The Eureka Springs School District continued plans for two construction projects during a virtual meeting Monday evening. They agreed to send plans to the state for more remodeling in the elementary school, and the other project will create a soccer field in the infield of the track.
Board members dealt with time delays and occasional dropped services, but quickly became accustomed to the slightly slower pace demanded by circumstances. One board member was unable to connect to the Zoom platform, and another member was absent with notice, and that left five members in attendance. Supt. Bryan Pruitt said he hopes the board will be able to meet in person for the July meeting, perhaps with some social distancing measures still in place.
Pruitt said the school is preparing to submit plans to the state, and the board’s approval completes another step in the process. After the state approves the plans, both projects will go out for bid. The infield of the track will be leveled for a soccer field, and a new parking area will be created to serve the track and soccer field. A new area will be created for field events at track meets. This second phase of the elementary school remodel will include ceiling tile, flooring, paint, and restroom renovations.
In other business:
- Pruitt announced a partnership between North Arkansas College and the Connect 4 career training program. The program will provide $8,000 per student to be used for supplies and salaries. NAC will offer students concurrent credit and their studies will count toward apprenticeship certifications. Students can accumulate as many as 30 hours toward an Associate’s degree.
- The board certified that all Special Education funds are spent according to law, and for the benefit of students. This statement is an annual state requirement.
- Pruitt had received suggested increases for stipends for teachers working with the Quiz Bowl. On his recommendation, the stipends for two quiz bowl coaches will increase from $300 to $400 per year. On Pruitt’s advice, the board rejected a request to increase the EAST Lab stipend from $600 to $1,100. “Adam (Louderback) does a great job for us,” Pruitt said, but he suggested re-evaluating that request in another year.
- The board voted to add a week’s pay to this year’s budget to help train a new food service director. Pruitt said Debbie Arnold will take over in the coming school year. The week of advance training will provide Arnold a chance to learn about budgeting, procurement, reimbursement, menu planning, and more. Pruitt said the district added a week of training when the current food service director started. The department has an annual budget of about $500,000.
- The board accepted the resignations of third-grade teacher Leva Murphy and para-pros Glenda Allison and Tina Elliot. Kim Phillips was hired as Elementary administrative assistant.