The Eureka Springs School Board meeting on Monday included a detailed report to the public, a state requirement for all districts each October. Eureka Springs continues a lofty ranking among Arkansas schools.
Director of Programs Rachal Hyatt told the board that Eureka Springs schools rank 17th out of 250 school districts. This placement improved on a rank of 21 last year.
Hyatt led the board through a variety of topics, including a grade-by-grade comparison of test results against other districts. In most cases, this district scored significantly higher than state averages, especially in science areas. For example, 70 percent of high school students achieved proficiency in biology, compared with a state average of 38 percent. Hyatt pointed out several areas of concern, including third grade math scores and fifth grade language arts.
The district received an additional $360,000 in staffing funds last year. A variety of grants also benefited the school, including a $25,000 grant for staff training. Other grants included a physical education grant from the Carroll County Community Foundation, and an $86,000 grant to increase school safety with more cameras. Future grants may fund a handicapped-accessible bus and a drone for the EAST program.
Hyatt explained the various stages of emphasis for the Gifted and Talented program. Pull-out sessions begin in third grade, and GT students in grades five and six can participate in the EAST program. Accelerated classes are available for students in grades seven and eight, and high school students have a variety of advanced-placement or concurrent-credit classes.
Testing for advanced-placement courses shows Eureka Springs students consistently scoring higher than state averages. Local students also outperform the state average on the ACT test, by a margin of 20 to 18.
Elementary Principal Clare Haozous described efforts to identify and assist students with dyslexia. The state has changed the criteria for identifying students needing intervention. As many as 90 students throughout the district have some degree of dyslexic symptoms. Haozous said the district has increased the number of teachers qualified to help with dyslexia instruction and intervention.
Special Ed. Supervisor Gail Hunter said all programs comply with state and federal guidelines. She discussed the staff and their specialties and explained parameters the school must meet in delivery of services. The district lists 84 special ed students.
District Treasurer Pam McGarrah delivered a financial overview and pointed out that the building fund has grown even while the district has constructed a new cafeteria for the elementary and middle schools.
Supt. Bryan Pruitt said 85 percent of the district budget goes to staff salaries.
Pruitt also delivered some demographic information, saying the district characterizes 85 percent of students as white, and 11 percent Hispanic. The number of Hispanic students has increased from 42 to 66. Pruitt said boys outnumber girls in the district, with 53 percent males.
All three schools in the district meet all requirements for accreditation and staff certification.
Pruitt touched briefly on future building projects, including the possibility of major changes to the elementary parking lot.
Principals’ reports
The regular school board meeting followed the annual report. Haozous said staff members are analyzing data from beginning-of-year assessments before creating instruction plans. She said staff training continues as a major focus, and working with new teachers has provided an opportunity to review methods and curricula. Students enjoyed a visit from the fire department last week, and they had a session on financial literacy earlier in the day. During parent conferences later this week, the new cafeteria will be open from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday.
Middle School Principal Trina Bonham also looked forward to parent conferences. “We’re excited to share all the good things our kids are doing,” she said. Bonham spoke enthusiastically about a nature hike taken by some students and staff and invited board members to an upcoming hike on Nov. 8. She said the cross-country team is excelling, and cheerleading programs in junior and senior high are underway. A Fall Festival on Oct. 29 will include band and choir performances.
High School Principal Caen Dowell concluded the evening with his report. The enrollment in August was 221, but that number has fallen to 207. Dowell attributed the decline to students moving away or entering home school.
Dowell said 30 students attended a career industry day at the School of Innovation in Springdale. Basketball season will start Oct. 24, and high school students will perform The Addams Family Nov. 1-2. Dowell also noted that the mountain bike program continues to excel.