative of Petry Construction, the district's new construction manager, on the status of the indoor activity center and a new concession/bathroom facility at Bob Carver Bearcat Stadium. He stated that revisions have been made to the plans for the activity center and that the project should be ready for bids in mid July. He also plans to meet with the architect in the near future on the concession stand project.
Superintendent Dr. Lee Smith then informed the board that the supreme court had lifted the injunction preventing the Learns Act from being implemented but that a few legal hurdles remain. Specifically, the court decision on the takeover of the Marvel-Elaine School District by Friendship Academy and the possibility of LEARNS becoming a ballot issue in November.
Assistant Superintendent Bridget Buckley updated the board on professional development that district teachers have been undergoing.
In old business the board revised the plan for athletic passes that was approved at the May meeting. The revisions included allowing 6th-12th grade students free admission to all athletic events and also set the maximum out of pocket expense for admission to athletic events per family at $20.00.
Dr. Smith also informed the board of two new community service partners. They include the Dallas Avenue Baptist Church and Homelife Academy. The board approved.
In new business the board quickly approved a resolution to comply with act 2015 of the 2017 legislative session.
At the May meeting the board approved a new certified salary schedule but there were a pair of mistakes that warranted the board's attention. Those being the indoor track position and a numerical error on the transportation schedule. Those corrections were approved.
Next on the agenda was a facilities update. Dr. Smith said the new security fence installation at Louise Durham Elementary had been delayed due to weather but that it should begin soon. He also presented a bid from Flooring Outfitters of DeQueen for the installation of new baseboards in the commons areas at the schools in the amount of $27,000.00. That bid was approved by the board.
Smith then asked the board to approve the purchase of two used buses to replace old route buses in the district’s fleet. Plus purchase a 2022 Ford F-350 for the agriculture department from Mena Ford. Both were approved.
Dr. Smith then addressed the financial report for the month of June. He stated that revenue outpaced expenses for the month and end of year status is still looking very positive. The board approved.
In personnel the board approved moving Amy Martin from 6th grade literacy to 7th grade social studies and also the hiring of Esther Chung to the position of 6th grade literacy..
Next was the appointment of board members to committees and the election of board officers. The board elected to leave all positions as is for another year.
Finally Dr. Smith asked the board for permission to make any necessary hires prior to the July board meeting. The board approved and the meeting was adjourned.