The Eureka Springs school board met Monday night, with the start of school just a week away.
The three principals had not reported to the board during the June and July board meetings, but they returned with optimistic previews of the coming semester. High School Principal David Gilmore acknowledged some staff turnover, but described an intensive process to replace them. “We interviewed many candidates, and we got the best possible people,” he said.
The C-4 trade school and the nursing program have both grown, and the school will need a full-size bus this year to transport students to the C-4 center in Berryville. The school has a variety of advanced placement classes, which can give students college credits, and Rick Mann will teach a new AP class this year in computer science.
Gilmore said the high school has focused on four questions. The first step involves determining what students need to know. The school then has to determine methods for evaluating student learning. The next two questions dealt with how the school should respond with students who fall short, and how to proceed with successful students. Assessments and remediation will be made quarterly.
The school will work to maintain an excellent graduation rate. Gilmore also mentioned attending a school safety conference and said people in the community often have questions about this subject.
The Middle School will have to replace several teachers who have retired after long terms of service with the school. Principal Caen Dowell said the Middle School gym has a new floor and is ready for use. Jerry Wells will return as EAST Lab teacher, and Dowell said he himself has a background in EAST Lab and will be an additional resource for the program. Students in the EAST Lab will pursue a variety of projects and take advantage of sophisticated tools like a 3D printer.
Elementary Principal Clare Haozous said teachers have taken advantage of many professional development opportunities. The school will continue to focus on reading, and more help on literacy instruction will come through the OUR Co-op. Haozous thanked the board for new playground equipment. She concluded by explaining that the school has been honored as a model Professional Learning Community. A letter from the Evidence of Effectiveness Committee said, “We hope this recognition acknowledges the collective efforts of your staff and strengthens your efforts to continue the journey.”
The agenda also included a discussion of meal prices. Supt. Bryan Pruitt said all students have received free lunches during the past two Covid years. In previous years, some students were financially eligible for free or reduced-cost meals.
The board voted to use enhanced student achievement funds to offer free meals to students who otherwise would pay reduced prices. The schools will encourage families to register for free or reduced-cost meals, and Pruitt said those applications will also help the school with federal funding.