Hope School Board
HOPE, AR – The January 2023 Hope Public Schools Board Meeting began shortly after the conclusion of the presentation of the district’s 5-year plan. The meeting began at approximately 6:30pm on Thursday, January 19, 2023. After the meeting was called to order, Board President Linda Haynes asked for a motion to approve the minutes from December’s board meeting. This was unanimously approved.
Following that, the board approved the Expenditure Report. Superintendent Dr. Crossley then presented numerous Superintendent’s Awards to students, teachers, and community members in appreciation for their contributions to the district.
Upon completion of the presentation, Kelston Mask, a high school senior, spoke to the board about after-school activities he hoped to see including chess club, volleyball, and other activities. He expressed his excitement for future offerings through the Magnet Grant the district received. He said the grant will offer students career choices they may not have had otherwise. He also encouraged parents and community members to help students and get involved. Kathryn Dickinson asked what type of Agri Business he was interested in, and Kelston responded that he would like to start a dairy farm someday. Linda Haynes expressed her appreciation for all the ways Mask has helped over the years, including serving on the student advisory panel during school professional development in August 2022.
New business included the renewal of a technology contract for the district’s wifi. This was approved unanimously.
A facilities rental request from the Brotherhood of Fulton was approved to use the basketball arena for an upcoming event. This was approved unanimously.
Due to recent voting redistricting, the board was required to draw slips of paper to determine when some of the members affected by the redistricting would end their current term. Jimmy Courtney will serve until May 2027, Dickinson will serve until May 2025, Moss will serve until May 2027, and Hamilton will serve until May 2026.
Other new business included a quote from Geosurfaces regarding the football stadium’s surface. The field is beyond the 10-year lifespan. The quote for $14,600 for the updates/repairs will allow the field to be usable for 1-2 seasons. After a brief discussion, the board approved the quote unanimously.
Dr. Crossley presented Margaret Moss a plaque recognizing her as an Arkansas School Board Association Master Board Member in honor of her years of service as a school board member.
A personnel packet was presented to the board. After review, the board approved the packet unanimously.
The meeting was then adjourned.
The video recording of the board meeting is available: