Hope School Board
By Mark Keith, 08/19/19 8:30 PMThe Hope School Board met Monday August 19th for their regular monthly meeting. The meeting was called to order by Willie Buck.
Under the Superintendent’s Report, Dr. Bobby Hart said enrollment is 2,322 and this is about 100 more than this time last year. Dr.Hart says that number could drop but it is good to start that high. Dr. Hart reminded the board about the ribbon cutting scheduled for 10am Tuesday for the School Based Health Clinic. He also noted the first Parent Ambassadors meeting us set for September 24th. Dr. Hart said the board also should be considering a facility walk possibly taking a campus each month or maybe every two months. Also, Dr. Hart noted the district has been accepted for a program at Winrock in Morrilton. He credited UAHT Chancellor Chris Thomason with getting the district into that program.
The board heard a presentation from Bill Halter if Scenic Hill Solar . Halter noted the cost of solar plants have dropped up to 80% in the past several years. He showed some companies and towns they have built facilities for. These include the Loreal plant in North Little Rock, Ouachita County, and the city of Clarksville, Arkansas. Halter noted they could either build a plant the district would own or the company could build the plant and sell the electricity back to the district. Halter estimated if the district contracts with Scenic Hill, it would take six months to construct. Board member Bubba Powers asked about other schools Scenic Hill has worked with.. Halter noted his firm is working with the Guy Perkins district and Batesville has contracted with another company. Board member Jimmy Courtney asked how much room would be needed for the plant and Halter said 12 to 13 acres. Dr. Hart asked about at what point could the district “back out” from the project. Board member Viney Johnson asked where would such a plant be built. Dr. Hart suggested around Clinton Primary but he noted the vendor chosen would recommend a spot. The Hope School District is projected to spend $420,305 in the next year in electricity. Scenic Hill projects the district could save $84,000 per year using solar. Board member Bubba Powers asked about Hope Water and Light’s reaction and Dr. Hart says he plans to visit with them. The board agreed to allow Dr. Hart to issue a “request for proposals”.
The board approved some policy changes which the board. Board member Alvis Hamilton commented on one of the proposed policies and Dr. Hart clarified the proposal to Hamilton’s satisfaction.
The board looked at a legislative update provided by Dr. Hart. It was for information only and no action was taken.
The board approved the “Statement of Assurances”. This simply says the district will abide by federal laws pertaining to the district’s federal programs.
The board approved a tuition schedule with Nevada for any students that need to attend Hope for special programs
The board approved four facilities rental requests.
The board approved taking some items out of the school inventory. Personnel matters closed out the meeting.
