The Mena School Board met for their regular August meeting on Tuesday in the District Administration Building.
The meeting began with the superintendent’s report. Dr. Lee Smith recognized a number of speakers. Beginning with Athletic Director Craig Bentley, who updated the board on Mena athletics.
Bentley’s report included recent results, staffing, and operational items. Plus a review of tennis match wins and coach performance, golf individual and team finishes, plus hosting conference golf at Glenwood, football scrimmage plans and schedule including visiting teams for junior and senior high scrimmages, volleyball and cheer program activities and scrimmage timing, cross country startup, and the athletic "flex pass" ticketing option and pricing. Bentley will be inviting student-athletes and coaches to future meetings and noted successful summer work and community engagement.
Next, Amanda Posey & Alicia Farringer described dyslexia identification and intervention work at Mena Public Schools to the board. They summarized updated IDA dyslexia definitions, neurobiological findings from functional MRI comparisons, prevalence and hereditary aspects, and instructional approaches. They explained the two approved programs used (Sonday System and Take Flight), daily minutes, and program steps. The speakers noted state support for training, assessment performance for older students, and how interventions are balanced with students’ participation in electives and extracurriculars.
Wes McDaniel with Ideal Impact spoke to the board. He began by describing the organization’s mission and history in energy conservation and performance contracting, emphasizing a focus on returning funds to Christian ministries and schools rather than maximizing equipment sales. Achieving large savings for school districts by extending equipment life rather than full replacement. McDaniel outlined accomplishments with 300+ school districts and inventions of new technologies. Key themes included energy savings, reducing maintenance and humidity issues, and responsible contracting practices resulting in savings of over two million dollars for the Mena School District over the next 15 years.
In new business, the board approved the routine accreditation assurance statement for the state. Dr. Smith said this is a standard report confirming compliance with state laws and constitutional protections.
Dr. Smith then explained USDA reimbursement rate changes and resulting price adjustments for meals. A motion was made and approved to raise adult meal prices immediately to $5.25 for lunch and $3.15 for breakfast. A separate action increased the paid student lunch price by $0.10 to $3.25, effective September 1st. The discussion referenced USDA formulas that determine paid student and adult meal prices and noted the timing of receiving reimbursement rate information. The free breakfasts for students will continue.
The board then approved a change in the date for the 2027 graduation ceremony. At the request of Mena High School Principal Celeste Ashcraft, graduation will be changed from Saturday, May 15th at 10:00 am to Friday, May 14th at 8:00 pm.
District Maintenance Supervisor Danny Minton shared an update on the installation and operation of recently purchased equipment and site work, as well as an operational note on HVAC. The recently purchased combi ovens and dishwasher were reported installed and working. Asphalt work on the parking lot behind the football field and the car rider line at Louise Durham Elementary have been completed and are operational. Air conditioners were discussed as a current issue due to heat and will require ongoing attention. Overall, most systems are running smoothly.
Dr. Smith notified the board of upcoming training dates, including September 22nd, October 5th, and October 12th.
The board approved the most recent financial report. Dr. Smith noted that expenses outpaced revenue in July, and that was normal.
Finally, in personnel, the board approved the following.
RESIGNATION:
Mark Mabry from grounds only to meet his student teaching obligations. His bus contract will remain in effect.
HIRE:
David Grenier as Mena Middle School Career and Technology Education and Career Exploration Teacher.