The April meeting of the Eureka Springs School Board was the last appearance for board member Al Larson. On May 11, Elementary Principal Clare Haozous made her final appearance, as she will retire at the end of the current school year. Board members thanked her for 18 years of service.
In her last report as principal, Haozous said testing is almost complete at the elementary school, and make-up tests should be finished by mid-week. She said members of the Elks Lodge read with first-grade students and gave them books for summer reading. Students in fourth grade have visited the middle school, in preparation for moving up next year. Students in grades three and four visited Wonderworks as a reward for testing.
A mural in the elementary foyer should be finished this week, and elementary students had a field day on May 14.
Middle School Principal Trina Bonham said testing is complete, and she anticipates growth in scores. The Middle School’s field day was May 15.
High School Principal Caen Dowell used most of his report to describe the accomplishments of sports teams. In their fifth season, the girls’ mountain bike team finished second overall in the state. The volleyball team shows dedication and steady improvement, and the girls’ basketball team is also showing growth. Despite adversity and injuries, the boys’ basketball team almost qualified for regionals. The baseball team is making great strides in its second season. Dowell also discussed the track and soccer teams.
Dowell said 40 students will participate next year in the C-4 program for vocational education. Graduation was May 16, and 49 seniors received their diplomas. Dowell said the senior class received scholarships totaling $3,000,000.
In other business:
- Facilitators and students from EAST Lab programs in all three schools gave a presentation about their accomplishments. Board members applauded the students and said they enjoyed having kids on hand at the board meeting.
- The board voted to authorize Supt. Bryan Pruitt to start planning and designing a new bus shop. The district bought a five-acre parcel a few years ago, and the new bus shop is expected to have three bays and a pit. Pruitt said the existing bus shop will be used for equipment storage.
- Pruitt said the district still plans to construct a safe shelter on campus, although the district will not receive funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The shelter would be available to the community during emergencies.
- 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.