Thursday night, the Mountain Home Public Schools Board of Education met in executive session before its regular meeting. Approximately 25 people were in attendance in opposition to the executive session to consult with legal representation, as many felt the Board should have held in an open forum.
In April 2023, the Arkansas Legislature passed a bill allowing school boards to meet in executive sessions for more than just personnel matters. The bill allows such sessions for pre-litigation discussions, litigation updates, settlement offers, contract disputes with the district superintendent and real property. The law states the board may also invite the superintendent and attorney for the school district to be present during the executive session.
Following the executive session, the Board began with the agenda and voted on action items.
The Board approved a request to replace the Kindergarten’s roof, with the district’s cost being $339,503. During the recent storms, the Kindergarten roof sustained significant damage, requiring the replacement of most of it. Since insurance would cover a portion of the repair cost, an architect would not be needed to oversee the project, saving the district over $100,000. The project is expected to be completed by the beginning of the school year.
In other action items:
- the Board approved a request to purchase its yearly copy paper needs in a consortium with other districts through the co-op for $41,656. This cost is $10,000 less than last year;
- the Board approved a request to secure the best pricing for paper and plastic goods in the amount of $102,373 for the 2024-25 school year. These items include toilet paper, paper towels and trash bags in bulk;-
- the Board approved a request to replace six HVAC units located on the playground side of the Kindergarten. Due to regulations, the units must be removed and reinstalled to place a concrete pad and fence around them. As the units are 23 years old, they will be replaced with more efficient units, adding outside air and ionization to improve air quality. The cost of the project is $36,444;
- the board approved the renewal of the GoGuardian Classroom Management software, which filters websites students may access on school-issued Chromebooks. The software is also used to research student internet activity when incidents arise. The building administration and counselors are also alerted through a beacon to monitor self-harm and threats that may be detected by internet searches and usage. The renewal cost is $31,496 and paid through Federal Title 1 Funds.
The Board also approved the language for the 2024-25 district handbooks, an English Language Art curriculum for $130,182, and a purchase of math materials for $278,341.
The Board accepted the 2023 fiscal year legislative audit report along with budget adjustments for the 2023-24 school year, which included reimbursements for services provided to students through Medicaid.
The Board approved contracted services with Cindy Perrin to provide homebound and extended school-year services for students needing special education instruction. They also approved a language update to the certified cellphone use policy to match the classified policy.
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