Eureka Springs School District continues to climb the ranks of the state’s schools. Based on tests taken in the spring, the district ranks sixth out of 252 districts, a big jump from last year’s ranking at 15. Valley Springs, a member of the same educational cooperative as Eureka Springs, was ranked second, only behind Haas Hall in Fayetteville.
Director of Programs Rachal Hyatt led the school board through a detailed presentation of test results Monday evening. Results were based on Atlas tests taken this spring. Although students performed very well, Hyatt said efforts are in place to find areas for improvement.
Elementary Principal Clare Haozous said students are preparing for a new format of standardized testing. The students took a screening test at the start of the year, but Haozous said the testing data was flawed and did not provide useable information.
Second-grade students were scheduled for a visit to Crystal Bridges gallery the day after the meeting. First-graders will have a field trip to the Amazeum next week.
High School Principal Jacob Hayward mentioned the breakfast for veterans promoted by FFA students. He also said standardized testing this week will provide important data to guide the coming months.
Haywatd showcased some high-achieving students, including Thomas Greenway who showed an animated feature he created as a public service announcement about mental health issues.
Shawna Miller, who initiated the mountain-bike program, was joined by most of the 21 members of the team. Several of the team members explained the team’s successes and their related activities. The program is in its fourth year.
Gifted and Talented teacher Jerry Wells sponsors the Chess Team. He said the group of 20 players in middle school and high school has registered some significant victories this year and will have more tournaments this fall.
- Several years ago, the district reached 10 percent in minority enrollment. State law required creating five voting zones for the school board, a plan that included two at-large board members. Now the legislature has repealed that provision, and the board passed a resolution in favor of returning to seven at-large seats.
- In September, the board approved making an offer on the former location of Carroll County Chrysler. That offer was accepted, and the board approved the $700,000 purchase price, which will be shared evenly with Berryville and Green Forest. The property is adjacent to the old Armory in Berryville, which now houses the C4 vocational training center. The program has been very successful, and the newly acquired property will allow for significant expansion of the program.
- The board voted to purchase a new 78-passenger bus for $151,000. The district buys one new bus every year, to keep the fleet current. Supt. Bryan Pruitt explained that the bus ordered last year at this time has not arrived yet, but is expected soon. High demand has led to delays for districts trying to buy buses. Pruitt said the cost of a bus rises about 10 percent per year.
- With the recommendation of the Personnel Policy Committee, the board approved a $1,200 bonus for all staff members who were hired before Nov. 1, and who have at least 100 hours of service.