Hope School Board

By Submitted, 12/17/18 7:32 PM

The Hope School Board met Monday December 17th for their regular monthly meeting. Board President Willie Buck called for a moment of silence and then wished everyone a Merry Christmas.
During the Superintendent’s Report, Dr.Bobby Hart introduced a “lip dub” movie produced by the HAPS EAST lab. The public can see it on the HAPS EAST LAB YouTube page. The students were assisted by Michael Merritt, an “artist in residence” with the Southwest Arkansas Arts Council. Jackie Brady of HAPS brought four students who worked on the video. Dr. Hart lauded the Hope campuses for their “Beating the Odds” recognition. He also presented Linda Haynes with her “master board member” plaque from the Arkansas School Board Association and noted member Viney Johnson was recognized for 30 years of service on the Hope School Board.
The board looked at a policy manual for the new school-based health clinic. Board member Bubba’s Powers asked if students could have their treatment details withheld from their parents. Dr. Hart noted parents were not excluded from accessing their children’s treatment details because the children are minors. The board voted to accept this first draft with corrections with the understanding they will look at a final draft in January.
The board looked at increasing the pay for substitute teachers from $8.50 to $9.25 per hour. This will raise the daily rate from $68 to $74 a day starting in January. It was also discussed about the rise in the minimum wage and the effect it will have on the budget. Mr. Hart estimated it will cost the district $10,000 to $20,000 per year.
The board looked at a facilities request from AFJROTC for their “Military Ball” in March. The request was approved.
Under personnel the board accepted a resignation. The board looked at the district”mission and vision” statement. Mr. Hart asked it the board thinks the district is living up to its mission statement. The concesus of the board was that the school district is living up to its mission statement. Board President Willie Buck says what he has heard from the community is there is much less “unrest” associated with the district lately. The meeting then adjourned.