The Eureka Springs school board, currently consisting of seven at-large seats, will be divided into voting zones. Based on recent census figures, the district will be divided into five zones, with two at-large positions.
At Monday night’s meeting, the board passed a resolution to have a proposed map created for board review. Supt. Bryan Pruitt said he planned to meet with County Clerk Connie Doss later in the week to learn more about the process. The changes will affect the next election.
The census shows a minority population of 12 percent in the district, exceeding the 10 percent trigger. The school’s minority population is only eight percent, but the statute is based on the overall makeup of the district. Berryville and Green Forest already have zones for school board elections.
The board has imposed a mask mandate on a month-to-month basis. That mandate will continue for another month, although Pruitt acknowledged that “people are tired of them,” adding, “This is keeping those kids at school.” He cited figures showing the success of the policy. Only one staff member and two students have been isolated, and no one has been quarantined.
During the lengthy discussion on masks, the board learned that students have opportunities throughout the day to remove their masks. High school Principal David Gilmore said fans will come from other schools to games at Eureka Springs, and other districts have not required masks. He acknowledged the problems of getting visitors to comply, but the overall approach of masking and social distancing has worked very well. Only board member, Jayme Wildeman, opposed keeping the mandate.
Air refresheners
Engineers have recommended replacement of some air-handling units that condition and distribute air within a building. Pruitt explained that the school’s construction-management firm will seek bids and submit those bids to the board. Federal funds will pay for the project, Pruitt said, and those funds come with some specific requirements which a construction management firm routinely encounters. The project has an estimated cost of $500,000. Air-handling units dating back some 30 years are targeted for replacement.
Students still above average
Prior to the regular business meeting, the board heard the district’s annual Report to the Public. The data from the report will be available on the school’s website by the end of the month.
Elementary Principal Clare Houser introduced a video created by Mandy Elsey. The presentation began with the importance of communication between home and school. The website has been an important tool, and the new Seesaw family app has many uses. The report included a curriculum outline, with specifics such as the Phonics First reading system and Eureka Math, the most widely used curriculum in the country.
Gilmore delivered a report for both the middle and high schools. He said in reading the information provided by middle school Principal Cindy Holt, he found many parallels to his report on the high school. Both reports addressed learning loss associated with Covid-induced upsets to the educational process. The schools have established assessment and remediation efforts.
Despite the academic challenges, some students pursue advanced placement courses, and Eureka Springs has been honored for the number of students going on to college. Others are involved in programs like nursing or Connect 4 job training. Gilmore credited “the vision of this board” for establishing those programs.
Gilmore said a robust program of extracurricular activities has helped students cope with a difficult time. Students have responded well to two new activities, mountain biking and competitive electronic gaming. “Covid has put a lot of constraints on kids, but we’re going to try to have fun,” he said. Counselor Rachal Hyatt noted that 48 students came out for spring soccer, and the new field on campus will help that program grow.
Hyatt also walked the board through test results, from the elementary level through high school. Eureka Springs continues to score above state averages in all areas of advanced placement testing. Overall, the school has a rank of 28 out of 249 school districts in the state.
Pruitt delivered an overview of the gifted and talented programs. At the elementary level, 49 GT students in grades 3-6 are pulled out of class for 150 minutes per week. In grades seven and eight, GT students are seen weekly, and are also served through pre-AP courses. The quiz bowl also serves high school and middle school students.
A financial overview noted that teacher salaries have increased, and the district is raising pay for classified personnel also. Substitute teachers now make $100 per day.
A report on student demographics noted an eight percent Hispanic population in the schools, lower than the 12 percent representation in the community.
Pruitt reported on future plans, saying that the school is still in line to receive funding for a shelter through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. He said he has met with architects to draw plans for a new kitchen to serve cafeterias in the elementary and middle schools. The school has added playground equipment, and more is coming.