Hope School Board Meets

By Eric Mclaurin, 05/17/23 10:19 AM

On Monday at the Hope High School auditorium the Hope School Board met. The meeting was the last one before summer vacation and sped through the approval of the minutes from the two previous meetings and expenditures to the student, staff, parent and community recognitions. One of the teachers Kristi Robbins had been recognized by the state for her high impact teaching.
After the recognitions the topics on the agenda were unfinished business, two student wanting to transfer into the district, volunteer coaching, Special education budget, employee hearing, facilities rental request and personnel packet.
Suprintendent Dr. Jonathan Crossley brought to the Board’s attention a stipend for aspiring leaders that has already been approved. It is a two year process with $1000 per year with a completed year.
One student wants to transfer into the collegiate academy and has met all of the testing requirements. This was approved.
With the issue of volunteer coaching, at this time of year certain teams are lacking coaches. This would enable other options regarding coaching. The district has in the past worked with volunteer coaches. The concern was raised about making sure that position wasn’t abused so Dr. Crossley said safeguards would be put in place when a proposal was brought forward.
The subject of SPED involved new requirements that have to be approved before June 1. Dr. Crossley spoke about addressing equity to students and educators with an item in the packet specifically geared towards this issue.  Dr. Crossley mentioned the disproportionality of African American males being placed in SPED and making sure that practices were more inclusive. He said while there is a place for pull-out services there is a risk of academic quality suffering so the district is focusing on whole classroom experience with more services in the classroom. This will allow teachers to be trained in giving students options instead of skipping the process.  There is a change in practice. The district is no longer on the disproportionality list but Dr. Crossley stated there was a self-recognition that the district is not where they want it to be. Ms. Johnson made a motion to approve, which was seconded and carried.
The personnel packet was an FYI for the Board to have access to the information and next month either the Personnel Committee or Dr. Crossley would come before the Board with a proposal.
The rental request was for AAUU rental which benefits the district’s students. Sponsors include the basketball coaches.
There were many recognized by Dr. Crossley. Javier Ladesma had amazing academic gains and begins with a smile to anyone he meets.  Rhonda Rankins, helps her child continue to learn at home. Jonathan Bradford promotes a love of music with hands-on instruments. Marcy Gulley engages students in first hand learning experiences. Ladera Hill instills a love of math in her students. Main St. Cleaners gave donations to the school district. Nancy Tolgano is always ready to assist everyone around and has a smile on her face
The First National Bank of Tom Bean and Cadence Bank both supported the district during Teacher Appreciation Week. Bank OZK supports Beryl Henry Elementary and district teachers. Experience Counseling has volunteered many hours toward the student learning clinic and provided essential social, emotional learning experiences for students and teachers.
Andrew Williams, Jr. is a model student working tirelessly to keep his grades up. Andrew Williams, Sr. is a very involved parent. Sandra Roan assists and supports all data decisions at Yerger Middle School. Linda Clark is proactive in supporting all students and campuses in emotional health and attendance.
Representative Danny Watson has been very supportive,  supporting Yerger in many events. Avery Singleton has worked very hard and will be graduating a year early. Kendra Coleman has been very supportive of the Hub program. Nurse Beaver makes sure all students are taken care of.
Coach Kelly Muldrew pushes all students to be their very best. Delma Stewart has been making sure all students complete the final requirements in order to graduate. Mr. Tim Board can fix anything which is broken. Daniel Bazabal hops out of the car without crying. Jessica Bernson is always willing to help out with students and brought a rabbit and puppies to share with students.
Ashley Rodden supplies free FFA tickets for the rodeo and helped out with the petting zoo. Mr. Craven has never complained about working. . Riley Bramlett represented HAP at the Magnet Fair and also at the East Program. Chastity Glenn has supported teachers and with all of the staff members.
Ariana Flowers is a polite student, very hard worker and helps students and teachers alike. Ashley Smith is very supportive not only of her child but the whole of BHE as well  Christy Robbins, who was recognized by the state as a high impact teacher assists students to achieve high levels of ELAs. Hempstead County Farm Bureau Women’s committee helped all 120 students plant sunflowers and also brought in farm animals.