Mark Bivens

The Board conducted a closed expulsion hearing for a student, established conditions for the student's return, and received a high school report. Financial approvals included the approval of three purchases exceeding $26,500, workers' compensation coverage, a contract with the Sunshine School, and a renewal of a contract with Arkansas Children's Hospital for EARS services. The Board also approved an SSC contract amendment extending the agreement through 2031, finalized the 2026-2027 school calendar and a modified 2025-2026 calendar, authorized community service vendors to meet graduation requirements, and approved an out-of-state choir trip. Additionally, the Board reviewed various policy updates and finalized significant personnel changes, including new contracts, transfers, resignations, retirements, and contract renewals for district administration and staff.

The Board convened to address the meeting agenda and hold a termination hearing. Following an executive session, the Board voted unanimously to uphold the superintendent's recommendation to terminate the employment of Melissa Looney effective immediately.

The agenda included an Expulsion Hearing, a Special Recognition segment featuring a Junior High Report and video, and review of the February Financial Report. Informational items covered the Superintendent Report, Student Achievement Report, an overview of Section 5 Policy, Strategic Planning regarding Facilities, and the Legal Transfers Report. Action items involved discussions and potential approvals for Summer Feeding Programs, the CSSO Program, an Out-of-State Trip Request, setting Board Meeting Dates for 2026-2027, Purchases over $26,500, the Audit Report, Daycare Prices, Community Service Providers, and the WDMESC Psychological Examiners MOU, along with Policy Updates. The final section addressed Personnel matters.

Key discussions during the meeting included special recognition for high-achieving students in Kindergarten and 1st Grade for literacy and math, as well as recognition for HOSA students who volunteered to fight hunger. Board members were also recognized for their service, and one member received the ASBA Master Award. Informational items covered the Superintendent's Report, student achievement reports, review of policies section 3.43-3.59, the Human Resources Historical Analysis of the Strategic Plan, and a legal transfer update showing one student transfer in and four out. Action items involved the approval of the e2e FCC Grant to fund bus Wi-Fi and technology upgrades, approval of the annual board member training hours report confirming all requirements were met, approval of a contract with Frontline Education for HR functions through June 30, 2027, and approval to renew the Cadence Insurance agreement through February 2027. During the Superintendent Contract review, one year was added to Mr. Prothro's contract. Personnel changes, including new contracts, resignations, and retirements, were approved.

The meeting included a closed expulsion hearing for Student A.L., where the recommendation to expel the student for the remainder of the 2025-2026 school year and the first semester of the 2026-2027 school year, contingent upon drug screening and mental health assessment, was upheld by the Board. The Board recognized several middle school students for high achievement and one student for December graduation. Action items involved approving the rescheduling of the January and May board meetings. Approval was also granted for a High School Track out-of-state trip to Pittsburg, Kansas, a proposed percentage-based School Readiness Assistance co-pay structure effective January 5, 2025, and stipends to support the retention and recruitment of Related Service Providers. A school choice resolution was also approved to align policies with DESE Rules. Personnel changes, including new contracts, a contract addendum, and resignations, were approved.