Mount Ida School District

The meeting included a presentation from the Lions Spotlight group, "Girl Power-Girls in Ag," detailing their laser cutter projects and recent capitol competition. Enrollment figures were reported: 198 for K-6 and 184 for 7-12. The Superintendent noted gains shown in interim ATLAS data, reflecting positive student and staff performance. The Board approved a wire transfer of $10,368.00 to Laws by Murphy. During executive session, the Board approved the contract extensions for the Elementary Principal (Debbie Stephens) and High School Principal (Randi Hickman) for the 2026/2027 school year. The Board also accepted the resignation of High School History teacher Matthew Severs effective March 18, 2026, and the retirement of Technology Coordinator Sherri May effective June 30, 2026.

Key discussions included recognition of student leadership associations for providing appreciation gifts and supper to the board. Enrollment figures were reported: 199 for K-6 and 185 for 7-12. The Superintendent reported on support offered by the DeQueen Mena Co-Op, which will provide professional development for teachers and staff following low letter grades received by BBE and High School. The board approved the 2026/2027 4-day Calendar. During executive session, the board extended the contract of the Superintendent, Ann Gardner, for one additional year.

The Campus Improvement Plan for Bobby Barrett Elementary School aims to empower all students through a safe, supportive, and engaging learning environment, ensuring academic and personal success. Its main strategic pillars include enhancing instructional practices, implementing multi-tiered support systems, providing professional development, promoting positive school culture, and ensuring effective staff recruitment and retention. The plan seeks to improve reading and math proficiency, increase student intervention success, enhance teacher effectiveness, and reduce discipline incidents by May 2026.

The meeting included recognition of Sophiana Morales for her Christmas ornament selected to represent the Mount Ida School District at the State Capitol. The board discussed Mount Ida School's Safety and Security Plan, including the mandated Safety and Security Assessment and the district's Emergency Operations Plan. The plan also included a Memorandum of Understanding from Montgomery County Department of Emergency Management. Emergency drills have taken place at both campuses. The board also approved a resolution for the Facility Master Plan and the Montgomery County Emergency Operation Plan. Additionally, the board accepted the resignation of Cassidy Abernathy and approved the hiring of Donna Dutherage as an Elementary Paraprofessional for the 2025/2026 school year.

The meeting included reports from the Elementary and High School Principals regarding enrollment numbers. There was a discussion about professional development provided to teachers, focusing on collaborative work and student assessment data analysis. An update on facilities covered the completion of construction at the high school sidewalk and near completion of construction at the elementary school. The board also discussed and approved the Proposed Budget of Expenditures with Tax Levy for Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2027, and a revision to Act 122 Bell to Bell, No Cell Act. Additionally, the board went into an executive session, after which they approved the hiring of Teresa Mabry for the elementary cafeteria, accepted the resignation of Teresa Starr and Gabrielle Millwood, hired Nacole Kuykendall as an Elementary teacher, and approved a stipend for Taylor Chamberlain for the Science Lab.