Hope School Board
By Staff, 04/17/18 1:13 PMThe Hope School Board met Monday April 16th for their regular monthly meeting. The meeting opened with a report from Jolyn Greene of Kickboard. Kickboard is a software and training provider for class behavior management utilized by the district.
Superintendent Bobby Hart noted that Hope High had received a grant for $40,400 to develop Mobile Applications, i.e.,, phone apps.
Mr. Hart noted the district will have a site visit at noon April 23rd concerning the requested grant to establish a School Based Health Clinic. The meeting will be at the Hope High Auditorium and the public is invited to attend.
The board heard a report from two students from Yerger who have joined the program “Girls of Promise”. The young ladies reported on attending a meeting in Little Rock with young ladies in the program from throughout the state. The program is a STEM initiative for 8th graders around the state.
The board heard from HAPS science teacher Carol Hendrix on a possible educational trip to Florida for HAPS students. The trip would feature a STEM agenda (science, technology, and math). The cost is $2,300 each but there are options for discounts and Hendrix says they would also undertake some fundraising for the trip. Hendrix said she thinks they could handle 10 to 15 students. Mr. Hart said he just wanted the board to know there was an effort to raise funds for the trip. No action was taken.
Mr. Hart gave an update on the proposed “College and Career Academy”. He noted the first part of an application has been made to the Department of Education. He also noted there is a public meeting about the academy set for April 26th at 6pm at Hempstead Hall.
Dr. Carol Ann Duke noted the Graduate students from the Clinton School of Public Service will give their reports to the public at 6pm at Hempstead Hall Tuesday (4-17) and the public is invited.
Mrs. Carla Narlesky gave 45 day reports and gave the school grades recently released by the state. She noted Clinton Primary had a “D”, Beryl Henry had a “C”, HAPS had an “A”, Yerger had a “D”, and Hope High had an “F”. Mrs. Narlesky explained what the issues are on the lower ranking schools and what is being done to address those problems. Mr. Hart commended Beryl Henry and HAPS principals Dr. Roy Turner and Dr. Carol Ann Duke for the achievements of their schools. School Board member Bubba Powers asked Narlesky if the district is trending upwards and she replied it was. Powers says he is proud of all the campuses’ progress.
Under new business the board looked at Food Service Management. Mr. Hart suggested the board accept the proposal from Arrmark. Board Member Viney Johnson asked School Food Service supervisor Deena Gilbert about the student acceptability rankings on Arrmark. The board accepted the Arrmark proposal.
The board looked at proposals for Clinton Primary access controls and cameras. The board looked at a proposal for cameras at $121,000 for Clinton and Access Controls at $60,250. The board voted purchase the Clinton cameras and access controls for Clinton Primary.
The board looked at a bid for Yerger to fix the classroom locks where they can be locked from the inside of the classrooms The board looked at a bid from Jim’s Lock and Key for $15,000. The board accepted this bid.
The board looked at a classified pay schedule proposal. The board looked at increases in classroom paraprofessionals, bus mechanics, bus drivers,and maintenance workers. The increases were approved.
The board looked at personnel policies for a first reading. The proposals will be presented to the board in May. No action was taken.
The board discussed a district transportation manual for a first reading. The manual will be considered in May.
The board discussed a change in the Municipal Advisory Agreement with Stephen’s Inc. This was approved.
The board looked at a technology quote for Clinton Primary. The quote for $47,900 for technology updates was accepted. The company is Howard Technology.
The board looked at a facility rental request from Pafford EMS for a Relay for Life pageant and the board considered a request from the Golden Eagles semiprofessional Basketball team to use Jones Field House. Both were approved.
Personnel matters closed out the meeting. The board approved the job description of the Arts Integration Specialist. The meeting then adjourned.
