Mena school facilities getting improvements

Submitted by Mark Hobson

The Mena School Board met for their regular August meeting on Tuesday at the district administration building.

The meeting began with the superintendent Lee Smith’s report. Smith informed the board that the district’s construction manager Petry Construction has completed the pre-bid walk-thru on the new indoor activity center. Bids are expected to be opened on or about Thursday, Aug. 24.

Smith then shared the most recent ACT Aspire results. He stated that the district as a whole saw a 6% decline in scores overall but was still above the state average in every area. Smith was pleased to announce that beginning this year Mena would be using the new assessment system called ATLAS. A sentiment that was echoed by the principals from each campus who were in attendance.

The board quickly approved the next two items on the agenda. Including the 2022-2023 inventory and the 2023-2024 handbook for the Polk County Virtual Academy. No changes were made in the PCVA handbook from last year.

Next the board approved a revised 2023-2024 non-licensed salary schedule that included a modified bus schedule and a new position for a mental health therapist.

Smith updated the board on a pair of projects: The new six-foot security fence at Louise Durham Elementary is 98% complete. He also asked the board to approve the purchase of two new compressors for air conditioning units in the Performing Arts Center at a cost of $17,696. The board approved.

The board also approved the financial reports. Smith said revenue outpaced expenditures by $158,000 in June.

Finally, in personnel, the board accepted the retirement of bus driver Beverly Huber.

Board-approved restructuring:

• Peggy Foster from bus driver to bus aide.

• Rebecca Sprague from full-time bus driver to morning route only.

• James Foster from a “C” bus route to route 21.

• Alexander Fulgencio from a “C” bus route to route 7.

Board-approved hiring:

• Cecily Wilson as paraprofessional Pre-K at LDE

• Alana Mrugala as mental health therapist.