The January meeting of the Mena School Board was held on Thursday, January 29th, via Zoom. The meeting had been postponed twice, and there was a shortened agenda.
First on the agenda was an update on board training hours. Superintendent Dr. Lee Smith stated that all board members had received their minimum or more training hours for 2025.
Dr. Smith then told the board that their Statement of Financial Interest is due on the 31st of this month and encouraged members to turn in those financial statements as soon as possible.
Next was an update on ASBA policies. One regarding student transfers to ensure accurate academic records and another concerning graduation requirements for the class of 2027. Both updates were approved.
In project updates, there was one item of business, and that was the approval of payment to Aleshire Electric for the electrical work that was done prior to installing the side goals in the Union Bank Center. The board approved.
The board approved the 2026 Master Plan, which includes general safety upgrades and revitalization projects. Dr. Smith suggested that the district move forward with a feasibility study on the revitalization of the Mena Middle School and Holly Harshman Elementary campuses. Beginning with a search for a construction manager to begin a facilities feasibility study.
The board then approved the financial report. Dr. Smith stated that the district had an expensive January, where our expenses outpaced our revenue. However, we are still tracking normally as compared to years past.
The board next approved the addition of one year to the superintendent’s contract at the same rate of pay. The board also asked Dr. Smith to look into the purchase of a new school vehicle for his use and present the board with the price range at next month's meeting.
Finally on the agenda was personnel. There were four resignations.
Kevin Ashley, special education self-contained paraprofessional at Mina Middle School, effective December 9th, 2025.
Johnny Huff, bus driver, effective January 6th, 2026.
Misty Mullen, 7th-grade and junior high cheer coach, effective June 30th, 2026.
John Falloon, bus driver, effective January 30th, 2026.
There was one restructuring.
Charity Mabry, Bus Driver, from Route 13 to Route 20, effective January 20th, 2026.