At the Jan. 12 meeting of the Eureka Springs School Board, members reviewed the annual facilities’ master plan, done each January. Director of Operations Rick Mann said the new kitchen and cafeteria serving the middle and elementary schools has been in use since the start of the school year, although some incomplete items remain on the punch list. Those items must be completed before final payment on the project. Appliances are now being removed from the former elementary kitchen, and that space will be converted into office cubicles.
Mann said the school is still on a waiting list for a storm shelter from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. That agency has seen some major disruptions recently, but the grant program for shelters may still benefit Eureka Springs. Supt. Bryan Pruitt said the potential for a storm shelter affects other projects, such as paving the elementary parking lot. The school will try to avoid spending money in an area that may be required for a shelter.
Other recent facilities’ improvements include a stairway from the high school to the track. New security cameras have been added at the parking areas and entries of all three schools.
A new bus barn will replace the existing structure, which may then be used as a pre-K building. That would free up some space in the elementary school.
Elementary Principal Clare Haozous announced that she will resign at the end of the school year. Haozous served at the school for 18 years, and the board thanked her for that service.
In other business:
- High school teacher Cheyenne Fortson gave the board an update on FFA activities. Highlander students performed well at a recent competition in Berryville. The annual Veterans’ Day breakfast was a success, although the date may be changed in the future to avoid conflicting with other veterans’ events. The shooting sports team placed 15 out of 93 teams in statewide competition. Fortson said several students placed well in public speaking. A new program will focus on writing with agricultural themes.
- High School Principal Caen Dowell said counselors have signed up all 10th-grade students to take practice tests before taking the SAT or ACT tests in their junior year. The state has offered the practice tests for free. Dowell said two seniors are participating in the Certified Nursing Assistant Program in Berryville. High school enrollment has dropped slightly to 199, but Dowell said he expects that number to recover somewhat. The school may have its first senior studying abroad next year.
- Haozous said the elementary staff members have focused on familiarizing students with the Atlas tests they will take. She also mentioned a new writing program, in which students will work with the FFA on writing.
- Pruitt said buying new printers will save the school money, compared to leasing. The board approved the purchase of 12 printers, with a five-year maintenance agreement included.
- Pruitt said all board members are up to date with their training requirements.
- Board members will tour the campus at 10:30 a.m. on Jan. 30.
- School board members were presented with Certificates of Appreciation during School Board Recognition Month.