001Go ahead and call this meeting to order. The meeting has been duly called. Appropriate notice has been given. Like to welcome everybody here tonight. We'll go ahead and stand for the pledge. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Okay, at this time we have our public comment opportunity, but we have nobody signed up for that. So, we can move on to the approval of the agenda and the minutes. A motion. >> I'll make a motion we >> approve the agenda as a >> second. >> Motion second. Any discussion? All those in favor? It's unanimous. Okay, moving on to presentations. Miss Dwey. >> Congratulations. It is board member school board member
002appreciation month. So you will see on your tables on your places quite a few little special treats from our buildings and I'd love to share which where each one is from. So the bag with the blue and gold um the white bag that is I believe that is your does it say rock? >> Okay so kindergarten has painted some rocks for your garden or for wherever you would like to put those. And they also made the banner. They are sharing the banner. So Nelson Wils Karen, I believe that's the little blue bag and there's a handmade card. And then inside is a succulent which you can enjoy and think about >> think about Nelson Wils from Hackler. Um, Miss Goodwin had some donations of the vases to say [clears throat] I love you, which I
003think is really fun. So she found a creative way with her art department to invite you to the fine arts night on March the 3. And so that's in front of you as well. So of course students made the flowers for you and um >> coffee filter flowers. >> Coffee filter watercolor. Yeah. Isn't that fun? I think it's such a creative use of something she had at the building. >> So Kingston, you've got several things. You have a dog toy. That's the long braided Um, those are made out of t-shirts, [clears throat] old t-shirts from the fax classes, family consumer science classes. Then you'll see also a keychain um that those classes made as well. And then you'll see a pillow from that f those some of you got a pillow from the fax class.
004Um, and then there's also East made some things with their 3D printer. Uh, Christmas ornaments that they had or winter ornaments. So, little little things from them. Everybody's got something different. I believe snowflakes. I have a Christmas. I know there's a [clears throat] snowman. So, lots of things there. So, from the junior high, you have a framed print that was made specifically for you and also a notepad [clears throat] from their office staff. From the high school, you have a coaster with your name on it. [clears throat] >> So, the high school made the coasters with their um engraving machine with your name and then the plant that's in front of you. We were just talking, Mr. Knight, about the greenhouse yesterday. >> Yes, we were. So, those plants are actually from the plant science
005classes in our own greenhouse and they'll have a sale in the spring. Um, you can go and get your vegetables and plants in the spring. Gyberry has a coaster set for you as well, but what's really different and unique about this is the coaster holder was made with their 3D printer. So, not only did they do the engraving, but they also did the poster holders. I thought that was really cool. And then your central office, Miss Carter, gave each of you a hundred grand. >> Thank you, Miss the lady from the bank. >> Was that a budgeted item? [laughter] >> Miss Cotter's flush. So, >> apparently [clears throat] >> 700 grand. So, thank you guys for the work that you do and I hope this is just a little bit of appreciation. You're also be
006enjoying your dinner tonight from First Community Bank. They sponsored a delicious meal tonight for you in honor of schoolboard appreciation month and they called us. They wanted to honor you. So, thank you all for the work that you do. And then the governor has a proclamation and that is I believe also on your agenda. Um to all those it's a proclamation to all to whom these presents come greetings. Whereas schoolboard members play a pivotal role in ensuring general suitable and efficient public schools. Whereas members work with educators, administrators, and community stakeholders to determine the mission and direction of their local school districts for the students formation and safety. And whereas the leadership and vision of the schoolboard members are essential to enact policy, adhere to the law, oversee curriculum, maintain facilities, and employee staff. Now,
007therefore, I Sarah Huckabe Sanders, Governor of the State of Arkansas, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the law of the state of Arkansas, do hereby complain, not complain, [laughter] claim January 26 as school board recogn recognition month in Arkansas. And then she has signed that. And then you see that Jacob Aliva and the Arkansas State Board of Education also have a resolution that you can read and it's it's very similar. One of if you go down to the um I'm going to read parts of this. The first statement says, "Whereas the quality of education continues to be the cornerstone of our state's prosperity and a key driver of Arkansas future success. And whereas education forms the foundation for the future of our children and the growth and advancement of our society as
008a whole, and whereas Arkansas remains steadfast in its commitment to providing its more than 475,000 public school students with the highest quality education available. And whereas the dedicated members of Arkansas school boards serve as a vital connection between the community and the classroom, ensuring that the needs of students are met and the interest of families are represented. And whereas these public servants servants elected by their local communities tirelessly tirelessly advocate for policies and practices that prioritize student success, offering their time, expertise, and judgment without compensation. and this is the only elected office in Arkansas that is like that. So that's once again, thank you. And then it goes through there's 15 1500 locally elected schoolboard members who make a critical contribution to public education in Janu whereas January the month whereas the month of January
009provides an opportunity to honor and express appreciation for Arkansas schoolboard members recognizing the significant time, energy, and talent that they invest to our schools and community. And that is signed by the chair of the Arkansas State Board of Education and Jacob Oliva who is the ex offici secretary of that board but he is also the commissioner of the department. >> So thank you. >> Thank you all. Um moving on to our reports. Do you have our academic report? >> I do and I have a guest Sarah Trivet. Uh, Miss Lawrence is participating in the leaders of literacy training and so she actually is on a school visit today and we felt like that was important and that Miss Trivet could present the information that uh we wanted to share with you tonight on the characteristics
010of dyslexia and the work that's being done in our district. >> Hello. Thank you for having me today. Um, I just have a a short report. I I had to kind of decide which which points to bring up because there have been so many changes in the law as far as what the state guidelines are with our atlas testing. That's given us some more um ways to look at our students. Um so I just I tried to summarize as much as I can. If you have questions when I'm done, I'll answer what I can. Um, we currently have 455 students in the Mountain Home Public School District identified with characteristics of dyslexia. Of those, uh, 368 are actually receiving intervention with the state approved COD program. Um, the remainder of those students have either declined
011interventions or they have completed an intervention program. So, at Nelson Wilson Hackler both, we've made a lot of changes to our intervention this year. At Nelson Wilks, we implemented a grade level intervention time in which teachers are providing the intervention. So it'll it'll be certified teachers providing all the u interventions for COD students, but that also covers other students that need intervention based on academic data. Dibbles, Atlas data, those types of things that we're looking at at Hackler. We have a common intervention block um for all three grades and all most of our COD students are provided interventions by a certified teacher during that time. Now we do have a few that are getting interventions um at alternate times just because of space um and those are those are by trained intervention trained pair of
012professionals or interventionists that we have there. So, um, we were also able to add some intervention programs this year to help struggling readers as well as those already identified with characteristics of dyslexia. Um, we use the Barton reading and spelling system 3 through 12, Apple Connections OG and 3D K through 8, build K through two, McLass interventions K through two. Um, that's through our Dibbles purchase. We can access those interventions. And the 95% group tier 2 intervention programs which we asked for at the end of last year and purchased for to start this year and those are for three through five third through fifth grade and we want to thank you guys for providing us with those resources because it is actually helping. I did some progress monitoring on our 95% group students and saw
013a lot of growth. I was really excited. I shared it with Kristen. Kristen shared it with Judy. We we were all pretty excited about the growth that we've seen in those in that data. So, um, we're proud of our administrators, our teachers, our interventionists for their hard work and flexibility. Um, it has been it's been interesting because I mean when you change everything buildingwide, it's it's a struggle to figure it out and for everybody to get on board with you, but everybody has done a fabulous job. And I want to thank you guys and I want to thank all of our staff and our administrators for that support and success. I feel like it's been pretty successful so far. >> Any questions? >> When a child's identified, and I know every child is different, but
014what is like a I'm going to say average time that that child receives services. Is it one year, two year, three year, or is it I mean it >> if they're actually identified with dyslexia characteristics? >> It depends the on which program they're put into and their age. So Barton takes a long a lot longer as a general rule. Um we use Barton mainly for our older students. We don't have anybody that provides um Apple connections at higher grade levels. So if they're usually if they're identified like seventh, eighth grade and up, we put them in Barton to start with. Um Barton I would say takes I would say an average of five years. It's a it's it takes a long time to finish. Um, a lot of our students choose to to stop Barton
015interventions later in high school simply because once you get if you if you look at Barton information, it will tell you that by the time you reach about book eight and there are 10 books, you've really you've really mastered everything you absolutely need by that point. So, some of them choose not to finish the eight, nine, 10, those those books. Um, but again, it takes about five years and it's it's a two two hour commitment per week to get that done. So, connections connections unfortunately is taking longer than I would like for it to and that's one of our one of our areas that we're looking at right now. It's been taking our students about four years. It really should take three. Um, I'm hoping that having our certified teachers doing it is going to
016make some difference. We're kind I was kind of tracking that and looking at to see what kind of progress they're making this year with that. So, that remains to be seen, but about four years for that program. Also, >> you'd mentioned that there might be a child identified but then I say refuse but choose not to participate in the in the help. >> Yes. >> Um, what are those barriers? what what what stops that child from not doing that? >> Um well, it's the parents who decline the service. I think it's a variety of things. I think from from a teacher's perspective, I had a student that I referred for testing and he qualified. The parents allowed him to be tested. I mean, they have to agree to testing, but when the results came back
017that he was identified, they refused to put him in intervention. So, I think it's maybe not wanting to label their child or maybe I I'm not really sure. They don't really have to give us a reason, but it's usually the the parent that says, "I'm not going to have them do that." Miss Trivet, those numbers though, a lot of those are older kids as well that are not receiving the services. >> Some of them are are students that have Yes, I think he was specifically referring to where it said some have declined intervention. Sometimes it's because Yeah, they got to book seven or eight and they're just done, not going to finish. So yeah, that number does include some of those, but we do have some that are newly identified that don't participate >> and
018some do things after school. >> Some Yeah, some decline because they're getting services outside of school. They hired a private tutor because they don't want to take away from their school day. I mean, there there are various reasons. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Anything else? >> Any other questions? Thanks for sharing. >> All right. Well, thank you for the work you do here, too. >> Thank you. Thank you. financial reports. >> Find out where that 700 grand went. [laughter] >> Thank you, Leah. >> You're very welcome. >> We'll start with a statement and changes of statement of changes in fund balance for the month ending December 31st of 2025. And we ended the month of December with $18,274,75046. I wanted to point out for you funds 3404. We received $384,1761 and that was for
019that academic facilities partnership uh regarding the guy roof. So, we paid those expenses out of operating and now that we've received this money, we will journal or move those expenses to this fund and zero this out. So, you'll see that going away soon. Any questions? Moving on to the statement of revenue expenditures and changes in fund balance for the month of December. We had total revenues of 3,423,597.76 with total expenditures of 3,425,94583. >> Any questions? Moving on. Next, we have our monthly operating fund balance tracking. And we ended the month of December with 11 million243,88356. >> That's up. >> It It is up. Um we were talking about this in finance committee yesterday. Um, we're still early in the year, so we're don't want to get too excited. Sometimes the revenue coming in is about
020timing and so we are still cautious. >> Any other questions? And next we have the statement of changes in activity funds. And we ended the month of December with $696,943. Any questions on that? Okay. The following pie charts are one. The first one represents the budget and then the second one is for the month of December. And following that you have the system reports that support this information. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. Thank you. >> Enrollment report is printed. >> So that is uh we are at 3,664 students. So, we are up nine from this time last month. So, that is a positive. Um, I do want to let you know, you'll notice the guy number is down and we can actually celebrate that being down because Mr. Rose and his crew have seven
021early grads. Well, seven graduates. So, that is fantastic. >> That's really good. >> Seven December graduates. And I can tell you that so proud of that group. And and I went and saw them right when school started back after January. and that was cause for celebration for that whole team. So, Mr. Rose, good work. Um, and we had 12 early grads right now officially from the high school. So, you will see these numbers fluctuating a little from that. And I think you had Miss Russell said there were a few more that were still trying to pull across the finish line for December, but officially we have 12. So, that's 19. So number may go down but um some of it's celebration and good things. >> Do these students come back in the spring and walk
022>> some? They will have an opportunity too. Yes sir. >> Um Gabberry we do a night well that's a different night flight. We do a summer graduation but um they do have the option of walking in the spring. Is that correct Miss Russell? Thank you. Any questions on enrollment? Moving on to student transfers. >> Yes, sir. We have four in and zero out. So, we pretty excited about that. And then we had one more that we thought was going to be a transfer, but actually because they had been here already, we didn't have to do the transfer paperwork. So, 4 in, zero out. So, we're very pleased with that number as well. Next item is board training hours. >> Board training hours. So each year it is required that we report on board training hours.
023I believe that Miss Kelly has provided she will be providing each of you a print out of your specific hours. Um right now we are standing I wanted to point out that we have three new board members. Well, a little bit new, right? You have one year. So actually you'll have until next December to complete your required initial nine hours. So as I report those that is something to think about Mr. Knight, Miss Partney, and Mr. Butler. Um also I can I'm going to be a I'm going to report on not only the ASBA numbers but anything that AD approves for training. So APSRC has started providing board training that is AD approved. So, we will be if you would if you attend those because you do get the emails. Most of them are Zoom
024from home and we may have an opportunity to to do some of those together as well. Of course, that would be a meeting and we would let the public know, but um if you would print those certificates, not even print, email those certificates to Miss Kelly as you get them if you attend some of those things and we'll make folders and be able to report out on those hours as well. But if you do them and we don't know, can't report can't report the hours. Um I believe Miss Partney attended one of those zooms in the evening and said it was fantastic. >> So APRRC is providing some really good training >> as well. So as those come out, we can look and see what they're offering and if it's something you all want to
025meet up as a group, we'll send out notice to public and y'all can come up here and watch the Zoom. But currently, Miss Partney has 29 hours counting our APSRC. Mr. Knight, you're at 19. Uh, Mr. Butler at six, but still have a full year to get three more. Uh, Miss Horton, you have 30. 38. Couldn't tell if it was five or eight. 38. Um, Miss Morgan, 68. Mr. Booth, 49, and Mr. Smezky 53. you remember some of those will also carry over. So that's why the larger numbers. >> Okay. >> Next item is facilities project update. Mr. Knight, welcome. >> Well, [clears throat] as you all know, um, as we've been working on the high school project, we applied for early review. [snorts] I think the last meeting that I attended, we talked about
026um that we thought that was coming up pretty soon. Mrs. Dwey and I attended um Zoom on that January 6th. So um nothing but good news. Um you all have early approval. That project is approved the way we submitted it. Um the uh cost per square foot based on the last project to now has gone up $100. um in between that your wealth index and [clears throat] um you know a big one that I think the voters didn't like was that we had we were going to tear down the fine arts building and at that time it was not considered or it was still considered I know too good. Imagine two years later is now a piece of junk tear it down they're approving that square footage so it's not but you know what I
027mean just a couple years changed that. So all in all, when you add all those things up, you know, the last project was $972,000 uh dollars and this one is just shy of um 7 million. >> So it's great news. >> I think between the library staying, the fine arts building, all of this, that's everything I can kind of think that people did not too much. I don't know how it gets any better than that. >> No, that's what that's kind of the number we were hoping for that many years ago. >> So, do you have any questions about >> And that's to clarify that's the state partnership funding. That's not the project total. Yes, sir. >> That is >> that's what the state's willing to partner with us for. >> Yes. >> Yeah. There'll
028be a lot more to correct all that. And also, while we're clarifying stuff, that is the approval. that is not saying that it is funded. Um they wrote in there funding is May of >> 27. I just want to make sure I know that there is a law that says that they have to do that in May of 2027. They did not honor that law this last time they were supposed to fund. I think one of the reasons Farmington's Village did not pass by those few votes is because people were waiting on that. So they were late. So we'll make sure if you guys start making decisions, >> you know, >> so even So this is still not guaranteed. >> Not guaranteed. >> No. >> And [clears throat] I wouldn't make decisions that that and
029I wouldn't make any decisions >> until >> that involve you knowing in May. I would make that G at least because they were very late this time was the last time that is there a timeline from when you get notice that it's funded until we have to approve I.e. If we've been talking about a November of 27 ask, if for whatever reason that gets delayed to a March or May or next spring of 27, does this number expire? Is there a expiration date? >> I don't believe it will. And there I mean there is a number but even most places you know last time we drew and designed all of it so we could start. You know most most of the time they know that when you accept you're probably going to have to go
030to then you're going to have to get an architect and engineers and you're spending at least a year. So there while there's a window once you say we plan on doing this pending these things it's it's pretty long. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Some some folks that ask for the millillage before they have the funding secured or their millillage doesn't pass they then turn it back. >> Yeah. And then that would be like why when we it's not uncommon to not be funded for say a roof project or something small because other people were funded and then their millage fails and then they resend it and it goes back in the pot and they'll come back and do the order >> which is what happened for us on the roof this time. >> Several
031districts had to turn back including Farmington. Um only other thing is um we often pretty much regularly get FOI requests for um all of our fire stuff and I'm trying to save myself a little time there and be transparent. So all of the fire sprinkler and extinguishers in inspections for the year or attached for the public to review. Um that was probably our best inspection we ever had. Um it was pretty much perfect except for Mr. Smith's Christmas tree, >> which was immediately moved. >> Immediately, >> that's what he said. >> Thanks for not messing up my birthday. >> The Christmas tree was pretty. It just wasn't in a real good place. >> You moved it. That's fine. >> Hours. Minutes. >> I can understand why you put it there. It made a statement, but
032>> it was the wrong statement. [laughter] >> It was pretty Any other questions? >> Oh, I will also say um the the new wealth indexes should be coming out pretty soon. So, I might have that for you. I don't know if it'll drastically change anything, but even that number is going to be based on the new indexes that come out. >> And she said within about it by tonight. >> We got our um >> a new number >> our our projections for enrollment today. So, there should be coming up soon. Cool. Any other questions for Chris? Thanks for sharing. Thanks. >> Okay. Next item on the agenda is our applicant hearing. Tonight we will have an applicant hearing pursuant to Arkansas Code 617414 and Arkansas Department of Education rules. If you'd like to go ahead
033and present >> Thanks for having me. >> Would you state your name for me? >> Yep. It's Marcela Bolan. >> Marcela Bolan. >> Yeah. >> Pleased to meet you. So, I was working at the high school. I was custodian. And then when they did my background check, it turns out my sister used my name in 99 for a charge. It wasn't my charge. I have a statement from her here saying that she did it that she used my name. I didn't even know till like four years after the fact that she had used my name on this charge that she had. It's not and I didn't ever thought about it because it's not a felony. It was a prostitution charge is what it is. And then I have a bunch of statements from my friends.
034But when I went to print out the the waiver sheet, it kept coming out with the sample thing across it like the link. I got >> the the waiver if the board >> Yeah, the waiver. Did you will you guys print one out because I thought I had to. >> If if the board approves tonight. >> Okay. I thought I had to, but it kept saying sample across in front of me. >> We'll we'll take care of all of that. >> And so I have my statements and I have two of my two people that I worked for. I have statements about what a good worker I am. I liked working at the high school. The teachers were telling me how good my rooms looked and I just it seems my husband died almost three
035years ago and it seems like every time I start to pick myself up I get dropped on my face again and I turn to get all emotional but that's pretty much my [clears throat] case. Okay, heard the presentation. So now we need to make a motion to approve or deny that request or to grant the waiver. So this is just a waiver for her to apply for a position. This is not an application for a job. This is not the hiring side of it. This is just to grant the waiver for her to apply. She's not she would not be hired at this moment in time. >> No, not at this moment. >> Correct. >> So the waiver just gives the ability to >> we would grant the waiver for her to be eligible for
036employment. Okay. >> Then I have to go back through the loops that I went through when I first got the job. And as normal, we have to have a motion before we do a discussion. Correct. >> Correct. >> So, we'd have to approve the waiver before we >> You just have to make a motion. You don't have to approve. You have to make a motion. >> Okay. >> We have to make a motion to approve her request >> or deny >> and then you discuss. >> But we cannot discuss before we make a motion to approve, right? >> I'll make a motion. We approve our recommenation form. >> Okay, I will second that. >> We have a motion and a second. Is there any discussion? >> If that doesn't pass, do we then make a
037motion to deny it or does it just >> by by not? >> Yes, sir. I believe it would just be denied if if the motion to approve. If >> the motion dies dies, >> motion would die. So, um, you were a substitute, right, for >> Yes, I was working as a substitute. >> Substitute custodian. >> Yeah, that's what they call it before they bring your contract in front of you guys >> to get it approved. >> And you're wanting to apply for a full-time custodial position at the high school. Correct. >> Yep. [clears throat] >> So, to be clear, your record, you have a felony on your record. >> No, it's not a felony. It's a gross misdemeanor, but because I guess it's a prostitution charge, it's because the the I guess the FBI flagged
038it. >> Where did this happen at? >> It was in Spokane, Washington. My sister, she's got her she wrote it all down or wrote it, she sent it to me in an email, so it's, you know, text, but and she tells you when she did it. And yeah, cuz she was using, she was on crack for like eight years. And I mean, we kept trying to help her and trying to help her. And she said she used my name because she didn't want to get another prostitution charge, which was stupid. She ended up getting another one right behind it. I mean, it's, you know, she's been cleaning sober for 11 years now, but you know, but she just had a bad bad almost 10 years there. It was eight years. >> So, >> but this
039is on your record. >> It's on my record. So, I checked into it sponged when this first all happened. And so, I'd have to go to Washington to do it. I tried to see if they would would Skype it or, you know, do Zoom with it and they won't do that. I I would have to go all the way down there and I can't afford that to go all the way back to Washington and back up here. >> So, she went through all the trouble. >> She went She went and Yep. She plead guilty to it. She paid the fine. I didn't even know till four till four years after the fact she'd even done it. >> So, did she have your ID? >> No, me and her resembled each other because back in the
040day it wasn't so technology wise, I guess. They didn't have the computers and the cop cars. She just knew my birthday used it. Went in and out of the jail. >> And this happened assemble each other. In 99. >> In 99. >> Yeah. It was a long time ago. >> I hate saying that. Like you guys all know how old I am. >> And she she got she got arrested correct and spoke. >> Yes. And she went to court, plead guilty to it, paid the fine. I had no idea this had even happened in my name >> and throughout the fingerprint process and all that that there was no straightening outidentification. picture that I don't know how she slipped through the fingerprinting, but she did. But yeah, so what it is, it's I guess it's
041a ticket they give you. You don't really go into the jail when you get it unless you let it go to warrant, I think. So she just kept the court date, went to court, got the fine, paid it, whatever. Yeah. So they just handed out like tickets. But yeah, I never thought anything about it because it's not a felony. So, but the FBI flagged it. I guess I could see it though. A prostitution charge around a bunch of kids in a school. I could see it flagging it >> on our background checks. >> Yes, ma'am. >> When that something like that is >> flagged. Yes, ma'am. >> What is >> Do we have a policy? >> Yes, ma'am. [clears throat] There's code. >> It's the state policy. Could you reference that or read it or
042>> um Well, it's I've got se it's pages. [cough] >> It's a lot of pages. >> I can um it's a it's a list. Um of course um so the the thing here is this is an applicant. So, the state board shall determine that an applicant for employment with an educational entity and a non-licensed staff position is ineligible for employment if the applicant the first number one is uh required if there's a a test to take and they don't pass. Number two, has a sealed or expuned or pardoned conviction for any sexual or physical abuse offense committed against a child or any other offense listed in subsection B. So then you go to subsection B which has a list here and here. And I mean I I can I can read them Miss Partney or
043I can I mean um >> well can we just I can with the this particular is it >> endangering welfare criminal attempt criminal solition or criminal conspiracy any felony with controlled substance distribution of minors of course um rape kidnapping terroristic threatening and then false imprisonment negligent I mean public sexual indecency indecent exposure um robbery, breaking or entering, lawyerism, domestics, sexual solicitation as prohibited. >> That's 573. >> Um prostitution as prohibited. >> So the state says >> first degree no >> promoting >> no employment. >> The state says no employment. Um you know they don't have anything about if it was no different people. That's that's what they have. We don't have any documentation other than an email or a letter from the >> that's all I probably could if I wanted to [clears throat] find
044I mean the that's all I have is a letter from her because I really don't know. I mean I try try to have her find the court case I guess. I don't know. You know what I mean? I don't have any info on it because I wasn't the one getting the charge. So but you know >> Were you living in Washington? >> Yes. I I moved up here nine years ago with my husband. Um because his parents had retired down here from from Los Angeles, but I met him up in Washington. I'm from Spokane. And so we moved up here after my mom had passed away from cancer. Then we came up here to stay with his mom. >> Okay. >> Because his dad was already gone. >> And you've attempted Go ahead, Molly. >>
045You go ahead. >> And you've attempted to to clear this and they have told you that he >> Yeah. And I have to go there in person. They won't I mean they won't do it no other way to expunge it. I have to go there in person to the hearing. >> I can understand that. >> Huh? >> When's the last time you tried to get this a sponge? >> Uh when this first all came about. >> Okay. So, >> yeah, I contacted him then. >> But you've known since >> I've known since I'd say >> said 2000. You said >> I'd say about 2005 somewhere around there. >> 2006. But I never thought anything of it because my husband worked most of the time. I stayed home and raised our daughter. And I mean, I'd
046work here and there, but it wasn't a felony. So, I never thought of it get would get flagged anywhere. You know what I mean? I thought a felony is what I always thought a background check was about, but I learn differently. Learn something new every day. >> Mr. Did the background check does it list what the charge or conviction was? >> No, they have to. That's another thing here on this waiver that we are not the opportunity the applicant has can request a waiver. However, we cannot check with the department and ask the nature we cannot the nature of the disqualifying offense. >> Wow. >> So the educational entity may not contact the department to obtain any information of the record and the then the lensure office that goes to >> so is all we
047know is that is it is a disqualifying offense. >> Yes sir. Okay. I don't feel that that we have the capability to look back and say, "Hey, was it was it your sister or was it you?" And we can't determine that. The fact is is it's on your record as a disqualifying factor. You said you moved up here. >> Well, years ago, >> which means you were in Washington state and able to take care of this from in 2005 when you found out about it. >> Yeah, but I really didn't. >> So, we can't make that determination that No, it really wasn't. >> Felony, I mean, >> but that's not our our we don't have that capability. The fact is is that you do have a disqualifying >> offense on your record and I can't
048change that. >> I know. Well, I don't I don't know how else. I mean, my sister, she sent me an email. I mean, she made a statement. I She did use my name. I don't know what else to do. Oh, it's ver you guys that I >> I would encourage and I think I agree I agree with what Mr. Booth is I don't want to repeat what he said, but from my standpoint, I think there's just not enough information for us to move forward without it getting taken care of, you know, because I feel as if that were to have happened back then. It seems like that would have been something easy to maybe get worked out in Washington state. I don't know how >> if I was down there. The thing is, I don't
049have the money to travel down there, >> you know. >> And you've talked to I talked to I talked I talked to the prosecuting the prosecuting attorney's clerk is who I talked to down there about getting it expuned. They said I'd have to go there to the hearing and be there in person. I said, "Well, with modern technology, we can't Skype it somehow." They said, "No, because I'd have to show my ID and everything down there to them to prove who I am." Didn't need a sponge. I don't know. They said I have to be there in person, though. But I mean, I see it as a very unfortunate situation, but like I said, I that's I don't think it's our role to determine whether those are valid charges. The fact is is that you
050do have a disqualifying offense on your record, and that's in my opinion what what we are we're going to be bound to act upon. >> In my opinion, >> what are you telling us? I basically that it's a disqualifying offense that we can't move forward on until that is taken care of and off your record. >> Okay? Because it says you guys can waver around it. I mean, even if it was my charge, you guys can sign a waiver. >> That's it. That's the motion on the table. So, the motion that we have is to approve or grant you a waiver for employment. Um, so if we are done discussing, we can vote on that motion. Is it is it is it's it's a waiver for her to apply for correct >> not employment. >>
051Correct. >> Yes, sir. >> I make a motion, but I'm going to have to this this is kind of springboard from what Mr. Booth said. That's a lot of liability for us. And I feel like what we would be doing if we voted to give you a waiver is just prolonging your agony >> 100%. >> Because I think I think the best thing we could do is deny your chance for a waiver so that you can get this thing off your record. And >> but there's no way for me to do that in the >> I would go see the prosecuting at I would go see >> but I don't have money for that. My husband died I have only my income. >> Could our local prosecuting attorney's office >> I would give her guidance.
052>> I would try. >> I mean I can't answer for that because that's that's not even in my house. >> I don't know how it works. [laughter] I would go. I would go. >> Um I I was just when I looked it up, they told me that I have to go to deal with Washington State. It's not an Arkansas case, you know. >> I I think if we approved your waiver though, like Miss Morgan said, I think we would be doing you a disservice by just prolonging the process. at this time on full transparency to you. I think out of fairness to you, we would actually be doing you a disservice at this particular time. >> But it's not doing me a service. >> No, a disservice. We'd be doing you a disservice, I think,
053at this particular time. >> Okay. Well, you guys want this? >> Is there is there any other is there any any more discussion? All those in favor? All those opposed. Motion fails. >> Thank you for your time. >> Thank you. [cough] >> Next item is board discussion. >> It's all quiet. >> Change subject. What's the situation with replacing the school bus that was damaged? >> We don't have the final from insurance. We did talk to the insurance. Miss Carter spoke to the insurance company for the other driver today and we'll be reaching out tomorrow to our students giving them the claim number in case they have any medical that they'd like to turn in. Um the bus is actually at the at in Flippen or Yel Mr. Flipping. Um, and >> is it total? >>
054Do we know? We didn't we didn't we haven't heard from >> the final answer, but Paul says by all means there's no way. >> It pretty much looked like it was. >> So, we don't have the first yet, >> but everybody's okay. >> Everybody's okay. >> What about the car that >> as far as we hit it or he hit us or >> it pulled out? Okay. >> As um M our driver was going down 412 >> and um >> that was at Hinesville. >> Yes, sir. 45 and 412. >> Huntsville. Right at Huntsville there at Huntsville. >> Yeah. Right there where you turn off to go into Bayville. >> Is a little bit further. >> Would it be further north? Further east? >> A little further east. >> So 45 and 412. So she
055pulled out. >> Thank goodness nobody was >> Everybody's okay. >> Everybody is okay. >> And that is >> lots of prayers of thanks >> because that could have been >> very tragic. >> And And it was a Mini Cooper. >> A Mini Cooper. >> I can't believe they >> I couldn't either when I saw that. >> When I read it was a Mini Cooper. >> No, it's a micro Cooper. But our understanding is those drive those young ladies that were in that vehicle are okay as well. >> Good. >> Who was the insurance company on the other vehicle? >> Farmers. They called today and have been very responsive. I mean, so we'll get with those families tomorrow. I've already emailed or text Mr. Rose and Miss Russell and said we're going to meet up and
056make some phone calls tomorrow. >> U typically Most vehicles at most have 500 500 500 coverage uh which is not bad but not when you have school bus. So do we have underinsured and uninsured? >> I we will have we have insurance >> [snorts] >> um student insurance >> he said do we have on the vehicles they're underinsured? I I don't know >> insurance is for >> like when it doesn't cover >> um one of them is medical, one of them is liability but say that part of it is for medical and part of it for physical damage and and you know if bus is total that's probably >> it's $100,000 bus. >> Yeah. So >> there's aund grand. There's your 100 grand, Miss Carter. >> Yeah. >> Again, >> give those back. [laughter] >>
057We're gonna need those. >> Yeah. 500 500 500 is high. Most people will cover, you know, I think minimum 25 15 to 25. So, you know, if they only had $50,000 coverage, our insurance need we need we'll have to pick up the rest or it's the liable civil court. And typically if people have way underinsured in your car, they don't have the means to pay the difference. >> Hopefully, it won't come to that. >> Yeah. Okay. >> So, we'll work with as soon as I get more information, I will >> make sure that everybody knows. We just haven't >> all the answers. >> It's been a while since I try to say I have a few things I'd like to mention. Um, start off with the happy positive ones. First one, I want to point
058out um, Chief Jason Williams, our NJRT instructor here. Um, as as I think probably most of the board knows, I don't know if the public knows what he's done with our our ROC program from when he came in prior to when I was on the board. My understanding is the the program was unfunded and he has built it up. So, we're not only we've gotten funding, but we've had enough to hire Commander Hail as well. And everything that all the positives they've done with that program has been fantastic. And it's just it's a model that is is in the top tier of of our multi-state district. >> Um, and I noticed that he was he was named the Mountain Home Observers 2025 educator of the year. Uh, so I thought that was a tremendous honor.
059I wanted to mention that to him. He's not here. Mr. Commander Hill's not here, but but uh thank you, Chief Williams, for everything that you've done for that program. Um what a fantastic turnaround. [cough] Um and then to piggy back on that, I saw news today that uh Mr. Dylan Prince >> just got himself a scholarship to the United States Naval Academy. >> And that can't be understated how significant that is and life-changing. not only looking at the dollar figure on that, but just how hard it is to get into the Naval Academy and that the background and and what we've been able to provide to him here. He was able to take that and excel to to to getting himself qualified and getting himself accepted into the Naval Academy. You know, we talk about
060scholarships at the end of the year. If you add up those ROC scholarships that we got get, they dwarf all the other scholarships combined. So, so well done to our NJRTC program, to Chief Williams, and to uh Mr. Prince. Congratulations on getting into the uh into the Naval Academy. >> Um one other quick correcting the record. um in the November meeting for discussion after [clears throat] teacher block scheduling seven period discussion. We had a discussion about um fundraising for the high school and u it was largely Miss Morgan and I we were conversing back and forth and and he happens to be here tonight uh this constituent Mr. Gillis but there was the understanding in November that he was looking to fund the entire project uh through donations. Maybe y'all have already talked tonight. I
061saw y'all talking, but I talked to him a few weeks ago and it was it was 100% no. I'm not looking to fund the entire pro project, the 35 million plus. It's whatever we can collect, accumulate, people buy in, every little bit helps. And so that was the the intent of that. So I wanted to correct that on the record since we had that discussion and I had talked to this constituent um that we are not looking to >> came up and what he said. He said, "I did I didn't mean that." And I said, "Well, the statement about uh taxes are forever was what started the conversation." And it's unfortunate. Taxes are forever, but so are good roads and so are public libraries and so are good educational facilities. And Mr. Gillis and I
062in our conversation before the meeting, we both agreed that we need to get a millage pass for the building project. And then if there's any fundraising, 100% for all the extra bells and whistles that people agree to donate toward. So, we're good. >> He's got my number and I've got his. >> Fantastic. >> So, we're good. >> Okay. Great. Uh, and then lastly, I wanted to talk about um the block scheduling versus seven period discussion a little bit. I felt after the meeting sit back and think about I feel we were almost talking about two different things where the staff was largely here talking about changing planning times and available planning and I'm looking at it from a block versus traditional time um discussion um but even still the folks that I've talked to and
063I've talked to several where they were hey I don't want to change from block and I talk about why that I'm looking into it, why I wanted to explore the idea. Um, they changed their mind. They opened their eyes said, "Hey, you know what? There there may be something to this." And I don't know what, you know, Miss Dwey was able to tell the staff or what, you know, Miss Russell was able to tell the staff or discussions within the staff, but I personally would like to sit down with teachers and talk about or the sta the high school staff and say, "This is why I've had this discussion." And I've talked about it with Dr. Long before. he left and I've talked with Miss Dwey several times. I would like directly to talk to
064the staff and have a conversation unlike what we did in the open board meeting which is 17 people come forward and talk and then we get to discuss it at the end of the meeting. I would like a work session. Um and I say that because I personally would just like just to sit down do a town hall but I suspect there going to be other board members that would like to be there in which case it'll turn into a meeting. So perhaps we can schedule at some point in the next few months a a work session. We'll call it that where where any staff that wants to come in and talk and pro and cons and let's talk this out and why our reasonings because I did hear that before is we never heard
065the why. Hey, we didn't hear the why as to why we're doing this. Why are we having this discussion? I heard that. I'd like to talk about it, right? Just uh in just conversational work session style. So, um I that'll have to be something that you I guess put together, find a date, and then schedule a schedule a meeting um for any of the board members that want to be there. And if it's just me, that's fine, too. But >> I bet there'll be some others. >> Yes, ma'am. Okay. Thank you. That was all. >> Yes, sir. >> Any other discussion? >> Oh, I had a question on the ROTC. How many How many students are in there now? Uh, right under a hundred or right over a hundred, Miss Russell. Is that about right?
066>> Wasn't it just a few years ago there was like 10 or 12 or something like that? >> Really done a good job. >> Fantastic. >> Well, I um Miss Hughes had some of us come in. I know Molly and I did um interviews for students for scholarship interviews and and the career [clears throat] pathway. And I had the pleasure of interviewing Dylan even though he was a student of mine for a very long time in the GT program. And I saw that post today. I was super proud because that's what he wanted. But >> that's what he wanted. >> That yeah >> was the brass ring that he was reaching for and he got it. So I am from a past teacher of his. I'm I'm just super proud. It's why we're here. >>
067That's why we do what we do. >> And those scholarships that Mr. Correct me if I'm wrong, but it can be several hundred,000. Correct. Three $400,000 scholarships that these students are receiving. Right. So, >> correct. >> Unbelievable achievement. >> I several of those. >> We have there's a young lady last year too as well that received one for aviation, I believe. Yeah. >> Couple last year. >> Does the Naval Academy send someone to our graduation? and I attended a graduation over in Rogers and a student had u been accepted to West Point and West Point sent someone >> to graduation and present that and that was so cool. The the place went wild because um they're also going to serve our country. So it was >> Do y'all remember when he was part of the
068ROTC presentation and someone asked, >> you know, why did you choose ROTC? and he said, "Well, mom thought I wasn't doing anything and I need to get involved with something, so I chose this." >> I mean, I that's that's pretty cool. It really >> that just shows how good our faculty >> handled him. >> All right. So, happy new year. I don't know about y'all, but I'm still struggling with 2026. It's like when you write the date. I don't know if y'all have >> I start writing still. >> It'll [laughter] >> all my ass. >> So, I was doing it today and I was typing this up and I thought, "No, 26." 26. Um, it's been a good couple of weeks. We kicked off Bomber story time. Thank you to those that brought grandkids and
069children. Um we went ahead um our little bombers have had two opportunities now between the boys and the girls varsity ball games to hear story read and choose a book and treat to take home and we just keep getting better. This second time was even better than the first. Now we did have a guest our star reader was our first night with um Mrs. Steiner from Mrs. Steiner Reads. So that was a lot of fun and anybody that's ever heard her read to children it's she she could read to us, right? Um, and then Tuesday night, Lisa House read and I mean they were giggling and carrying on and it was a lot of fun. So, Twin Lakes Community Foundation did fund that project and it's really fun to be able to combine two great
070things and that's reading and basketball on the same night. Right. Next month, I do expect you'll be voting on your 2627 calendar, school year calendar. Those were worked on by PPC sent to CPPC and then I believe staff has those staff and teachers are voting on those now. So they'll be bringing the final um the number one greatest percentage greatest number of votes calendar will come to you all next month and I'm sure they'll be asking for approval of that calendar. Um drop in with Dwey will be Friday the 30th here at the office from 8:30 to 3. And then finally, once again, happy school board appreciation month. First community has a wonderful meal for you and thank you for your willingness to serve. Um, your job is very important. The decisions that you make
071sometimes are very heavy and thank you for the work that you do. >> Okay. You know, not only do we have to look out for the welfare for our students, which is priority, we got to look out for the welfare of the voters, the taxpayers, and uh you know, so we got to be very mindful of our money, the way we spend it. Uh I I think we probably have areas where we can make cuts in next year or at any time. Uh, and cuts are hard, but you know, in in private business, we have to do it. You know, bad sales forecasts are down, may have to lay off a delivery crew or a salesman or something like that. uh you know so and it it's painful because it's family alive you know uh
072it's like that young lady is here you know if she got laid off from the job that she had and she's getting a regular paycheck and get laid off then it's like how am I going to support my family now so we have to be very careful and but we got to take care of both sides of Okay, with that, we'll go into executive session for personnel, employment, retirements, and transfers. Here we go.