Hope School Board

By Staff, 02/26/18 9:51 PM

The Hope School Board met Monday February 26th. The meeting led off with a Black History program from students from Clinton Primary. The youngsters paid homage to such great Africa-Americans as Dr. Martin Luther King and Harriet Tubman. The youngsters used music, short sketches, and even the words of pioneering leaders.
Under the Superintendent’s Report, Bobby Hart noted enrollment is 2,185. He also noted some of the campuses recently raised nearly $1,500 for Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Mr. Hart also informed the board the first five members of the the Hope Educators Hall of Fame have been named. They are Henry C. Tether, Will V. Rutherford, Troy Buck, Mary Nell Turner,and Earl Downs. An induction ceremony will be scheduled for the future.
Mr. Bobby Hart gave a report on bids for custodial service bids. Mr. Hart noted the best bid was from GCA Services of St. Louis who will start everyone at at least $9 per hour. No one will make less than they currently make. Mr. Hart said the company offered the best health insurance options and retirement fund options. After discussion the board voted to enter into a three year contract with the company. Board members Viney Johnson and Willie Buck voted against the contract. Johnson was not happy with some current employees losing some retirement benefits and Buck says he is just against outsourcing.
The board took a look at some Arkansas School Board Policy updates. No action was taken.
The board voted to approve a school calendar for 2018/2019.
The board approved a proposed budget for 2018/2019.
The board voted to add a second social worker to the district. Viney Johnson asked about a social worker strictly for the high school. Mr. Hart asked that she visit with him one on one about a high school person.
The board discussed the Model Schools Conference in Orlando, Florida this summer. The board voted on accommodations. The district has the opportunity to save $90 per room by staying in two-room villas. Auditors had suggested the board vote on staying in the cheaper but more expensive sounding villas.
The board discussed Mr. Hart’s evaluation but decided to handle the other personnel matters first. The board completed those personnel matters. The board also discussed hiring another leader with AFJROTC at the request of the Air Force. Mr. Hart noted his cousin Retired Lt. Colonel Mark Hart had applied for the job. The board voted to allow Me. Hart to hire Lt. Colonel Hart pending Lt. Colonel’s Hart’s interview with Hope High Principal Bill Hoglund. The board then went into executive session to discuss Mr. Hart’s evaluation. The board then returned to regular session and voted to add another year to Mr. Hart’s contract giving him a total of three years on his contract.
The board discussed policy on expulsions. No action was taken and the meeting adjourned.