The Mena School Board met for their regular September meeting on Tuesday night at the district administration building.
The meeting began with the superintendent's report in which Dr. Lee Smith gave the board an update on academics. Smith stated that efforts are underway to set a baseline so that progress can be measured. He then yielded to Assistant Superintendent Bridget Buckley who shared initial percentages. Buckley informed the board that 41% of students in kindergarten - 12th grade are in a strong place academically and 37.6% are ready and where they need to be in math.
Smith then updated the board on construction of the new activity center. Our Construction Manager, Jeff Peatry, had visited recently and they expect to squeeze out an additional $267,000.00 in savings on the project. The board voted to proceed with the next phase of the project. They also approved the purchase of the metal structure at a cost of $794,000.00 from Pinnacle Buildings.
Next on the agenda was the approval of the 2022-2023 financial report as well as the budget for 2023-2024. It was noted that operating costs were up for the coming year and the board approved.
The board then approved the 2023-2024 budget for operating, federal programs, VI-B and special education. This is a routine standards of assurance that federal guidelines are being followed.
A revision of the 2022-2023 inventory, which was approved at the August meeting, was then approved. This recategorized the awning at Louise Durham Elementary.
Dr. Smith then asked the board to pass a new artificial intelligence use policy. The policy set out guidelines for appropriate use and bans nefarious usage. The policy was approved.
The board also approved a new cyber security policy which will tighten up the district’s network security.
District Maintenance Supervisor Danny MInton then spoke to the board on project updates. The new fence and automatic gates at Louise Durham have been completed. New door locks have been installed at Holly Harshman Elementary. An expansion of the parking lot in front of the field house has been completed. New drive wheels on the bleachers at Jim Rackley Gymnasium are being installed and work continues on repairs at Mena High School resulting from a lightning strike that occurred this summer.
Dr. Smith then updated the board on their upcoming training dates on September 28th and October 12th. As well as financial training on November 13th.
The board then approved the latest financial report . Smith noted that revenue outpaced expenses this past month. He also stated that there has been a noticeable downturn in electric and water usage of late. Smith also said that fewer maintenance and upkeep expenses are expected this year.
The last item on the agenda was personnel. The board accepted the resignation of Pre-K Paraprofessional Cecily Wilson as well as the resignation of Senior Cheer Coach Andrea Hughes.
The contract of Bus Driver Cheyenne Owens was restructured to route #1 and the board approved the hiring of Tanesha Chambers as Pre-K Paraprofessional.