The Mena School Board met in the district administration building on Tuesday, July 16th.
The meeting began with the superintendent’s report. Dr. Lee Smith happily reported that the Agriculture Department, Computer Science Program, and Pre-Educator Program had received equipment modernization grants from the Arkansas Department of Education totaling approximately $60,000.
Smith also informed the board of the governor’s new pilot program restricting in-school cell phone use. The pilot program will provide funding to all secondary schools that apply to purchase pouches that students can use to store their phones during the school day, reducing screen time and social media use.
The board was informed of school board training days scheduled for September 26th and October 10th.
Finally, Smith suggested the addition of Mena Legends Softball to the Community Service Learning Partners list. The board approved.
In new business, the board approved the annual report to the public ensuring that it would be posted on the website by August 1st, 2024 as required by the state, even though information needed to complete the report would not be available until mid-October.
Next, the board approved the purchase of new Chromebooks and assorted hardware from Howard Technology Solutions for $108,300.00. These new Chromebooks will be issued to 5th and 9th graders.
Dr. Smith then expanded on the Career and Technical Education improvement grants that he spoke of during the superintendent's report. At Mena High School the grants totaled $26,477.50 for agricultural power, structural, and technical systems as well as $4,670.75 for the pre-educator program. Computer Science is receiving $26,877. The board approved the expenses supported by the grant.
The board then approved the updated Minority Teacher Recruitment and Retention plan. The plan is updated periodically to stay in compliance with federal funding and to help make the staff similar to the student body in minority populations.
The board next heard a report from administrators on changes they recommended to the athletic and campus handbooks. Most were minor changes with no discussion. The exception was the topic of valedictorian and salutatorian recognition and a request by the student council to allow outside guests up to age 20 to attend prom. The board approved the new handbooks including the valedictorian and salutatorian issue with modifications. The board tabled the prom issue and plans to revisit the topic at a later date. Dr. Smith also asked the board to approve the district’s participation in the no-cell phone policy suggested by the state which he mentioned in the superintendent’s report. The board agreed. The revised student handbooks will be posted on the district’s website soon for the public to view.
The board then revised the 2024-2025 salary schedule to include a stipend for the assistant track coach.
The board next approved the revised school choice capacity resolution as required by the state.
An update on projects and facilities was next on the agenda. Dr. Smith noted that progress continues at the Hensley Activity Center. He also recommended the hiring of Parmer Construction as project manager on the concession stand expansion at Bob Carver Bearcat Stadium. The board approved.
The board approved the most recent financial report with Dr. Smith stating that June was an expensive month as anticipated but that the district remains in the black as we approach the end of the year.
Finally, in personnel, the board accepted the resignation of Shelby Garcia from her teaching position at Louise Durham Elementary. They approved the extension of the contract for Debbie Hankins to 210 days. The board also approved the hiring of Jamie Copelin as Mena Middle School Teacher, Melinda Deramus to Mena High School English 10th, and Shelby Williams as Louise Durham Elementary teacher.