001There would be I think. I'd like to go ahead and call the meeting to order. We do have a quorum present. Meeting has been duly called and appropriate notice has been given. We're going to have the pledge of allegiance tonight. And it'd be great if our AP students that are here tonight would lead us in the pledge. You just start saying 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. >> Thank you for that spot. >> At this time, we have our public comment section. Um the meeting is for public comments. It's designed designated time for community members to address the board. Um each speaker will be given three minutes. Um we welcome your input, encourage
002you to speak respectfully and professionally. We also encourage you to avoid statements about specific students or district staff members in order to protect their rights. All public comments will be included in the recording of the meeting. We also encourage you to we encourage you to en ensure you followed our district chain of command policy policy 6.7 before signing up for public comment. And we thank you for speaking. We look forward to your comments tonight. We have one Mr. Hat Myers. How are you this evening? >> Jason back again. Thank you very much. I'd like to thank the board for this opportunity and placing these comments up early in the agenda. Not that waiting would be a big deal, but it's nice. And I hope in the future there'll be more folks taking advantage of this
003opportunity. Um, I know there's been some policy changes that reflect SB uh 90 and and this opportunity and and I hope the word will get out. And the the other thing I want to mention, I hope you can hear me and and a reminder to please speak into the microphones so folks that are watching it at home on the live stream can hear your comments. Other than that, the the topic that I uh addressed, Jason, as you can see, was >> millage. >> Yeah. and and I know and and maybe I've missed it in the media or elsewhere um but I haven't seen much if anything talking about the ultimate um necessity for a millage increase to support um project or option nine and and the new high school and and the big top and
004those issues. I would hope that as things go on, and I know it's a bit down the train tracks, but at some point, I believe there was a just a mention of the Mword, the millillage word. Um, but at some point, I would hope that all the out ofthe-box solutions that can be brought to bear um to limit the impact on the individual taxpayer um can be employed. That We're all taxpayers and I understand that. Um but but remember tax increases impact some people much more than others. And what whatever the the ultimate dollar amount is, millage amount that may be uh presented to the taxpayers, I would hope that would be mitigated by all other revenue sources, um funding, grants, um local support, um by organizations, um the education foundation, boosters, whoever, private citizens
005that want to come to bear um to help the community and the schools. That's it. I'll I guess I I hope there'll be other folks availing themselves of this opportunity in the future and I I look forward that opportunity. Thank you very much. >> Thank you for sharing that. >> Okay, moving on. Approval of the agenda and the minutes. >> I make a motion we approve the agenda and minutes of July 17th and July 31st. >> I'll second. >> Motion and second. Any discussion? All those in favor? It's unanimous. Thank you for that. Moving on to reports. Miss Lawrence, you have >> I have some special >> some introductions. Thank you. >> Yes. I'm so excited. We have some great celebrations tonight. We're going to focus on our AP scores and highlights. So, I'm ask
006to come forward. We have some slides ready for you with some some of the latest scores. And then we have some some really special people here. Um, thank you guys once again for allowing us to be Miss Lawrence. Um, so this year we have grown 14% from last year. That's the biggest jump that I've seen in looking at all the past data. So um, could you go to that next? >> Okay. So you can kind of see the jump. So from 32% last year which we we had grown 5% from 23 to 24 and then 14% this year. So very um pleased with with that result. And then if you'll go to that next one we're going to kind of go this just shows that this year actually we did have um more students of
007course taking the AP exams. At 2024 we had 227 and then this year we had 261. So, our numbers um did grow as well. And there's other her stuff. Um I talked about the 14%. This year, we were able to give out some new scholarships and some more scholarship re reward money. So, thanks to um the Mountain Home Education Foundation, we got a grant for $7,000. Um and 4,000 of that we used for student scholarships and those were presented on Demar day to Malachi Rivera for overall excellence, Olivia Clemens for AP humanities and Alex Harris for AP STEM. They are all ready getting ready to go to college. They were all seniors and um hopefully we will be able to continue to do this. Um, and then these students right here are some of our
008students that will be getting um, checks soon from our AP reward incentives. So, if students made a three, four, or five, um, they will qualify for this. A score of three, they will get $50. A score of four, they get a $100. And a score of five, they get $150. and many of them accumulated several of these. So I think the the most the highest paycheck we gave out for that was $300. Um last year this show this year we are giving out and I I took out Malachi Olivia and Alex. They didn't get the small checks because they got the big check. So their number was taken out of that that overall total of $10,550. Um last year that number was 6,900 about 7,000. So definitely a big jump there. And we had 19
009AP scholars. And if you'll go to that next and that's where I'm going to ask these guys to stand up, my AP scholars. So we had two AP scholars with distinction. Um one of which was Jack Holden. And that means that they scored a three and a half average on all the AP exams they've taken throughout high school. Um, and that mean they had three or higher on at le on on five or more. So that's a very very big deal. >> Um, do you let me get um >> these two teachers y'all come up here? They're part of the reason up here. Mr. Engel and Mr. Norris are two of our um AP physics and AP chemistry teachers. >> You guys can stand there. You deserve the honor. You did all the You did
010the work, right? Um, and then we have one AP scholar with honors, Emma Girdley, who is on getting ready for college. And, um, and then Martin Shepard, who is also graduate from last year, who is collegebound. So, and then, um, we had with those besides those three, we had 16 others, and those are listed on the next slide. And there you see Libby Dwey De's name is listed on the other and Ben Ser. Um but that's our our group of AP scholars. So [Applause] >> congratulations. >> You don't have any questions you want to ask our students or our teachers. So, are they juniors these here today? >> Deon graduated. >> Seniors. >> Okay. Are you enrolled in AP coursework >> for next year? >> Awesome. Some of you are my former students. I'm super
011proud of you. Like a proud mama right here. >> So, going into >> Yeah. What What grade is it? >> What grade, Mr. D? Are you going into How many courses? >> How many AP courses? >> We are about out. >> Do we have any of you that are headed towards a humanities path for your college degree or STEM? >> Awesome. >> Now, you got you got some good humanity scores, language and history. >> Oh, yeah. So, those are classes or coursework you won't have to take in college. >> Awesome. Teachers have anything you want to say about what you see from your AP classes right now or trends or anything? We're celebrating you guys just as much as we are. You're just looking at four students who really represent M very, very, very well.
012>> And they're not alone. Obviously, there's a bunch, but four really good ones. >> We're privileged to get to do what we do and work with very young minds and have the opportunity to, I think, do our best to extend their learning and provide opportunities for them. And they they push us to make us better teachers. I'm lucky to have this guy next door. Push me to be a better teacher as well. Really proud of our kids. >> So, how early do you start your path towards these a this AP course work? >> When did you start your advanced classes? >> Oh, u I took my first AP course in ninth grade. >> Ninth grade. Did you take anything earlier that would have that you needed to to prepare you for your coursework that you
013made made it to? Now >> I mean I was in gate that was that was really helpful in our classes algebra and stuff like that >> early geometry >> algebra one early. It's important that parents know that that pathway if you're a STEM graduate or you're headed towards a STEM career starts in 8th grade algebra 1 to get to that that AP calculus class to have room for that. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Can I ask you a question? I want to know what else y'all do besides study because I want them to hear some of the other things y'all are involved in. Deon, you want to go first? probably not the person to ask about. >> Does math on vacation? >> I studied a lot because I did take a lot of AP courses in
014high school. So that did consist of a lot of my time. But I did also play a lot of sports too. That did take up a lot of my time. And then I was big in FFA, which also took a big chunk of my time. So my whole life consisted of school until I graduated pretty much until summer came around. But >> and then just starting work in the hospital to kind of further my career in medicine kind of that way. But other than that, school was definitely like a big part of my life, I guess. So, >> I don't know. >> Was it worth it? >> Yes, very much. Yes, a lot. I'll not exchange it. So, >> I play softball and I'm on student council. Student council vice president and what else? I'm
015on the SCA leadership team. So, every We do Bible study and then we have meetings every other week and then what else involved in some other clubs? You're busy though. >> What about you? >> Um I enjoy I like I play tennis for the high school team and I also run track for the high school team. So that takes up a lot of time. I'm also involved in FFA. Um I'm vice president of the senior class for student council leaders. team like Liby and also involve and then in the little spare time I have left I like being outdic was actually on the golf course and I got a text from Devon that was reminding me about this because I kind of forgot um but um I'm an NHS uh senior president um all you
016know all three of us were big in FFA um Liby should join too But um uh I take man fishing every once in a while. I feel bad for him. So fun. But yeah, that's what I like to do. >> No, I just I mean the teachers that we have teaching our owners and our AP um and the students, they're just the top the top on the top. And I'm just blessed to coordinate testing and getting all this stuff together. So I just and blessed to be able to work alongside them. Those teachers are all mountain grads, too. >> Miss Hughes, I did have a question for you. So, looking at these numbers, not only did we increase the number of students, you know, that are in taking AP classes, but the percentage of those
017students that scored three or above increased as well, too. So, it's it's what 50 something students almost 50 students additionally from last year got a three or above. So, >> both of that's not a statistical anomaly. So, we're obviously doing something right, both increasing the number of students taking the APs and then the number of students who are who are achieving in those classes. So, do we have a a good pulse on, hey, what are we doing that that's working? Because obviously it's we're doing something right and we're moving in the right direction here. >> I think we have the right teachers in the right places. Um, I know these guys I know um Mrs. Drew was able to go this summer to an AP um writing, so she helped grade AP test. that is
018huge to make it makes you a better teacher. You know exactly what to teach. >> So, we just we've got teachers that are willing to go the extra effort and >> they're just they're experts in their field and and they make learning engaging and their kids the kids want to take these classes with these guys because it's it's challenging them and they know it's going to be helpful for you know their careers and their lives. Okay. >> And AP is nationally recognized. So any college in the US >> these this course work counts not necessarily for concurrent. Sometimes if you go out of state they may not but AP is accepted. >> Um >> yeah it's fantastic. >> If you get a three or above it is accepted as a college credit. >> Right. >>
019There's only I think >> in the state of Arkansas there's only two private schools. um that ask for a four in certain courses, but other than that three or four. >> So, y'all were talking about your extracurricular activities and I heard a couple that have extreme travel. How did you keep up your coursework and still maintain the travel? Because you did. You obviously did. How did you stay? >> I mean, I took I started AP classes pretty early on and I didn't really know how to study back then. Taking AP chemistry threw me through the loop. So, I had to learn how to study then. And then my scores were I I got twos on my first exams that I ever took and then as the years went on, I increased them up because I
020knew how to study and I knew what to look for. So, like on traveling because FFA took a big chunk of our time. I would say we traveled a lot. But you have to kind of dedicate some time and wherever you're at to study. I mean, if you if you want that grade, then you're going to study for it. You're going to get it. And if you don't, then you're going to wait last minute and then probably not do as well. But if you really want to succeed, then you'll make you'll make time for it. So that's all >> so highly motivated students can be successful. >> Do homework on vacation. That's what she said. >> If you had Miss Reed for algebra, you did homework on vacation anyway. >> You did homework all your
021life. Yeah. >> Any problems to parents? Just >> um I cannot say no to that. >> Not while fishing. Any other questions for our teachers, students, or Miss? >> Thank you for sharing. >> This was fun, wasn't it? >> Yeah, >> this was big day when we our schools were out. We were just so excited. So proud of our teachers, our students, and um excited to share some happy news. But >> yeah, >> I noticed the the last slide, the these are the courses that are offered on campus. Um it also said um that there are also classes available with and I we don't use VARC this year. >> So >> it's changing but the provider >> Yes. And there's >> um there's a couple rules around what can be their teachers also have to
022be AP accredited teachers for our students to take those classes. >> Okay. Um we're if the classes make on campus that's our obviously our first and best choice but there have been some conflicts where they've done a virtual class. >> Okay. So if it's offered on campus we highly encourage them to take it. >> We highly encourage it just because we feel like that's be the most option but that that's not always >> not always available. >> Okay. >> Any other questions? We have a couple other fun things to show you. Couple videos. Hey, thank y'all for coming. >> Thank you. Well done. >> Thank you, [Music] Hey, hey, hey. [Music] table. Those were our new new staff. We did have new employee orientation last Thursday, a full day um with our certified and then
023our classified was there for the first part of the day. Um we got to go over we did code of ethics. We did um they met all of our directors, our principles, our office, central office ladies. Um we were able to provide breakfast and lunch. So they you know it's a lot of information they're getting all at one time. But um we had a really um good day getting to know them a little bit better. Um our certified teachers, we talked about the PLC process. We went over their strengths. Um so we had um Miss Crawford was able to talk to them about some lure communications, just a lot of just kind of onboarding type things. So that was last Thursday. Um and then we got to celebrate everybody at Dumbar Day um as y'all
024know on Monday. And our next video um was part of Dumbard Day, but we wanted to make sure we got to show that tonight um so it could be part of our live stream. So >> my name is Jeb Cer. was diagnosed with autism at three and a half years old in Little Rock, Arkansas with a very poor prognosis. He's been a bulmer for 13 years and this year he will be a senior. As parents, when we shifted from emotions to advocacy, everything changed. Jeb's pivotal years in the Mountain Home School District started at Hackler um with the then special life director Cassie Barnhill who asked his dad and I what we thought about her reading a story about a student with autism. She did that and with his peers and they were able to
025ask questions like why does he stem? Um can I catch autism? Those kind of questions. And ever since that day um everything changed with his peers, inclusion happened and um progress started happening as well. His educational journey has moved forward ever since that date. Fast forward to today and Jeb has been on a waiting list for 18 months at um Leoner Children's Hospital for a neurosych testing evaluation. that just happened two weeks ago and we got a few preliminary results that we wanted to share with you. His IQ remains humbling. Um, however, his reading level is on a fifth grade reading level and we're thrilled to hear that and um the chief of staff at Leoner Neurosy Unit wanted us to be sure and say thank you to um our school because you said many
026times in rural schools um they do not always get this remarkable of results and so we wanted to say thank you. We want to say thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We're very grateful um for all of you that have poured into our son. We know that he would not be where he is today without your support and we are crazy grateful for it. Um we are um also want to Thank you to the pair of professionals, the lunch ladies, um, everyone that has poured into Jeb, and we know that he's living proof of positive supports, and we're just so thankful and grateful for your support. Um, at Mountain Home Schools, I know your days are long and probably many times you hear negative comments from parents and we wanted to say thank
027you. Um, we hope you have a great 25 26 school year. and go farmers. >> That's great. That's awesome. That's fantastic. >> So, she I will say this, she reached out to see how she could thank our teachers. Um, and she asked if you know she could do a letter or just somehow communicate her thank you message to staff. And ironically, that was on Friday before Dar Day on or Thursday and Dear Day was on Monday. And so, we um We talked to Misty about providing a video that we could share with everybody and so that's what they did for us. So that was really special. I got to have Jeb as a student, third grade. So um yeah, he was a we had just a lot of fun with him and um getting to
028know his family. So just have great great staff helping our students. So but that's all for the academic report tonight. Any questions before I sit down? >> Great news. very uplifting and open house is going amazing. We made it to buildings and lots of excitement. Everybody's ready to go on Tuesday. [Music] >> Moving on to our financial reports. Miss Cotter, good evening. [Music] >> It's all good news, right? >> Okay. We'll start with the statement of changes in fund balance for the month ending July 31st of 2025. We ended the month with 14,511,420.97. [Music] That's a little bit or a little bit 669,000 over this time last year, but at the end of June, we had several grants we were trying to wrap up. And so we were able to use expenditures elsewhere rather than
029fund 2000. If you would take a look at the 6,000 funds, you can see some of the negative amounts in the revenues, this is a result of money that didn't come in at the end of June. And so we have to make those approvals and then reverse those approvals in period one. And so that is money that we will receive. It's just timing of it all. And they'll start paying some federal payments towards the end of August and September. >> So, we will receive all of that money. >> Yeah. >> Is that correct? Okay. >> And um I I will point out in fund 2281, that's our ESSA fund. Um that's one of our state categorical funds. You see it's in the negative. We have not received our installment yet. And so um it's in
030the negative but generally that will start catching up before the end of the year. >> Okay. >> Moving on to the statement of revenue and expenditures. Um we're just showing the total revenues and the total expenditures since the budget has not been approved. And then once it's approved, we can uh show the rest of the remaining balances. We have total revenues in July of 1,611,28362 and total expenditures of $1,652,539.92. Any questions? When we look at the monthly fund balance tracking, we ended July or with 8,49,421.72. Um, just also as a reminder, the fiscal year from 2425 does not close until August 30th or 31st. And um so the beginning balances for July will kind of retroactively correct themselves in the system and then we'll bring back the corrected or the updated version once that closes.
031>> Any other questions? >> Moving on to the activity funds. We ended the month of July with $554,4989. Then the following pages are system reports that support this information as well as the check register for the month of July. >> Any questions from scholars? Thank you. me. >> You're up. >> So, enrollment as of 8:00 this morning, 3,699 students. So, it is up um 29 students from what you see printed on this page. So, that'll start leveling out as the um drops and ads come in over the next few days, but um you know, I I hope we keep them off. Do we just get 29 students somewhere recently? >> That's okay. >> No, just >> are they late? >> They moved and didn't get registered. Changed the direction they were going to go. And
032that's that's with drops and ads. So, we've lost some, gained some, lost some, gained some, but we right now we're plus 29. So, from where you we were when you all saw this initially, what's printed in the um on the agenda. >> Okay. >> So, we'll keep watching. >> Okay. >> Does that make sense? >> Yes. Now, it does. >> Sorry. >> Oh, I was just trying to catch up, but you're fine. >> Okay. Student. I assume that >> 11 in and nine out for multiple reasons. Mom works in Mountain Home, but they live in Cotter. It's just easier. So they come in. We have one that just needs a smaller setting. They go out. So just nothing shocking about any of the reasons. Miss Crawford filled me in on every single one. So >>
033any other Chris questions for enrollment? Mr. Knight, facilities update. >> I would like to take a moment to talk about the millillage. Um I want you guys Remember, I know we did a whole bunch of work, but we still have that um pretty much uh mandate by the facilities division that we have to show progress every year for what we are doing and have it completed by uh February 1st, 2030. And in my world, that means it has to be completed by the summer of 2029. And that's one of the things I worry about. So if you look at kind of our um milestones that will probably start being met so you can even have a conversation in 2027 about having a millillage. Um I'll go down uh to Little Rock in October. We'll submit
034the plan that you all came up with to them. I'll ask some more questions about what those um you worked awful hard on that. Is that going to be counted as this year's progress for us so we don't have to go maybe spend some money this year and Um, but then you know, you were supposed to know the 1 of May if you get funding. Where were we this year? >> June. >> We were approved but didn't have fun. >> Um, so and then you'll know if you're funded or not. And then all the decisions will need to be made and I don't know when you could even possibly go. I know there's months left to go by. So that leaves me just over a year to get all of this stuff done. And um
035the couple things that I'm the most scared of are the last two. They're going to be the most expensive and it may take me an entire year to find an engineer that is willing to take the liability to even do that. So I just wanted you to know that um I'll go talk to them more in October and um but unfortunately we've still got to do work and show progress. Um, so if you all decide to go for a millillage and it doesn't pass, we can get that done that summer so they don't shut that facility down. >> So what on that list have you finished? >> We've done the smoke detectors, which is the most important. >> Yes, >> I think your lighting won't be a big deal. Um, the walkways, no one will
036build that unless there's an engineer to prove that it can support the walkways. I can't find an engineer that wants to take the liability of that and then your stand pipe won't be a problem. Um, but you're talking about the largest piece that's hundreds of thousands of dollars. >> Any questions? >> Just full of good news tonight. >> It's not bad news. I just I know that there'll be times as we because it's going to take forever. I'm going to come in and say I need $25,000. I'm go didn't we have a >> Why are we doing this? So, lights are next. >> Yeah, >> lights are next. They're They'll be expensive, but not hundreds of thousands of dollars. >> Um, >> and this is not new news, >> right? It's not new news. Maybe
037new members on the board. >> It's kind of haunting me when I look at that >> timeline. Don't want to go spend $500,000 and then you get pass a millage and we tear it apart. don't want it to fail and not having the time to do it and get, you know, >> I think that's why the timeline of fall of 27 makes a lot of sense probably. >> Yep. >> Okay. >> Anywhere we can get a lot out in front of the high school gymnasium for sure folks. >> You put a ticket in. >> I will if that's what it takes. >> Yeah, I'll run it over. >> I'm about to kill myself out there one night. When you get out there between the uh by the plane in >> there are no lights. >>
038They just did that. >> We did the >> I would say they're probably the >> we did by the gym. >> Yeah. >> There's probably the timer >> the I think. Yeah, I think we've got >> because I've been on the track in the dark and you I mean I can see the door of Dunar from there. It's all lit up. >> We just need to check and see. I know we did the ones on the field >> on that side. We need to check >> front of the high school. >> There's one light out there. >> There's one over by Dunar, right? >> Over by Dunar. I mean, you can >> Yeah, you get over that way. You can see to get to walk through the parking lot. >> We'll see. We'll check and
039make sure it's working. And if not, we'll see what we need. >> Thank you. Thanks. >> Thanks, Chris. >> Board action items. Oh, the good stuff. Mrs. Connor, this is it. >> And I don't want to work on this. Tonight we bring the board action item to request approval of the 2526 budget. Um this is part of our requirements for uh the Arkansas Department of Education and this information is reported with with the district in cycle one and uh cycle one is due September 30th. So I preface that to say We still have work that uh and things that we're looking at and so it's very very likely I would almost guarantee that in September we will bring a revision after we get some >> other things taken care of. Donna and I have worked
040on this together and so I think she's going to walk you through pages. If you look at um the budget summary um that says updated, we um anything in blue is what we've changed um from the last time that we brought it um in July. So um we in the first column, that's your beginning balances. We made some entries um in wrapping up the books from last year. So that's why those changed. Um and then you've got um most of the changes came in the income and expenditures and um a lot of that was due to allocation adjustments. So we got our new allocations in from the state and the federal and so we had to change a bunch of numbers there. Um and then some of the things that we also changed um we
041told you last time that um we were budgeting at 95% on tax revenue um and we have upped that to 96% um because you know once we got this done we were about $2 million um that we was going to spend out of our balance. So we decided that and looking at the trends from the prior years that we could um we felt we could go up to the 96% and be okay um in collecting that. And then we also increased our interest um revenue amount um by $200,000. And we did that because we went back and um you know we did the bidding this year um on on our bank um bids and they guaranteed us a certain percentage that it wouldn't go below that. So we went back and calculated that out using
042an estimate of 13 million as our balance and at our percentage then we were able to up that a little bit. Um, and then we also got the state aid notice in and that's one of your forms that supports this. And on that state aid notice, um, it has the declining enrollment on it. And normally, um, schools, you know, don't budget that on the front end. Um, but we felt comfortable with it being on our state a notice that we could go ahead and put that in the budget. And so in doing that, we moved some expenditure from the operating down to there because it's a different fund. And um so that's how we were able to make it. Um we're 1.2 million um is what we're projecting that we're going to spend out of
043our balance now instead of the 2 million. That's kind of the changes that we've made so far. Um we still, like we said, we've got some final um you know, you've got salaries and benefits that we've got to adjust because you're hiring and people are coming and going still. So, we've got some of those to make. Um, and we have also have our health insurance. We don't have confirmation for sure on that yet as to how much that's going to be. So, our estimate, you know, we're high on it, we think. So, we may be able to lower that some. >> You're probably not high enough. So it will be coming back in September again, but you know for now this is this is what we're comfortable with. Um and we feel that this is
044the best spot we are in at this moment and we will come back and hopefully provide you a better picture um and with the additional things that we have to look at. >> And Miss Carter got news this afternoon. >> I know. I'm sorry. I >> It's okay. >> You can tell. >> Sorry. >> I share. You can tell. >> No, I'm not telling. I'm just saying don't forget to tell. >> Last month, we had not been notified that we would receive title two or title four funds and we really count on those. And uh we received notification today that we are getting them. And uh title title two is around the same amount we generally get around 173,000 and title two is um or title four I'm sorry is down about 10,000 and it's
045we're going to get around 88,000 so for a total of 261,000. So we're that was good news for us because we really do count on those federal funds. >> That's great news. [Music] The following pages are uh the analysis of property assessments. The preliminary data page is our state aid notice. And then the final page is our summary of our indebtedness. You have any questions? [Music] You have any questions? We have a recommendation. >> I do have one. Let's back up to line item 2223 on professional development. There >> we actually have to make a motion. the discussion. So if somebody wants to make a motion, >> I make a motion to approve the proposed budget as or to accept it as presented. >> Thanks, Molly. >> A second. >> Motion. We got a motion,
046a second. >> Do we have discussion? >> Now we get a discussion. >> There you go. >> Jump the gun a little bit. >> No, you're good. >> Uh 2223 there, the professional development side. C >> can you guys explain that? Do the title two funds affect that that we have coming in? >> These are two separate funds. The professional development and 2223 are considered state categorical funds. And when teachers utilize those funds, they can count that towards their required professional development hours for their lensure. And when we use the federal funds from six 60 >> 60 >> 6,000 >> 65 uh It left me >> um >> 67.86 or 6756. >> Um those funds are for any above and beyond their required hours >> past the 30 hours. >> Yes. >> So we use
047those a lot of times to bring in contract services such as solution tree that come in and work with the teachers maybe on their planning periods or if they are um doing guiding coalition things. That's what we're spending on the extra hours. Is that correct? Past the 30 required hours the state requires us. >> Just one example. >> Okay. >> Past the 36. >> But if we we can also send people to conferences like Aea. Um we >> it's just we kind of work with the teachers to determine whether it's above their 36 or not so we know where we can expense it to. >> Gotcha. Okay. Any other discussion? >> M Harper, sorry Harper M. Scott, there's a lot of work that goes into this. I know um especially Miss Harper, I know you've
048been working this brilliant. So, thank you. >> Um, Miss Dwey, thank you to you and your staff, everyone here. I know there's a lot that goes into this and it's a it's a living document. It's it's constantly changing. So, I know everyone's watching this pretty close, right? these numbers make everyone okay, we're watching this. So, thank you for the work that you're doing keeping keeping us all this in check. And so, thank y'all. >> When I went to Hot Springs that meeting in there, the people who were talking about budgets, your school budgets, you can present them, but they're a living, like you said, living document. It's going to change. It's not going to be something you can just rubber stamp and say this is it. Because something may not come in in one category,
049something might surprise you and come in larger in another category. So, it's it's a tough situation, but you're doing a good job. >> Any other discussion? All those in favor? Unanimous. Thank you, ladies. >> Thank you. We appreciate it. [Music] >> Re request to approve contracted services agreement for dyslexia. >> Sorry. >> Hello. >> Okay. Our background for this is that on July 15, 2016, the Arkansas State Board of Education gave final approval to the Arkansas Department of Education rules governing how to meet the needs of children with dyslexia. Since the 2016 2017 school year, Mountain Public School Board of Education has invested in many opportunities to develop further training and strategies for teachers and staff. Some of these include Apple Connection, season Barton, and district RTI guidelines. For the 25 26 school year, we
050would like to continue intervention support for grades K12 and efforts to increase student comprehension and reading skills. The interventionist will provide direct instruction for students in need of additional academic support. Our recommendation is that um we would like to approve the academic service agreements of Pam Cash, Martha Wedworth, Rita Williams, and Kelly Connley as presented. And you'll see if you click on um the link for contracted services agreement, you'll see each um each lady mentioned has their individual contract listed there. And these ladies have been with us. They're retired teachers from our district and they've been doing this work with us for several years. Um, and I would like to say we are working very hard to reduce the need for contracted services. Um, we've talked a little bit about our intervention plan for K5.
051Um, it it's going to be a pretty a pretty different strategy. We're including a lot of our certified teachers and trying to do um intervention especially at Hackler is one of our big undertakings. um starting the day seven I think that the time we've said is 7 um 50 to 85 somewhere in there the times we're we're around it's it's a 45 minute whole building intervention time our students that are identified already as um students with characteristics of dyslexia will get their services at that time and then our other students um we we're trying to add some bridges um for students that need a little bit extra support but aren't quite to the place of needing that one to four group and we're pulling in it's called 95% group we we've brought that to you
052before I believe um and just trying to do a really intense reading focus during that morning time independent reading for students that that don't need reading support we'll kind of have a menu of things that the students are doing during that time Nelson Wils is going to do a very similar model they'll be doing it one grade level at a time kindergarten at this time is going to be pretty much as it has been because those students are we're getting more students at that level. Um, as of now for contracted services, we have only five students, K5 that are needing contracted services. We've brought that number down as much as we can. Um, those ladies will still be helping our um, older students so they can finish their programs. And we also have moved one
053reading interventionist from kindergarten to Kingston because of enrollment numbers and because the numbers in Kingston are elevated because we did not have um this this plan in place quite yet. So, it's going to be a big change, but we feel like this is going to be a strategy at least to try to see if we can add a few new pieces to our intervention program before they're just gone straight to um that connections one to four group or Susan Barton. So, it's going to be good. Miss Trivet, I want to give a shout out to her. Um, all of our teachers are at open house, but she has been in training all summer. um she has spent countless personal hours um thinking through, we have a spreadsheet currently that she's made. It's amazing that she's
054already got our students placed. Um another aspect of this we're really excited about is because of our scheduling. If a student was in a group that was moving too fast or too slow, some of the scheduling wasn't allowing us to be really fluid in the grouping. And this is going to allow us to be very fluid and adjust that that pace for the students if we need to. So there's several aspects to this that we are excited about. But just want to give you a little background because we do still need some contracted services to meet the need, but we're trying our best to to bring that down. Any questions about that? Okay. We're going to be starting that. We're going to let our teachers get their procedures in place and all that. before we
055start. This is going to be a big shift for them. So, we'll we'll be starting this we think after Labor Day. So, we'll have some information on that. >> Well, we appreciate all the work that you've done on that. You know, firsthand I' i've seen the success of some of the dyslexia training and programs that we've had in the school and and you know, doesn't affect the students intelligence necessarily, which is a common misconception. So, you know, very much appreciate um what you what we've done as a school district up to this point on that and the meaningfulness that it has and uh some of the people that don't understand it, you know, out there in the public just how important it is to spend the time and money on these resources for those students
056that do have those issues because again, it's not an intelligence problem of any sort >> and sometimes that gets misidentified with them as an intellectual problem when it's not. So, but it does affect their confidence, not addressing it >> and then that can affect their studies when when a simple intervention like that can mean the world of difference early on for their academic career. So, really appreciate the work and effort you guys have done in that for all of our students so far. It's it's it's been fantastic. >> I also want to add these teachers, you know, when you look at dyslexia and different things like that, sometimes they really do need just a little bit extra, some supplies, different things. And I know Mr. Myers alluded to the Mountain Home Education Foundation earlier. Um,
057donations are always accepted and these teachers write grants. The uh, Miss Trevet and Miss Norcross received a grant to buy >> special supplies to enhance and to improve that learning and to engage the students. So there is funding coming from all sorts of places and the grants people have to write and the donations and um everything that's can be given to the students to become better in the classroom does nothing more but come back to us in the future. >> Yeah. >> Well, we had a one PD day we had this summer that was it actually was even better than I anticipated. that the founder connections of the Apple group connections, Mary Margaret Schston, she brought two other trainers with her. They spent a whole day with any of the teachers in the district that
058wanted to come for we called it connections refresher because some of our teachers were trained in that program years ago. Um there's been a few updates and and really just to get to hear her again and hear her trainers and they worked, you know, one-on-one with teachers. They brought some supplies and interacted with them. That was we had a really good turnout for that. And I was really excited. A lot of our interventionists came that are just there because they're they want to learn more about their program. And then Miss Trivet hosted a day last week with um all the reading interventionists in the district. She hosted lunch for them. They got to visit. They got to talk about, you know, they don't see each other because they're in different buildings. And so it's just
059a really good way to build community with them and to make sure our interventionists know that they are a vital part of our staff. So, um, that was a that was just a couple of highlights this summer that go along with with what we're trying to do. So, >> I will say as a classroom teacher, having that building wide at the same time allows for these groups to be fluid >> and that has not always been the case, right? >> And when you have a student that you might be I mean I had children with dyslexia in the gifted program. >> Absolutely. And then so when they needed those minutes, >> they have to have their statemandated GT minutes, right? >> And then they need to be in their regular core content classrooms. >> And
060so this is >> we're Yeah, we're going to try to protect >> if they're moving quickly, they may >> well, you technically could have a third grader with a fifth grader and you know what I'm saying? >> Depend on what level they're in. >> It's going to be much more um we'll be there this year. But I I see it working >> in that direction. So >> that's good. >> We'll have to we'll have some feedback. There's going to be some not >> be some things. You know, we watched this. >> We told y'all we watched this at Greenbryer um in the winter and we watched it once it was they were they were very comfortable with implementation. So it looked easy. Oh, we can do this. This is going to be great. Um we
061know that things >> it's going to be okay. and they were carrying milk in the classrooms and I'm like, "Oh my gosh, our teachers are not gonna let you bring in breakfast and trying to get to intervention." So, you have to think about, okay, now we're gonna have to think about breakfast and they've got to eat, right? We can't they've got to have their breakfast. So, just figuring that out and um you know, there's going to be students that I mean, half y'all know how big that building is just trying to get everybody where they're supposed to be. But our teachers are they have risen to anything we've asked them to do and our principles are excited to try something new. So >> we appreciate all the work on that. It's really shown. So >>
062yeah, this will be fun. >> We still need to vote. >> I make a motion to approve the contracted services agreement for this selection as presented. >> I'll second. Motion is second. Any other discussion? >> Those in favor? We're good. Thanks J. >> Sprint to the seat now. I can talk more about it if you want. >> Good. Mr. Rose, grand finale here. >> Thank you guys for letting me come up here tonight. Hey, before we start on this, I do want to say thank you to each of you guys ladies. You guys make all these decisions and work really hard. And I think you look at every kid, it doesn't you're not like picking certain ones. I want to spend money on this kid or that kid. And like from the AP kids to
063Jed Look around here, you see Guyberry, you see everybody. And that's that's just it's awesome to have a district like that that supports every kid who walks through. So, it's pretty cool to see those pictures when you walk in because it helps you make those decisions, I think, based on those kids, right? >> Anyhow, that being said, now we'll get to my business. >> And I second time I watched that video and J >> still ain't made it through without >> crying. So, I mean, it's unbelievable. Okay. So, the first one we're going to go over is our contracted services agreement. We we this is an updated one. We did this last year, so this is renewal. Mr. Tim Bryant, um he was a driver for us for a while, drove for some for the
064city and different things, but also drove for us. He moved out of district and took another job as a pastor over at Flipping. And so, he's living there, driving there, but he comes back and helps us with bus driver training. So, we get new applicants um that we get them hooked up with Mr. Bryant and he helps them go through the process of obtaining their CDL with passenger endorsements to drive a school bus for us. Okay. So, that's a needed service that that we got to have to keep keep drivers coming in, keep drivers on the road. So, I'm just asking that we update that again and uh approve that contract agreement with Mr. Bryant for this 2526 school year. >> Heard the recommendation. Do we have a motion? [Music] I make a motion we
065approve the contracted services for bus training as presented. >> Second. >> Got a motion in a second. Any discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor? Thanks, Mr. Rose. >> Thank you. >> Now we got a Now we've trained them. Now we got to need to put them in a bus. So, as you know, it's kind of a, you know, I'm relatively still new to this role, but I'm trying to find it on my phone, so I'm pull it up here. So, I run off left building in a hurry while ago and then grab my computer. >> Um, >> you want mine here. Does Mr. [Music] >> Yeah, I can't see it there better. I can see right here. If you're listening, you can still make fun of me about that. >> So, just a little
066background. You know, we used to try I think you used to try to get a couple buses every year and as the money comes and goes, it's kind of up in the air. Miss Stewie and I, we start talking about this early on and Miss Carter and Miss Donna back there and trying to figure out what can we do, what we can't. You know, we run a ton of miles every year. So, one thing I noted in the background up there is uh just for instance, and it's nothing anybody's doing wrong or or right or nothing. It's just the process. If you have certain amounts of money, you have to take a board action and get voted on right before you can buy it. We missed a couple really good chances at some buses over
067the summer. They just like a school district ordered some and they fell through. Something on them was not to their liking. It didn't come suited like they wanted. They wanted push button doors instead of mechanical, for instance. So, they rejected them and there was a brand new bus sitting there already made that didn't take 14 months of wait time to get and at a little better cost because they had to get rid of them, right? So, things like that. So, we got to talking about that, but we're in a area we really need to get and we have budgeted this so we got to get something on the in the process so we can get something approved to buy a bus when it comes available. So, uh something we're looking at we did this last
068year if you remember and um it worked out really well. Um we we partnered with a company or I say partnered we've got some sources out there. Mr. Paul has found uh potentially found us another bus. It is low mileage bus. Um, less than 30,000 miles. Something around 27,000 is kind of the one we've got eyes on right now. Just don't have all the specs to share with you yet. We got a few. Don't have the whole works, but um 77 passenger. I can confirm that and some other really high things added on to it. So, it's a pretty nice pretty nice vehicle. Um, the one I've got my eyes on, it's a 24 model as well. So, you know, warranty, all that good stuff. So, long story short, uh the new buses like the
069one we're hoping we can get our hands on once we inspect it and all that is is they run roughly 175 to 180 probably way this will be spec and uh a new and you're talking about about a 14month lead time before we could even lay hands on it. We found this one um we're looking at and hopefully we can get a get a hold of and it works out. Nonetheless, the recommendation I'm asking for, I'll keep it kind of vague at this point just in case, but the recommendation is to purchase a used bus, 77 passenger at least, which is about the max that we normally purchase. And then gasoline bus like we've been getting over the past few years, low mileage, less than 30,000, and we're going to keep it underneath $125,000. >>
070Heard the recommendation. Do we have a motion? Any other of y'all can make motion? >> I make I make a motion to approve the request for bus purchase as presented. >> I'll second. >> Got a motion in a second. Any discussion? >> Yeah, these bus purchases, they're they're they're expensive, but this is a can that you can only kick down the road so far before it comes back and bites us. And we've we've kicked it once. >> You have to get these or else you're suddenly going to wind up with a really old fleet that a lot needs replacing at the same time. So, I think this is a great solution to that. Hey, there's a used bus, but we can't wait till the next board meeting to get approval to then and it's gone
071now. So, um yeah, I have I have zero issues with pre-authorizing that purchase for when you >> Yeah, I agree because you can run into with an older fleet higher cost of repairs. I mean, new engines can be 40 to $60,000 on a bus. Um, and plus with our outreach of where our buses have to go, uh, for a district our size is double some of these other districts where they're their miles traveled are half of what we have to face. So, I think this is very very reasonable. Uh, does it have air conditioning? The one we're looking at. Yeah. Okay. But yeah, I >> I can give you a few, Mr. Ber. I can give you a few details that I know for sure because I think it may have already arrived up there.
072And if it is, Mr. Bell's going to go and look at it either tomorrow or Monday. But it's it's a Cadillac. Yeah. And it's got the under storage for it. So we it' be one we'd put right if it's if it's what we think it is. We put it right into an activity going activity group. >> It's updated with the air ride seats, the armrest, the highest tech camera systems, the under storage, that kind of stuff. So that's about 20,000 15 to $20,000 over what a normal route must cost. >> Those are about a 160. This one probably is closer to 180 >> in years. In years past, ideally we had thought three buses a year is what we needed to maintain our fleet. Is that still the case? >> Probably. So >> ideally so
073I mean we really still are kicking the can. I mean >> how many buses total do we have? >> I think Paul told me the other day we sure about 50 somewhere 52. >> We did take a 50 plus. We did take a we had a we were looking at a smaller special education type bus for the routes. Um they were able to as of now they're wanting running one less >> yes >> special education route. >> So the need for that bus >> is not there. So we've kind of been able to skirt around that. >> But as you know >> but we have to be watching >> that was due on the student. >> We got lucky. I mean that's as of today >> wheelchair buses equipped for wheelchairs. So if that something
074like that changes >> we will have to come >> we'll have to reassess. It could mean doubling up on a on a driver to make special trips that kind of thing. >> But um at this moment we were able to cut down from four to three on our special education routes. >> Are we seeing any larger repairs on some of those older buses? >> Are the repair costs climbing in the fleet? Yeah. Yes and no. You know, uh, one of the good things is, as you you know, Jason, as the last few years, Mr. Paul has went to asking for gas buses, right? >> So, we know gas is a lot cheaper than diesel when you go to working on those motors. You don't have all the deaf systems, all that kind of stuff to
075go along with it. >> Um, you get probably more longevity out of the diesel typically, but there is a lot more expensive cost to upkeep and maintain, not to mention the just the right way, probably the the level a mechanic to work on a diesel engine, diesel mechanic versus a gas. >> Overall cost of ownership is lower on a gas. >> Yeah, it definitely is. Um, so >> well too, don't you see that the diesel engine will last a lot longer, but the body work won't last any longer, right? >> You know, these these are rough. >> Even our paved roads are rough. >> Gravel roads like >> we've got some rough ones. You get on some of those. I drove last year there. They're rough. >> They're rough. And I know the county does
076what they can, but they're with all water we get, they're rough. And you have hills. >> But the gross math of 50 buses changing out three a year, that still gives a lifespan of 17 years per bus >> bouncing down our county roads, etc. Like it's an old fleet. Like it'll >> So you kick that can much further. That budget we just talked, are there any other buses this year in that budget or is this basically it? As of right now, that's it. But, you know, I think we're watching that insurance cost is going to be I don't we don't want to get into all that right now, but sure, >> as we see some of those projected costs, we get the actual I think we'll be able to make some better decisions. >> Okay.
077>> I can give you a better answer. >> Yeah. I mean, we have to buy buses, so that's a >> Yes, sir. and very reasonable price too for for the the model >> based on what you see. So >> I think we can get it under that a little bit if I'm what I'm hearing right the one we like is what they say it is we'll get it a little bit under that. So >> which is always good. Maybe they'll leave us a little bit in hold for another one sometime. >> Any other discussion? >> All those in favor? Unanimous. Thanks Mr. Rose. >> Thank you guys. Appreciate you. >> Thank you sir. for discussion. [Music] Anything you want to share? >> We uh Miss Carter sent me a copy of the insurance policy. I
078was asking about the supplemental plan >> and I went through it and I took it to my boss Joey, had him go over it. it's okay. But he said there's nothing out there that is really great anyway. And he said the one thing on those supplemental plans is you've got to stay after it's if you have an injury or something like that, don't take no first answer because they are rubber stamping up. Okay. So, and he said that uh uh typically in most situations like that with the is uh because it falls on the parents >> and they don't follow through. So, if the parent comes to you and says they didn't pay anything, did you fill out the forms? Did you take you to the doctor's office? So, and they don't follow through. So,
079but he said for $11,000 you're getting your money for it. >> Okay, that's good to know. Thanks for doing that homework. >> Joey did most of it. Didn't take him anymore. >> Oh, good. He needed to do something. >> He needed to do something. He just got back from Spain in Italy. You know, we finally put him back to work for >> I did see an article today that Sarah Huckabe Sanders was questioning the insurance hikes with Blue Cross Blue Shield. So, >> maybe >> I don't fingers crossed. that will >> I did not read it. I saw the picture. >> Maybe >> I read some of it. Hopefully, it will. >> I'll tell you this, that didn't just happen overnight. They've been working on this for a year. >> And Cintine is doing the
080same thing. Centine's going to ask 50%. >> Yeah. >> And so, >> we always joked as teachers that anytime >> our pay increased, our insurance cost increased. It seemed oddly >> happens on Medicare. Oddly, >> so the pay didn't really increase, right? >> The pay really didn't increase. So, but I will say home pays more towards insurance than >> district kicks in a lot more than most districts do. >> They're they're going to they'll take less of an increase more than likely, but there's going to be an increase. I did get an email yesterday and I think I shared it I may have shared it with you all about we do not expect our employees to have any additional cost. So the district will probably but so that's good news for our folks this year.
081Don't know for the next couple but they're saying this year. So fingers crossed that holds right because it wasn't an official email. It was from a from our co-op. >> Okay. Any other discussion? M do you have anything? >> I do. I've got a couple of things. First of all, it's been a great week to have teachers back on campuses. And um tonight open houses, it reminds you just walking through the hallways as an administrator why we do what we do. And it's for those families and for those kids and for those teachers. And that was um just reminds us of why we're here after summer. Of course. Um, I look forward to hearing how many. You know, teachers love to tell you 19 out of my 24 were here or I've already had 10
082come through my classroom. So, >> but did the Pinkston kids get their lockers open? >> There were no tears. I did check. I asked I asked on both hallways. I decorated. >> Sixth grade. I didn't go I didn't ask on seventh grade because they're real mature, you know, they've already done that a year. But I did ask on the sixth grade hall and as of the time I was there about 4:30, no tears. So, that was good news. On the topic of of open houses, um >> I was in three different campuses today and I just wanted to say >> the campuses looked fantastic. The grass was all cut, a lot of smiling faces. It was well attended. I mean, it was it was an excellent showing on the part of the district today. So,
083well done. >> And I agree on your campus that they looked great. That was something I noticed. >> Decked out classroom photos. Um, yeah, super cute stuff >> and the positivity of the teachers um has been fantastic and and to you, Miss Dwey, great job on the back to school bash. I don't know who attended that or who didn't, but >> um if you've ever been a former teacher, you at certain places it's it's uh more, you know, depressing than it is welcoming in some regards. And uh it was a breath of fresh air to see the every teacher smiling, music playing, everybody ready to get back into action and kind of disguise point. When you go to these buildings, you see that refreshment carrying over and and I truly believe that's not at every
084district. So great job on on creating that type of environment for our teachers, which will which will follow over to our students, which is the main goal. So >> Monday morning was a lot of fun. >> It was. It was. >> Skip was great. The skits were amazing. did. >> People were still talking about it at buildings today. >> I'll never >> The first one was gold. Yeah. >> I scream. We sometimes aren't super, you know, we don't always just get up and walk to the offices to talk to somebody and I said, "Jennifer, I got an idea." And she came in and >> But those performers came up. They did it. I said, "There's your topic. Here's a video idea." And we had a 15minute run through on Friday morning. And when I say
08515, 15 minutes maybe. And they just >> I mean >> they did great. >> They were amazing. >> Potter's husband really stole the show. >> Well, Mr. Rose has a second >> and Mr. Rose did. >> He did. He did pretty fantastic as well. Um, I did want to let folks know, and this is live streamed, and I want each of you all to know that my daughter, uh, my eldest will, Leah, will be on one of our campuses. She's going to be working as a speech pathologist for, uh, Personal Therapy Group. And our district has had a long-standing contract with Personal Therapy Group. Of course, she's thrilled to have a job and to be in town, but I wanted to make sure everyone knew that she's not working for the district. You haven't missed
086that on a personnel report. there wasn't a need for a contract disclosure, just she's working for another company. Um, so I just wanted to make sure people had that awareness. Um, other than that, I would like to talk about a work session. We had talked about having a work session for an academic discussion. Um, I did this would be like our letter grades, the school letter grades, explaining how that works. I'd like for you all to get a look at um my personal deliberative plan of practice, Miss Lawrence's, and show you how that's working throughout the buildings. It'll be great. So, this will be academic focus. So, 9:23, 9:25, or 9:30. Does anybody have a Somebody told me they were going to be out and I'm sorry that I went back through my emails and
087couldn't find it. What dates? over >> all of one of the things this would not be there won't be any action so we can zoom you could you could watch from afar if you needed to phone on >> 9:23 9:25 or 9:30 were three options >> I'm open all of that >> okay does anybody else have >> I'm gonna pull my phone up I turn it off >> does anybody have a preference on a Tuesday or Thursday and we could do a Monday I just picked those. >> Tonight practices are Tuesdays and Thursdays. >> What practices? >> Okay, let me move on. Okay, let's look. And and Jason does work with the mountain bike team. Let me look. >> Um I think >> the kids aren't coming back here if I'm there or not, but
088I sure do enjoy it. >> Let me give you another option. >> But it doesn't don't I mean it >> I know. Let me look though because I I just picked those dates. I wanted to do this in September. We should have our school letter grades >> by that time. So that I just felt like that would be a good time to have those discussions. I can do 9:24. I'm helping in a class at church, but I can figure something out on 9:24. The other option would be 9:29. It's a Monday. I'm good for eat any of those days. >> 6 6 PM always works better for me than 5:30 for work sessions. But >> I can do we can do that and I I will have it to where um it's pretty tight as
089far as what we're talking about, what y'all are looking at so that um it can we can do it in a timely. >> Well, once we start talking, all the bets are off, right? >> Yeah. >> 29th. I can do 29th. >> Okay. Is 929. Okay. >> 929 for me. All right. Perfect. at 6. >> That worked better. 9:29 at 6. [Music] >> And with that, school starts on Tuesday and we cannot wait for our kids to get back. >> The buses are rolling. And I'll send y'all a reminder about 9:29 at 6 or Miss Kelly will put it in an email, too. Okay. >> And what time will that start? >> 6 o'clock. We'll move into executive session for personnel resignations and transfers. >> Thank you.