Hope School Board
The Hope School Board met in the high S\school auditorium on Tuesday (2-18). The consent agenda which included minutes and expenditures passed. A screening of a Bespoke video promoting the magnet program and school choice followed. People were asked to like it and share it with their friends. The video showed students talking about getting to choose, using their creativity, growing vegetables, robotics, dance, and exploring space. David Henderson was given kudos for his part in putting together the video. There will be another one focused on Hope coming out this spring. Henderson has already done a 30-second clip.
Superintendent Dr. Jonathan Crossley talked about the school choice process where the superintendent can make the decision on his own without the board’s input. If there is an appeal, it goes all the way to the Board of Education.
Community recognitions were next. They included David McCrary, Marsha Luna, Janice McClellan, Whitney Hoglund, the Civitan Club, Amaria O’Neil, Ty Clayton, Tyrenda Hale and Rosa Paredes.
Dr. Crossley talked about ways the district was doing well. This includes leading the state in graduations with a diploma and associate’s degree and having the most pre-K students in the area.
Items for Administrative approval came next with one administrator said to be coming back next year. Dr. Crossley said he was proud the item was being done a month in advance. The item passed.
The lawn maintenance contract was renewed with the Board’s approval.
Dr. Crossley said he wanted to go forward with the appraisal of a piece of land the district wants to acquire. While the permit asked for by the planning and zoning commission was denied, there has been enough support in the community he feels confident in preceding. There will be another hearing at the planning and zoning commission on March 17th at noon. A motion passed allowing him to go forward.
Dr. Crossley spoke about working to get every employee a raise by being efficient in staffing. No personnel are being fired. Instead, programs are being trimmed through attrition as staff retire. The trimming is intentional rather than reactionary. This will be a combined classified and certified package and will be brought before the Board for a vote in the future.
ASBA policy updates do not include certified staff. Classified personnel policy changes passed.
There was a motion to accept Title 9 policy updates.
There was a board resolution honoring Reverend Dansby for his years of service to the district and community. Recently deceased, he led a life of service and dedication. Dansby was said to be a wonderful mentor and shining light, a consulate mentor, and a great LSU fan. He worked as both a paraprofessional and teacher in the district from 2008-2023 and was active in his community for 41 years. A motion to accept a resolution honoring him passed.
A motion passed to accept a facilities rental request made of the Beryl Henry Cafeteria for the Youth Basketball Banquet.
The board went into executive session and afterwards approved the personnel packet. The Board went back into executive session for the superintendent’s Contract. The board agreed to roll the contract and to proceed in the purchase of a new school vehicle to replace the current one.
The meeting adjourned.
