NSB hears mitigation plan, Blue Jay U plans

By John Miller, 04/28/23 10:34 AM

ROSSTON –  Nevada’s School Board heard from Katie Hardy about the Nevada County Disaster Mitigation Plan.

This was done at the board’s April meeting Thursday night. Hardy said she’s been working with Nevada County on the plan, which is required by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and has to be updated every five years. School districts are considered their own entities by FEMA because they can apply for grants and break ground.

She told the panel the plan includes information on natural and chemical disasters, which are considered to be man made because of the trains running through the county and the potential for spills should there be a derailment. She defined the plan, telling the board the risk assessment has found hail to do the most damage because of roof damage caused by the falling ice. She asked the members to fill out a survey, which was done.

There was some good news for Nevada students as the district is working with the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana on a collegiate program which will allow sophomores to graduate high school with an associate’s degree. However, the sophomores must score at least an 18 on their SAT and maintain a 3.0 grade point average. Juniors and seniors can also take advantage of the program, but won’t be able to earn a degree.

Superintendent Roy McCoy said the plan is to add 21-24 college hours over the next couple of years. The new program will be called Blue Jay University. Several classes will be taught by Nevada instructors including: English, History I and II, World History I and II, with plans to add Biology. The district currently offers virtual classes through Arkansas Tech. McCoy said this adds another dimension to the district. In addition, plans are to add vocational courses from UAHT under the LEARNS Act.

One of the main benefits of sophomores graduating from Blue Jay U will be they can attend the University of Arkansas and pay the same tuition they paid at Hope, instead of the UA’s normal rate.

McCoy said students taking part in this program are still Nevada students and can participate in extracurricular activities after class as always. However, Nevada will not be providing transportation to and from UAHT at this time, but will when it becomes possible.

The board was given a breakdown of what it will cost the district in salaries under the LEARNS Act.

It also approved advertising for sealed bids for surplus property, which includes several buses, and entering into a Memorandum of Understanding with UAHT for the associate program. The salary schedule for classified employees was also approved.

Nevada’s graduation will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 11.