Bryce Bennett

The meeting agenda included the approval of the Consent Agenda, which covered several items such as the approval of bills paid in July 2021, purchase orders, a Statement of Assurances for ESEA/ESSA programs, and twenty-four Petitions for Transfer of Students between various school districts. Key discussion topics in the Superintendent's Report included proposed policy revisions (specifically regarding the Meeting Agenda), a Back to School Report, and an update on COVID-19 protocols, leave for staff, and quarantine status. The report also contained an overview of ESSER 3 (ARP) Funds and the Board Financial Report. Directors' Reports addressed updates on Sallie Cone, ESSER Funds, and employee hiring. The meeting concluded with Personnel Approvals, listing numerous resignations and thirty-nine new staff elections across various roles including teaching, administration, food service, and transportation.

Key discussion items included the recognition of the IMPACT Student and the Teachers of the Year, the Superintendent's Financial Report, and patron comments regarding Policy 1.14. Information items covered the Board Rezoning Process, an update on COVID-19, and the status of ESSER 3 Funds and the Acceleration Academy. Action items comprised the approval of the 2021-2022 Operating Budget. The meeting also included personnel actions such as accepting resignations and making new employment elections for various professional and support roles.

The meeting commenced with the introduction of the IMPACT Student of the Month, who led the Pledge of Allegiance. Key agenda items included Patron Comments concerning the district's mask mandate and requests for exemptions. The Superintendent recognized the 2021-2022 Teachers Of The Year. Information items covered a presentation on the rezoning process based on 2020 Census data, a COVID-19 update, an update on ESSER 3 Funds, and an update on the Acceleration Academy tutoring program. The Board took action to approve the 2021-2022 Operating Budget. Personnel actions included the approval of several resignations and numerous elections for new staff positions across various roles and schools.

Key discussions included recognition of the IMPACT Student of the Month and the Board Member receiving the ASBA President's Award during School Board Appreciation Month. The Superintendent introduced two new administrators. An update on the 2020-2021 audit report and the December financial report was presented. An information item reviewed proposed revisions to several policies concerning attendance, discipline, and graduation requirements, scheduled for a vote in February 2022. Action items included the presentation and subsequent unanimous approval of the District's Facilities Master Plan, contingent on a resolution dated February 1, 2022. Additionally, COVID-19 protocols, including mask mandates, were discussed, resulting in approval by a 6-1 vote. The Board also unanimously approved personnel recommendations covering resignations and elections for various positions before entering and concluding an Executive Session related to a personnel matter.

The primary discussion centered on the School Board Rezoning and Election Process. The Board addressed clarifying language needed for the Rezoning Resolution adopted in October 2021, specifically ensuring Conway School District would be exempt from Arkansas Code Annotated § 6-13-631 under (g)(1)(C). Legal counsel presented an Amended Resolution regarding zones following the 2020 Census, which the Board subsequently approved via a 6-1 vote.