The Mena School Board conducted their February meeting on Tuesday in the District Administration Building.
The meeting began with the Superintendent's Report. Dr. Lee Smith began by recognizing retiring board member Todd Aynes. Smith thanked Aynes for his many years of service to the students, staff, and patrons of the district. Smith also presented him with a lifetime pass to Bearcat athletic events and a pocket knife as a parting gift…..
Gifted and Talented Coordinator Abi Sims then introduced three of her students, who spoke to the board about some of the programs that GT offers and what they mean to each student. Zoë spoke about her Passion Project, the Bearcat Monthly, a periodical she's writing filled with Bearcat news. Mila showed the board her and her partner's innovative Shark Tank product that cleans and dries shoes. Brady spoke about quiz bowl and how it's helped in his school career.
Dr. Smith then recognized a representative from Ideal Impact, who presented the board with options for energy efficiency strategies for schools, highlighting the significant financial impact of these initiatives. He outlined the implementation of energy-saving measures, which have already resulted in over $2.2 billion in savings for schools and churches in Texas. Next steps include further reports on energy savings and the commitment to enhance efficiency in the future for Mena Schools. The board tabled any action until the March meeting.
The board approved the ASBA 2026 Workers Compensation package at a cost of $31,258.00.
The board approved the ASBA 2026-27 Educators Legal Liability Insurance at a cost of $9584.00.
The board next addressed the 2026-2027 Academic Calendar. Approving option one unanimously.
Next on the agenda was a resolution to dissolve the Polk County Virtual Academy. Dr. Smith stated that PCVA numbers have been low for several years and that, since coming out of COVID, the academic performance has been lacking. Since academic performance impacts building and district grades, there is the potential for PCVA to negatively impact overall district performance. Virtual offerings will continue to be available to students through their appropriate campus. The board approved.
District Maintenance Supervisor Danny Minton next addressed the board with a report on facilities. Beginning with damage from the recent ice storm. Many of the gutters, awnings, and HVAC units around the district were damaged. He is waiting for bids to come in for repairs. Minton says the parking lot behind the stadium is in need of repair, and bids are being solicited. Also, one of the washing machines in the field house has rusted out, and a bid of $14,979.00 from Central Laundry to replace the machine was accepted by the board.
The board also approved the latest financial report. With Dr. Smith reporting revenues outpacing expenses, the district remains on budget for the year.
Finally, in personnel, the board accepted several resignations and approved a restructuring as well as new hires and Administrators contract renewal.
RESIGNATIONS:
Jacquelyn Lee - LPN at HHE
Phillip Sanders - Para at MMS
Lacy Lowe - Para at HHE
Leilani Day - 6th Grade Math & Sr. High Cheer Coach
RESTRUCTURE:
Jacquelyn Romine - REACH Apprenticeship Para to Para at LDE
HIRE:
Barbara Deniece Jewell - LPN at HHE
Tia Fryar - Head Softball Coach
Kaela Mendoza - Jr. High Cheer Coach
2026-2027 ADMINISTRATOR CONTRACT RENEWAL:
Bridget Buckley - Assistant Superintendent
Samantha Sellers - Louise Durham Principal
Phillip Rose - Louise Durham Assistant Principal
Tamara Smart - Holly Harshman Principal
Rachel Carter - Holly Harshman Assistant Principal
Teresa Warner - Middle School Principal
Amy Montgomey - Middle School Assistant Principal
David Maxwell - High School Principal
Celeste Ashcraft - High School Assistant Principal
Christy Thrailkill - Special Education Administrator
Shane Torix - Director of Student Support Services