Prescott School Board

The Prescott School Board met in the Junior High building on Monday (9-23). It was a long meeting as there were two training sessions as part of the meeting. One of them was led by Ken Rich from the Arkansas Public School Resource Center on the financial resources available from the state to the schools. The other meeting was connected with the Arkansas School Board Association and led by Jay Bequette, the school lawyer.  Bequette informed the Board about laws and procedures as well as what was advisable for the board.

Following the first two exercises was an approval of the minutes from the past meeting with the exception of rescinding and executive session and the superintendent’s reports. The enrollment of the Elementary School is 326, the Junior High is 241, the High School is 297 and the total is 864. Pre-school students are an additional 37.

The next item was the district’s budget. The total operating budget is $7.9 million with the majority, over $6 million, in salaries. The district expects to receive $1.4 million from the county. Other large expenses are maintenance at $468,000 and electricity at $275,000. While the district expects to receive $10,000 back due to their solar system, the overall bill increases each year. After costs are paid, the district hopes to have money left over to put in the building fund. Current projections are $317,000. This money will be put into the building fund which is down to $3,000 currently. While the buildings are mostly new, a reserve is desired just in case costs come up.  The budget was approved as presented.

After an executive session, the board accepted the resignations of Sarah Farmer, Denise Taylor, David Loe and Pam Smithpeters. The Board approve the recommendations of hiring Laura Goodwin, Tiffany Love, Colecia Balance, David Jones, and Deborah Ibraham.

There will be a Board Training on October 21st with the Arkansas School Board Association.  After this reminder the meeting adjourned.