The Eureka Springs School Board met Monday evening and followed a pattern typical of June board meetings. With students out for the summer, the three school principals did not have their usual reports. Almost the entire agenda was devoted to routine year-end issues.
The meeting began with a quick vote to retain the current officers. Chris McClung will remain as president, Al Larson as vice president, and Gayla Wolfinbarger as secretary. Meetings will continue to be held at 5:30 p.m. on the second Monday of each month.
Supt. Bryan Pruitt gave the board an update on legislation. Although the LEARNS Act faces some court challenges, it will take effect by Aug. 1. Pruitt said the act has some positive aspects, but it will also place some new burdens on schools. He said Eureka Springs will face fewer problems than many other districts. “We play with the cards we’re dealt,” he said. “It doesn’t scare us because we have a good product here.”
In other business:
- As in past years, the board approved a written resolution acknowledging that board member Gayla Wolfinbarger is a part owner of the Inn of the Ozarks, and the school does some business with that organization. If the board considers any business with the inn, Wolfinbarger will have to recuse from the discussion and the vote.
- The annual School Improvement Plans were presented and will be posted on the district website by Aug. 1. Pruitt said a committee works on these plans each year.
- The board approved a school choice resolution, which includes some minor changes to allow military personnel more latitude in making accommodations for their families.
- Rick Mann will serve as Director of Operations, a new position that combines the duties of the previous heads of maintenance and IT.
- The classified salary schedule was amended to add a $2,000 stipend for three maintenance positions and two IT workers. Pruitt noted that these skilled workers could make more money elsewhere, although the school district offers a good working environment and good benefits.
- The contract with Legacy Construction Management was renewed through September 2025, although Pruitt explained that the district can cancel the contract at any time.