The Hope School Board met Monday for their regular monthly meeting. After the minutes and expenditures were approved the meeting moved to the Superintendent’s Report.
In his report, Dr. Bobby Hart noted enrollment is 2,243. He noted the district will be working with a company called “Integrity” out of Little Rock for their energy audit and solar project. He expects they will recommend upgrading to L.E.D. lighting as well as some HVAC controls. Dr. Hart also discussed some heat exchangers the district is replacing. Dr
Hart also noted a luncheon for board members for National School Board Appreciation month has been scheduled. He also talked about continuing education for board members. Dr. Hart asked the board to think about a facilities tour and also noted an expulsion hearing will be coming up.
School Improvement Specialist Carla Narlesky offered a “45 day report”. She noted attendance is over 90%. She noted a rise in “D” and “F” grades and campus administration is looking into this rise. Mrs. Narlesky detailed issues both positive and negative on each campus. Board member Jimmy Courtney asked where the bad grades are subject wise and Narlesky noted mostly in Math and English. Also discussed was personal development absences by special Ed teachers.
The board discussed a homebound instruction program prepared by Mrs. Jocelyn Wiley. The board approved this program.
The board discussed the “opportunity culture” grant. Dr. Hart noted some of this involves getting “Rock star” teachers in front of more students. Also he noted unfortunately for some teachers their only mode of advancement is to administration which means getting out of the classroom. He discussed how this program can result in the retention of excellent teachers. The board looked at a short video on the subject. The grant will provide training. A discussion ensued on the differences of”instructional facilitators” and the “MCL” position involved in the opportunity culture program. Dr. Hart noted Hope is one of five district’s in the state participating in this program. The board voted to approve the “MCL” and “DRT” job descriptions.
The board looked at facilities requests from Haynes Chapel Baptist Church and the Brotherhood of Fulton. Both were approved.
Personnel matters closed out the meeting. The board also set a date for an expulsion hearing. Following that hearing the board will hold the Superintendent’s evaluation. Also, a facilities tour was set for Beryl Henry Elementary on Valentine’s Day.
