The Waldron School Board approved several financial measures and heard updates from district administrators during its regular monthly meeting Monday, Sept. 14.
Board members Clay Woodall, Konnor McKay, Angela Hunsucker, Toni VanDeWiele and John Keener were present. Woodall called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
The board unanimously approved its consent agenda, which included minutes from the Aug. 10 meeting, financial reports and expenditures, and a purchase order to the Guy Fenter Education Service Cooperative.
Board members also voted 5-0 to approve a contract disclosure form and resolution for Superintendent Daniel Fielding concerning River Valley Feed and Metal. The board unanimously approved both a lease-purchase agreement and payment-plan agreement with Ideal Impact.
In another unanimous vote, the board approved moving certificate of deposit funds to Chambers Bank for a 12-month term. Fielding and District Treasurer Misty Owens will serve as signers on the account.
Campus principals reported a strong start to the school year and outlined upcoming activities. Each campus planned to participate in the Scott County Fair, and administrators reported that student assessments and diagnostic testing were underway.
Kim Solomon, principal of the ABC and Online Academy, reported that 32 students were enrolled in the district’s virtual school.
Elementary Principal Cheyenne Smith said the school was hosting Grandparents Breakfast each morning during the week. She also reported that the elementary school was reducing screen time while increasing hands-on learning opportunities.
Middle School Principal Zack Taylor announced several upcoming events, including parent-teacher conferences in October, the FBLA Fall Conference on Sept. 29 and an FCA program featuring guest speaker Leah Amico of the University of Arizona on Oct. 5.
Taylor said work on the middle school roof was expected to be completed during the week. He also reported that the school’s first pep rally of the year was filled with excitement.
High School Principal Josh Atchley reported that the Waves of Welcome program was successful. Students earned merit days and tickets to attend Oklahoma City Thunder and Northwest Arkansas Naturals games.
Jaylin Williams, a former Arkansas Razorback and current Thunder player, sent a video congratulating Waldron High School students on their testing achievements.
Atchley said the FFA and art programs were preparing for the Scott County Fair. He also recognized the yearbook staff and Sandy Tull for their work taking student photographs this year.
Assistant Superintendent Chris Lipham reported that the Waldron Bulldogs football team was 3-0. He said the golf team would compete in the district tournament in Glenwood on Sept. 22, while the volleyball and cross-country seasons were underway.
Lipham also announced that, because of a donation, Waldron students will not be charged admission to any home sporting events during the current school year.
Fielding reported that roofing projects at the middle school and ALA were expected to be completed during the week. He also updated the board on the Secure Rural Schools Act and possible changes that could accompany the next extension of the program.
A tentative board budget meeting was scheduled for Sept. 21 at 5:30 p.m.
The board entered executive session at 7 p.m. and returned to open session at 7:58 p.m. After reconvening, members voted unanimously to accept the resignation of bus driver Kenneth Overturf, effective Sept. 30.
The meeting adjourned at 8:02 p.m.
