he Mena School Board held its regular April meeting on Monday in the district administration building.
The meeting began with the Dr. Lee Smith presenting Board Member Clint Montgomery with an award for attaining Master Board Member status. Montgomery earned 50+ hours of board development training. The award was awarded by the Arkansas School Boards Association.
Dr. Smith then gave his Superintendent’s Report and told the board that the state was delayed in providing school report card grades this year because of the new testing system, but an unofficial, simulated report card was created by the state department using a new formula. One school, Holly Harshman Elementary, improved from a C to a B, while others maintained their grades. The next official report cards are expected by August or September.
Smith then gave an update on legislative action affecting the Mena School District. There are 71 new Acts related to education from the recent legislative session, including several acts relating to school boards and school operations. Some of the new laws include requirements to allow public comments during meetings and to make board members' emails available online. The free breakfast program for students will go into effect in the 2025-2026 school year. Also included was the ACCESS Act - a comprehensive education act like LEARNS, but focused on post-secondary education. The language of the new law will impact high schools with the goal of more students finishing high school with an associate's degree.
The first item of new business was a review of the 2024-2025 Legislative Audit. Overall, the district did well with the exception of marking as reviewed digital Free & Reduced lunch forms, as well as the practice of purchasing t-shirts using activity funds without proper policy guidance. Corrections are being put in place and the rest of the audit is clean and good for another year.
Next, the Assurances and GEPA Statement Programs under ESSA & IDEA were approved. The Assurances Statement confirms that our district will comply with federal requirements under ESSA and IDEA when accepting federal funds. It ensures proper use of funds, adherence to legal obligations, accurate reporting, equitable access for all students, and transparency with the public.
The board then approved the 2025-2026 Building Level Improvement Plans, which are crucial for enhancing student performance and require board approval before submission to the state.
The board also approved the 2025-2026 Certified Salary Schedule, which includes salary adjustments and introduces incremental steps every five years. Additionally, it was noted that the implementation of value-added indexes for the 26-27 school year will rely on two years of student performance data to improve salary competitiveness and retain quality teachers.
There was a focus on performance-based compensation, emphasizing the need to link staff pay to performance rather than tenure. The group agreed on the importance of identifying and observing excellent teachers to improve overall teaching quality.
Next on the agenda was a proposal to renew the food service management contract with Aramark for a fifth year. That was approved, reflecting satisfaction with their services.
Dr. Smith then shared a facilities update with the board. Including the completion of the concession/restroom complex at Bob Carver Bearcat Stadium. Hoods were added this past week to the fans at the Hensley Activity Center. Plans continue for the installation of additional security fencing. Aleshire Electric is studying improvements to lighting behind the Union Bank Center. Roofs across the district are being inspected for damage after a recent hailstorm, and the track resurfacing is scheduled to take place once the school year concludes.
Approval of the March financial report was next on the agenda. March showed improved performance despite higher expenses, although cash flow was impacted by the two-month delay of federal fund reimbursements from the state, which were due to be reconciled this month. The financial reports were unanimously approved.
In personnel retirements, resignations, and new hires were approved. Including:
RETIREMENT
Lorrie Glover-Para HHE
Dee Ann Smith-Teacher LDE
RESIGNATION
Janet Batten-Bus Aide Para & Custodial
Saren Hankins-Special Education Para LDE
Chelsie Eacho-Teacher HHE
Alyssa Hostettler-Bookkeeper
HIRE
Alyssa Hostettler-District Business Manager
Laura Clark-Bookkeeper
Jason Moore- Special Education Instructor
Kloey Eakin-Teacher LDE
Jennifer Philpot-Teacher LDE
Lindsey Sawyer-Teacher LDE
Jordan Trinidad- Teacher MMS
Lacy Lowe- Special Education Para HHE
Lashea Holder-Elementary Teacher TBD
Finally, the board approved the renewal of classified contracts for 2025-2026.