August 17, 2026 Regular Board Meeting

August 17th, 2026 Regular Board Meeting

Opening Remarks and Prayer

• The meeting is called to order at 5:37 PM with the Pledge of Allegiance.

• A prayer is offered, asking for guidance and protection over the school community.

Attendance and Visitors

• All five board members are present; two visitors are acknowledged: Baldwin Shell and a representative from the Democrat Gazette.

Public Comment

• A public comment is made by a concerned parent regarding college students potentially renting rooms on campus.

• The parent expresses worries about interactions between college students and younger students, particularly concerning safety and maturity levels.

• Questions raised include vetting processes for college students, their access to buildings, and parental awareness of these arrangements.

Reports on Student Data

Atlas Data Overview

• A required student data report discusses three-year trends using Atlas data, focusing on cohort tracking versus overall district achievement.

Cohort Tracking Methodology

• The report explains that cohort tracking allows for year-over-year comparisons of the same group of students across grades 3 to 10.

Achievement Progression Insights

• The Atlas summative assessment has been implemented since the 23/24 school year, replacing ACT Aspire assessments based on Arkansas standards.

Math Proficiency Trends

• In spring 2024, third graders showed a proficiency rate of 39% in math; this increased slightly as they progressed through grades.

ELA and Science Performance

• Similar trends were noted in ELA with significant gains but some dips in seventh and eighth grades; science also showed positive growth overall.

Changes in Report Card Calculations

New Reporting Structure

• Upcoming changes to school report cards will reflect new business rules affecting how scores are calculated based on larger data sets.

Success Ready Graduate Criteria

• Secondary schools will have different criteria for success ready graduates compared to K8 schools, emphasizing pathways like CTE programs.

Community Engagement Updates

Block Party Event Recap

• A recent block party event was successful with over 50 vendors and approximately a thousand attendees enjoying various activities.

Enrollment Statistics

• Current enrollment stands at 652 students, down from last year due to fewer incoming kindergarteners compared to graduating classes.

Partnerships with Universities

Collaboration with University of Arkansas

• Ongoing partnerships with universities aim to enhance teacher training through internships within local classrooms.

Professional Development School Site Initiative

• A new initiative involves university education classes being taught on campus while providing support for elementary reading initiatives.

Overview of Educational Programs and Partnerships

Class Structure and Internships

• The program consists of an hour-and-a-half class structure, which is not typical for most classes.

• Interns are considered staff members under the law, alleviating concerns about volunteer management.

• The Westport Distinguished Fellows program collaborates with the University of Arkansas Office of Innovation to enhance educational practices.

• A Bachelor's Art in Teaching program has facilitated internships for students over the past few years, providing practical experience.

Student Intern Profiles

• Most interns are K6 education majors, with some specializing in speech-language pathology (SLP).

• These interns have been approved by the state of Arkansas for high-impact tutoring roles, ensuring they meet necessary criteria.

UFA Partnership and Community Engagement

Communication Strategies

• There is a need to communicate effectively about the UFA partnership to prevent misinformation among parents.

• Orientation for new interns will cover safety procedures and expectations as they begin their roles on campus.

Digital Purchase Order System

• An update on digital purchase orders indicates that the system is functioning well after extensive setup efforts.

Infrastructure Updates and Financial Insights

Sidewalk Project Discussion

• A sidewalk project proposal is under consideration; discussions will continue post-selection of an architect.

Fundraising Efforts

• Total fundraising from various groups within the school district reached $257,000 this year but was fully spent.

State Funding Challenges

Enrollment Decline Impact

• The district experienced a decline in enrollment by 45 students compared to last year's third quarter, resulting in a significant funding loss estimated at $450,000.

Future Projections

• Anticipation exists for similar funding challenges next year if enrollment numbers remain consistent.

Education Freedom Accounts Concerns

Financial Implications

• $379 million from tax revenue is being diverted to private schools through Education Freedom Accounts (EFA), impacting public school funding significantly.

Accountability Issues

• Homeschool students cannot take the Atlas assessment; thus claims regarding their superior performance compared to public school students lack accountability.

City Annexation Discussion

Benefits of Annexation

• Discussing annexation's potential benefits includes increased property tax revenue due to new developments within city limits.

Planning and Safety Considerations

• Being inside city limits ensures better planning and accountability for future developments along key corridors.

Grant Applications and High Impact Tutoring

Grant Application Submission

• A grant application worth $468,850 has been submitted aimed at supporting high-impact tutoring initiatives across multiple subjects.

Focus on Geometry Tutoring

• Emphasis on geometry tutoring aims to alleviate burdens on math teachers while enhancing student support through targeted interventions.

Transportation Updates

Bus Route Adjustments

• New bus routes have been established; however, there remains a shortage of drivers affecting operations.

Roofing Projects Update

• Discussions with roofing companies are ongoing regarding repairs needed before any major roof projects commence.

Activity Center Enhancements

Exterior Improvements

• Plans include installing new lighting features around the activity center's exterior as part of ongoing upgrades.

School Updates and Community Engagement

Club Fair and Homecoming Voting

• The school will host a club fair on Tuesday featuring over 22 different clubs, scheduled for noon.

• Homecoming voting occurred early this year, marking the earliest in 15 years, with homecoming set for September 11.

Emphasis on Surveys and Community Involvement

• A significant initiative this year is to increase surveys sent to parents, community members, and staff to foster involvement in school decisions.

• The speaker emphasizes that the school belongs to everyone involved—students, parents, and staff—not just the administration.

Positive School Culture

• New teachers have noted the exceptional culture at the school, highlighting students' willingness to help each other and their teachers.

• The speaker expresses gratitude for being able to lead such a positive environment filled with "tremendous students."

Staff Development and Support

Encouragement for Continuous Improvement

• Staff members are encouraged daily to make each day better than their previous experiences in teaching.

Recognition of New Counseling Staff

• A new counselor has received praise from parents due to her positive impact on students’ enthusiasm about their future plans.

Hiring Process Insights

Successful Recruitment of New Counselor

• The hiring process included multiple interviews; after one candidate withdrew last minute, they quickly offered the position to another candidate who was enthusiastic about joining.

Financial Updates

Budget Management Discussion

• There is an ongoing discussion regarding budget management; updates will be shared in September as part of regular financial oversight.

Policy Changes Related to Staffing

• A policy change requires three representatives from each school instead of two for certain committees following district reconfiguration.

Curriculum Alignment Resolution

Approval of Curriculum Standards

• A resolution was presented for board approval regarding curriculum alignment with Arkansas academic standards across core subjects.

Handbook Updates

Streamlining School Policies

• Proposed changes include merging older language into updated handbooks while removing duplicates from existing policies.

Master Facility Planning Discussion

Architect Selection Process

• Discussions began regarding selecting an architect for master facility planning; two firms were interviewed based on public input requirements.

Evaluation Criteria

• Both firms presented their qualifications; Cromwell was favored due to better alignment with district needs based on feedback from stakeholders.

Decision-Making Considerations

• Board members discussed how Cromwell's imaginative approach could provide more options compared to Lewis Architects' straightforward execution style.

Energy Optimization Proposal

Ideal Impact Discussion

• An energy optimization company proposed upgrades that would save costs through improved HVAC systems without upfront expenses.

Cost-Saving Potential

• Projected savings over 15 years could reach nearly $800,000 by optimizing energy use across campus facilities.

Future Steps

• Further discussions are needed before making decisions; a presentation by the sales representative is anticipated next month.

Ditch Work Bid Approval

Transparency in Bidding Process

• Two bids were reviewed transparently despite not being legally required due diligence; both quotes were similar in pricing.

Concerns About Execution Timing

• Questions arose about potential disruptions during school hours if utilities were affected during ditch work operations.

Final Decision Authority

• It was decided that Mr. Hunger would choose which contractor would best serve the school's needs while ensuring transparency throughout the process.

Discussion on Emergency Services and Equipment Needs

Challenges in Hiring and Training

• The conversation highlights the difficulty in hiring personnel willing to engage in emergency services, emphasizing that financial incentives alone may not attract suitable candidates.

• There is a discussion about the cost of equipment and training, noting that while new equipment can be expensive, it does not need frequent replacement for training purposes.

• Training costs are estimated at around $15,000 annually, which includes certification; further discussions on this topic would require an executive session due to personnel matters.

Coverage and Personnel Willingness

• Assurance is given that there is coverage in every building; however, caution is advised regarding the current School Resource Officer (SRO), who is unavailable.

• The sentiment expressed indicates that willingness to act during emergencies cannot be bought; true commitment comes from within rather than monetary compensation.

Funding Issues with CSSOs

• A question arises about whether current Campus Security Safety Officers (CSSOs) have issues with funding; reimbursement requests have been minimal this past year.

• It’s suggested to discuss needs with CSSOs to understand their requirements better before making decisions on funding exceptions.

Proposal for Bus Driver Bonuses

Sign-On and Retention Bonuses

• A proposal for a one-time bonus for bus drivers is introduced, including a sign-on bonus for new drivers as well as retention bonuses for active drivers.

• Comparisons are made with neighboring districts offering higher pay rates, raising questions about how they manage their salary schedules.

Financial Implications of Bonuses

• Even high hourly wages may not attract enough applicants; concerns are raised about finding qualified individuals willing to drive buses despite competitive pay.

• The proposed structure includes paying 50% of the sign-on bonus after one month of service and the remaining 50% at the end of the school year.

Recruitment Strategies

• Discussions include strategies for recruiting additional drivers who can also assist with extracurricular activities like sports events.

• Emphasis is placed on ensuring that potential hires complete necessary training before receiving bonuses or being considered fully employed as bus drivers.

Approval Process and Next Steps

Motion to Approve Bonus Proposal

• A motion is made to approve the proposed bonuses for bus drivers, highlighting urgency due to ongoing staffing challenges.

Budget Considerations

• Questions arise regarding budget availability for these bonuses; confirmation suggests it fits within existing budget constraints.

CDL Requirements and Future Changes

• Concerns are raised about upcoming changes in Commercial Driver's License (CDL) requirements potentially affecting recruitment efforts moving forward.

Conclusion of Meeting

Final Remarks

• A motion to adjourn the meeting concludes discussions without any further business or executive sessions required.