The meeting began with the Superintendent’s Report. Dr. Lee Smith informed the board that the district’s ATLAS, or Arkansas Teaching, Learning & Assessment System, results had come in from the spring testing period. Dr. Smith then turned the floor over to Assistant Superintendent Bridget Buckley. Buckley stated that overall the scores were consistent with what they are used to. Mena is at the state average for ELA and above the state average in math and science. The district recently had its first data day to review where we are and adjustments that need to be made. The first set of interim assessments will be in November and is expected to give the district a good comparison.
Dr. Smith next reported that the district had been the recipient of a second allotment of a safety grant. The plan is to install a new security fence around the playground at Holly Harshman Elementary. The balance will be used to purchase new radios to improve communication within the security team.
In new business, the board approved the annual equity compliance report for 2024-2025.
The board approved the list of 2023-2024 fixed assets.
The board also approved the addition of the Polk County Office of Emergency Management to the list of community service partners.
District Maintenance Supervisor Danny Minton updated the board on projects across the district. Minton stated that new signage that directs the public to district facilities had been erected at major intersections. Two contractors have inspected the bleachers at Jim Rackley Gymnasium and assessed repairs that need to be made. Plus improvements to outdoor lighting continue across the district.
Next on the agenda was the Jim Rackley bleacher maintenance. Dr. Smith said that one bid had been received for repairs at a cost of $22,184.00. The board approved the project at that amount or less if more bids are submitted.
The board then approved the purchase of three used buses for $25,000.00 each from the Cossatot School District. These are 2015-2016 models and will replace older buses in the fleet.
The board reappointed board member Todd Aynes as the 2025 Delegate Representative to the ASBA Assembly and Phillip Wilson as the 2025 Board Legislative Advocate.
Finally, in personnel, the board accepted the resignation of Avanlea Chaney as Louise Durham Elementary Counselor effective on or before December 19th. The board also approved the hiring of Megan Hall as Special Education Para at Louise Durham Elementary, Dr. Julia Westcott as Interim Counselor at LDE, and Charity Mabry as Bus Driver.