Allen Franks

The Parent, Family, and Community Engagement Plan for Cotter Jr. Sr. High School emphasizes a shared responsibility among the school, families, and the community for student education. The plan outlines nine key approaches to foster active engagement, including involving parents in various roles, ensuring comprehensive and coordinated efforts, promoting regular and meaningful two-way communication, supporting responsible parenting, recognizing parents' role in assisting student learning, welcoming parents, acknowledging parents as full partners in decision-making, utilizing community resources, and regularly evaluating the engagement program. The plan details specific programs and practices such as annual open houses, various engagement meetings, information packs, a parent center, school communications via website and social media, and a welcoming environment for volunteers, all designed to enhance student achievement.

The Board discussed and approved the financial reports and the renewal of Workers' Compensation Insurance with the ASBA Workers' Compensation Trust. An executive session was conducted by the Board. Contract renewals were authorized for the Elementary Principal, Federal Programs Coordinator, and the High School Principal. Additionally, the Board approved personnel recommendations and processed several petitions for student transfers both into and out of the district. The meeting concluded with a report on current student enrollment figures.

The meeting included the recognition of Board members for their service and completion of continuing education requirements. Key discussions involved the review and approval of the Financial Reports for December. The Board also reviewed the Monthly Academic Report, during which the High School Principal presented on the Arkansas School Recognition Program, noting Cotter High School's achievement in the top 6-10% of public high schools. A motion was approved to grant a one-time bonus to Cotter High School staff using the awarded funds. Discussions during executive session led to the unanimous approval of a one-year extension to Superintendent Jones' contract and a 5% increase to the Superintendent's salary. Finally, the Board unanimously approved recommendations on the Personnel Report and two Petitions for Student Transfer In from the Mountain Home School District. Enrollment figures were reported at 365 for Elementary and 298 for High School.

The meeting included a review and subsequent unanimous approval of the November 2025 meeting minutes. The Board unanimously approved the November Financial Reports as recommended by the Superintendent. Discussions were held regarding the Third Grade Promotion, which was subsequently approved to be added to the elementary parent handbook. An updated December academic report was presented by the Curriculum Director. Following an executive session, the Board unanimously approved the staff recommendations contained within the Personnel Report. Enrollment figures were reported, showing a total of 677 students across Elementary and High School levels.

The Board of Education meeting included discussions and actions on several key items. The Financial Reports for September were reviewed and approved. The Annual Report to the Public and the Arkansas Department of Education Annual Equity Compliance Report were presented and approved. The board also considered and accepted a bid for the sale of a school work truck. Additionally, the board approved petitions for student transfers from the Mountain Home School District into the Cotter School District. Enrollment numbers were reported for both the Elementary and High Schools.