At the conclusion of Monday night’s meeting of the Eureka Springs School Board, Al Larson announced that he would not run for re-election. Larson said he was “proud and honored to work with this board,” mentioning a series of capital improvements and academic achievements throughout the district.
Larson acknowledged the role of Supt. Bryan Pruitt. “His leadership has helped us develop a spirit of cooperation among the staff,” Larson said. He credited Pruitt with a series of accomplishments, especially the development of the C4 job-training program.
Larson has served 14 years on the board, and his present term will end in March. “It’s time to turn it over to the next generation,” he said. Larson introduced Ginger Johnson as a possible replacement. Johnson attended the meeting and spoke briefly about her motivation for seeking a seat on the board.
High School Principal Caen Dowell spoke about some recent developments for students. Beginning this year, the Arkansas Department of Higher Education will pay for up to 15 hours of concurrent or dual enrollment college courses per semester. The state will pay $65 per credit hour, although the average cost per credit hour for community colleges is $90. Pruitt said the district will make up the difference.
Some students will earn a two-year associate’s degree by the time they leave high school. Dowell outlined different diploma options, including a diploma with merit for those pursuing some high-demand fields. Pruitt reminded everyone that anyone obtaining an associate’s degree at North Arkansas College will be able to transfer to the University of Arkansas while paying the same tuition rates as NAC.
New Middle School Principal Trina Bonham said drop-off and pick-up procedures are running smoothly. She said students have appreciated the new cafeteria, and a new program has created a VIP area, a special seating area for students selected by faculty on a day-to-day basis. Bonham also mentioned a partnership program with Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, to give students another avenue to get involved with art.
At the Elementary School, Principal Clare Haozous said the pre-school is full for the first time. The kindergarten is also full. Haozous said students are being assessed during the first 30 days of the school year to ensure that they can work at a suitable level.
Haozous explained that new standards will evaluate third-grade students before automatically passing them on to fourth grade. Student tests will be part of that evaluation, although some other factors may be taken into consideration. Pruitt mentioned the importance of parents getting their kids to school.
In other business:
- The board approved a financial report for the 2024-25 school year and a budget for the upcoming year. That budget will rise to $15 million, but Pruitt said the district’s projected revenue will increase four percent, based on higher assessments. He credited Treasurer Pam McGarrah for her work in preparing the budget.
- The board approved the purchase of another school bus. The new bus will cost $158,000, about $5,000 more than the bus purchased a year ago. The new bus will not arrive until July, but the district will not have to pay for it until it arrives.