Hope School Board

By Staff, 09/21/20 6:30 PM

The Hope School Board met Monday in a meeting that mixed a virtual meeting with several board members in-person at the school administration building.  Following the approval of minutes and expenditures Dr. Bobby Hart gave his report.  He noted district enrollment was at 2.280 as of that morning.  He noted they were about to open bids on the Garland roofing project.  He also noted the Hope Water & Light Commission is to meet Wednesday and the district should get an answer on their solar project.

The meeting moved on to reports from the campus principals.  Ashlea Stewart noted there were over 600 students taking in-person classes at Clinton Primary with approximately 300 taking virtual classes.  Dr. Roy Turner updated the board on his virtual/in-person breakdown at Beryl Henry.  He also gave an update on a visit from District 3 State Representative Danny Watson.  Dr. Carol Ann Duke of HAPS gave a virtual/in-person breakdown and discussed STAR testing.  Mike Radebaugh gave the update for Yerger and Dr. Hart complimented him on the schools student council videos.  Cledus Coulter gave an update on the CATS school and noted they had 22 students and gave the virtual/in-person breakdown.  Hope High Principal Bill Hoglund was out for a doctor’s appointment and Mr.Donald Patton gave the HHS update.  He noted There were 206 virtual students and 357 onsite students plus 59 in the collegiate academy.  The board also got a Federal Programs update and a special education update.  School Improvement Specialist Carla Narlesky gave a curriculum update.  Gretchen Carlton gave a COVID update.   Facilities Manager Maurice Henry had technical troubles and will send his update via email.  Dr. Hart noted how Henry’s staff has been diligent on disinfecting buses after each use.  Dr. Hart had complimentary remarks for the staff on dealing with COVID.  Board member Bubba Powers asked what has been the biggest challenges in dealing with COVID.  Dr. Hart said his biggest challenge is making sure virtual students are getting what they need.  He said the staff is doing their part but they have no way to make sure students are being made to actually do their lessons online.  Mr. Patton from HHS explained how they are dealing with keeping up with the virtual students.  Mr. Patton noted they have stayed up with social distancing and also noted the biggest problem was with students who are slipping out of their masks.  Ashlea Stewart of Clinton Primary gave an update on how they are keeping their students to be diligent about masks.  She said it has gone better than she expected.  Also it was noted the Clinton teachers are enjoying eating with their students and have expressed interest in continuing to do that after the pandemic is over.  Mr. Patton asked about COVID protocols.  Dr. Hart noted anything under 5 positive cases are not publicized.  He also noted Mrs. Carlton’s efforts at contract tracing.  Dr. Hart said every case they’ve had has been isolated and contact traced.  Bubba Powers asked about obligations by parents of virtual students to contact the district.  She said she’s learned of some via the health department.  She said if the parents notify her that helps make sure “all the bases are covered”.  Powers asked about complaints on the district’s COVID protocol.  Carlton noted she’d had four and the parents were understanding after learning the situations.

Under new business, the board looked at COVID leave policy updates.  Dr. Hart noted the federal COVID leave is unfunded but the state has a funded COVID leave policy for up to 20 days.  These policies were approved for both classified and certified staff.

The board looked at a request for Hammons Stadium for Wildcat Football.  The board voted to allow the program to use Hammons Stadium for home games.

The board considered hiring a Virtual School Call Center Attendant since the district has over 800 virtual students.  Dr. Hart said they are trying to figure out how many different people will be needed.  He noted this will be funded by CARES Act money.  Discussion ensued.  The board approved creating the position.

The board approved the “Act 1120 Resolution”.  This has to do with variations of salaries due to a variety of issues.  Dr. Hart explained some scenarios to the board.  The board then approved the resolution.

The board looked a proposed minority recruitment plan.  Dr. Hart noted this was prepared by Mrs. Jones, the Federal Programs Coordinator along with her committee.  The board voted to approve the plan.

Three quotes were presented to the board for band instrument purchases.  Dr. Hart noted the district has over 300 musicians counting those who are virtual students.  The board approved a bid from Amro Music for $22,300.  Board member Margaret Moss asked about previous purchases.  Dr. Hart noted they had previous bought instruments via a three year lease and those instruments now belong to the district.  These new instruments are due to growth in the music program.  Dr. Hart noted they may look at a modest rental fee in coming years from students such as $10 per semester.

The board looked at Community Service Learning Partnerships.  This will allow students to volunteer and receive credit for this service.  The board voted to approve the proposed CSL partnerships.

Board president Linda Haynes lauded the football team for their recent volunteer work at the Klipsch facility located at Pine and Division (i.e., the Feild house).  The board then went into executive session for personnel matters which closed out the meeting.