The Mena School Board met for their regular June meeting on Tuesday in the district administration building.
In new business was a resolution to comply with ACT 1105 of the 2017 legislative session, which states that the district must appropriate any amount over 20% of total revenue to the building fund. That was approved with no discussion.
Also approved were revisions to the school choice capacity resolution. This enables a student in kindergarten through grade twelve to attend a school in a nonresident district.
The board approved additions to the certified and classified salary schedule.
Next, the board approved new board policies resulting from the 2025 legislative session. These included adding a public comment period to the monthly meetings. It was decided that participants would be given a maximum of three minutes for comments, with a sign-up sheet available 30 minutes before the meeting. Ms. Buckley and Ms. Newman will review the public comments to assess their relevance as agenda items and ensure that speakers are constituents of the district. Additionally, there was a discussion on policy 1.19 concerning board member terms, leading to a recommendation for four-year terms to meet legal requirements. Also, new policies of the The Arkansas School Boards Association for 2025-2026 were approved. A total of 72 new policies were proposed by the ASBA and are meant to ensure compliance with state and federal laws.
The board then approved the renewal of vehicle and bus insurance for 2025-2026. The policy proposed by Farm Bureau Insurance, with a premium of $42,802.16, was accepted.
The Northside Church of Christ was added to the list of community service partners. Students are able to earn hours toward their community service credit with these partners.
District Maintenance Supervisor Danny Minton then addressed the board with several facility updates and improvements. Including the completion of waxing floors at Jim Rackley Gymnasium and the Union Bank Center. The resurfacing of the track at Bob Carver Bearcat Stadium continues with only striping needed before conclusion. Plus, ongoing safety measures like new fencing installations. The group approved a bid from Heritage Signs and Awnings for $35,518.82 for the installation of an awning at Louise Durham. A bid from Palmer Construction for a door at Holly Harshman was approved, as was new carpeting in the Holly Harshman Library. Plans for improved lighting around the gym and softball field were agreed upon to enhance safety, and the sealing of middle and high school parking lots by Parking Lots Plus was unanimously approved at a total cost of $89,859.
The board then approved the latest financial report. Superintendent Dr. Lee Smith reported another positive month with revenue outpacing expenses.
In personnel
RESIGNATIONS:
Cheyenne Reeves-HHE Teacher
Kayla Beck-MMS Special Education Teacher
Ardith Levi Norris-MMS Assistant Principal
Lauryn Barrett-HHE Teacher
RESTRUCTURE:
Madelyn Fletcher-From Custodian to Blended Transportation/Custodial.
Tiffany Luttmer- From MMS Special Ed to MHS Special Ed Math.
Alicia Farringer-RTI Interventionist to MMS Special Ed Literacy.
Lydia Razo-From MHS Special Ed Para to MHS Special Ed Resource Para.
Leilani Day- to Part Time RTI Interventionist at MMS.
REGISTERED APPRENTICE:
Jacqueline Romine-LDE Teacher Apprentice
Melody Rowe-LDE Teacher Apprentice
Hire:
Roy Travis Hendrix-Maintenance
Kyle Baker-Maintenance
Amy Montgomery- Assistant Principal
Cheyenne Hogan-MMS Career Development & Agriculture Teacher.
Liliana Roberts-HHE Teacher
Brooke Maechler-MMS LPN
Latrisha Hulliberger-HHE Special Ed Para
Patricia McGee-MHS Special Ed Para
Holly Cummins-LDE Special Ed Para
Natalie Smith-HHE Teacher
Finally was the appointment of board members to committees. At the suggestion of Dr. Smith, assignments will remain the same as the past year, except for adding new board member Reed Mendoza to the Wellness Committee.