The Mena School Board met for their regular April meeting on Monday at the Administration Building.
The meeting began with the Superintendent’s Report. Dr. Lee Smith immediately recognized members of the Mena High School FBLA who were in attendance. The team spoke to the board, focusing on the achievements and membership of the FBLA chapter, highlighting consistent membership and competitive success as well as the importance of student development through leadership and competition opportunities.
Dr. Smith then recognized members of the Mena Middle School FBLA. The team focused on the FBLA competition experiences of seventh-grade students, highlighting their achievements at district and state levels. The students shared their learning opportunities and future participation in competitions, emphasizing their commitment to continue engaging in FBLA activities.
Dr. Smith then updated the board on the application submission process for the empty school board positions. Emphasizing the May 4th deadline for applications. The county clerk’s office will then have a ten-day window to check signatures and confirm they are all registered voters and residents of the district. That will be followed by a called board meeting on May 14th to have those candidates introduce themselves to the board and be considered as possible candidates for the vacancies.
Next, Dr. Smith yielded the floor to Assistant Superintendent Bridget Buckley for an update on ATLAS testing. Testing at Holly Harshman Elementary and Mena High School was completed last week. Buckley stated that we are seeing strong results in K-4. Ninth and tenth grade students in algebra and geometry are performing well above the state average and showing consistent growth. We’re encouraged by those results and are looking forward to seeing how sixth through eighth grade students perform as well.
In new business, the board approved the adoption of the Mena City Center Plan. The Board of Education expressed formal support and encouraged collaboration with local stakeholders.
The board tabled the Budget of Assurance Agreement for special education and related services until next month.
Next on the agenda were the Building Academic Improvement Plans. Dr. Smith recognized Mrs. Buckley, who emphasized the requirement for each building to have a plan. The purpose is to take multiple data points and set goals that are going to guide the instruction for the next year, how they want to do their intervention, and what kind of growth they want to see. The discussion highlighted the need for principals to finalize these plans for approval, ensuring a data-driven approach to improve student achievement.
The board approved the 2026-2027 certified, classified, and transportation salary schedules.
The board approved the Polk County Developmental Center as a new community service partner for students.
Next, the board updated the bank account signature card to include Board Member Robert Hines, Superintendent Lee Smith, and District Business Manager Alyssa Hostettler.
The board approved a new policy on recording meetings concerning students.
The board also approved a new literacy curriculum to ensure compliance with state requirements. Training for the new curriculum is planned for the summer to prepare for implementation in the next school year.
Dr. Smith then updated the board on maintenance and facilities. He focused on the new state-funded insurance program and its impact on facilities maintenance. Key concerns included delays in receiving quotes for awning repairs, with a commitment to follow up for more details. The discussion highlighted the need for patience as the new insurance system is implemented.
The board approved the most recent financial report. Dr. Smith stated that expenses outpaced revenue in March, but the district remains on budget for the year.
The board then went into executive session, and when the open meeting resumed, the following personnel recommendations were approved.
RESIGNATIONS
Patricia Powell McGee - Special Ed Para MHS.
Christy Thrailkill - Special Ed LEA Supervisor & 504 Coordinator.
Michael Mrugala - Secretary MMS.
Kennedy McCormick - Special Ed Literacy HHE.
Allison Hughes - 3rd Grade Math/Science.
RESTRUCTURE
Jessica Hughes from MMS Self-Contained Para to Intervention Para.
Natalia Trinidad from MMS Para to Special Ed Para LDE.
Eric Carson Nichols from 6th Grade Literacy to 7th Grade Social Studies and from Jr. Girls Assistant Basketball to Jr. Boys Assistant Basketball.
Lynn Ashley from AE Teacher to 7th Grade Literacy and Social Studies.
Kenneth Henry from Bus Driver to Grounds/Bus Driver.
Joshua Starr from Maintenance II to Maintenance II/Bus Driver.
HIRE
Kristina Johnston - AE Literacy/Social Studies MMS
Alyssa Phelps - Literacy Teacher MMS.
Kennedy McCormick - Special Ed LEA Supervisor and 504 Coordinator.
Rachel Dover - Head Boys and Girls Golf Coach.
Saige Mahar - Assistant Softball Coach, Assistant Jr. Volleyball Coach, and PE/Health Teacher.
Catherine Schluterman - Head Sr. Volleyball Coach, Assistant Jr. Girls Basketball Coach, and PE/Health Teacher.
Bradley Watson - AE Math/Science Teacher MMS.
Stephanie Kathleen Levering - Secretary, MMS.
Amy Montgomery - Sr. Cheer Coach.
Finally, the board approved Classified and Certified Contracts for 2026-2027.