At the June 13 Eureka Springs school board meeting, Supt. Bryan Pruitt said it’s time for the district to replace outdated security cameras, as IT director Pat Todd said there are 60 five-year old cameras running on an unsupported computer system. Todd said he sometimes must reboot to get an image that is not very distinct.
IK Network Solutions of Little Rock submitted the low bid of $73,018, and Todd said the new equipment would be a significant improvement in quality. Installation could begin by the end of the month and take maybe three weeks.
Todd said the new camera system would enable law enforcement to set up a command post during a dire emergency from any of the three buildings and watch most of the campus.
Some of the cost will be covered by funds from a federal E-rate grant, and the board voted to accept the bid.
Meal price increases
Pruitt said the district is required by the state to increase the price for student lunches from $2 to $2.10, and he recommended an increase in breakfast from $1 to $1.25. He said they would initiate a trial program of serving breakfast in the classroom from 8 – 8:15. The district got a grant to pay for serving equipment, such as carts, to get meals to classrooms, and Pruitt said this program could increase the number of students who get breakfast and might encourage students to be on time.
Adult breakfast will remain at $2, adult lunch $3.50, and milk remains 50 cents.
Executive session
Personnel matters approved:
- Pruitt’s salary set at $97,000 for the 2017-18 school year
- Resignation of Linda Basurto, high school math teacher, accepted
- Bill Parton hired as custodian effective May 17, 2017
- Zachary Cole hired as high school math teacher
- High School Principal David Gilmore hired for extra duty of Federal Coordinator
Final items
- Three board seats are up for election in September
- A resolution authorizing the district to apply for federal E-rate funding met with approval
- Proposed 2018-2019 budget and related election documents OK’d
- New student handbooks incorporating changes recommended by the Arkansas School Board Association and Gilmore’s suggestion that high school students who are suspended perform two days of community service were ratified.
Next meeting will be Tuesday, July 11, at 5:30 p.m.