During principal reports at the Sept. 14 meeting of the Eureka Springs School Board, two new principals offered their first accountings. Rachal Hyatt, former director of programs for the district, now serves as Middle School principal. Michael Smith takes over as Elementary Principal after the retirement of longtime principal Clare Haozous.
The Aug. 11 meeting came one day before the start of classes, and the agendas during the summer break do not typically have principal reports. That meant that both new principals gave their first reports at this meeting.
Hyatt had frequently addressed the board, especially regarding issues relating to testing or curriculum. She shared her enthusiasm for her new position and the “great group of kids” under her charge. Hyatt said her staff includes some new teachers, creating “a fresh start for all of us.” The Middle School staff has high expectations, and students meeting those expectations can earn prizes or rewards. Hyatt reported on successful events, including a back-to-school pep rally and a well-attended Grandparents’ Day. The choir and band will perform at Parents’ Night on Oct. 8.
Smith said he enjoyed his first experience with the Hedgehoppers, the third-grade singers who perform annually at the Ozark Folk Festival. Elementary enrollment stands at 188, with 28 students in the Pre-K program. Smith said staff and students have reviewed behavior expectations for hallways and buses.
Parents’ Night was held earlier this month, with a good response, and a similar event for grandparents was held on Sept. 14. A picnic for Pre-K parents was scheduled for Sept. 18, and a Book Fair is scheduled during parent conferences on Oct. 15. Smith also mentioned Atlas screening, as the school attempts to identify students at risk of not meeting the new state standards for promotion from third to fourth grade. Smith briefly outlined the school’s plans for intervention with those at-risk students.
High School Principal Caen Dowell said enrollment stays steady at 201 students. Both the junior and senior volleyball teams are off to a good start, and cross-country runners also jumped out to a good start, with several kids posting personal-best times.
The school is taking steps to implement a state-mandated effort to ensure that every student leaves high school headed for college, the military, or a career path. The high school is also working with the Arkansas National Guard, and a recruiter talks to students regularly. Dowell also said the C-4 vocational education facility in Berryville continues to offer students a promising path.
In other business:
- The board voted to hire Nabholz Construction as construction manager for the new bus barn. Supt. Bryan Pruitt said Nabholz has worked successfully with the architect, Modus Studio. Pruitt also mentioned other successful Nabholz projects for county schools. The company will work with Modus to prepare an estimated price for the project, and the school board will then review the project. Nabholz will charge a 2.5 percent fee for their services.
- The board passed financial report for the past school year and a budget for the 2026-27 year. Those reports will be posted on the district’s website. Pruitt commended the efforts of Treasurer Pam McGarrah in preparing the budget.
- The purchase of 6.5 acres adjoining the site of the new bus barn will provide additional room for expansion in the future. The site has electrical service and city water. The site does not currently have sewer service, although it has a septic system. Pruitt said the site also has a flat area, suitable for construction. The purchase price was $125,000.