The Waldron School Board approved a series of personnel recommendations, policy updates and routine financial items during its regular meeting on Monday, July 13.
Board members Clay Woodall, Konnor McKay and John Keener were present. Angela Hunsucker and Toni VanDeWiele were absent. Superintendent Daniel Fielding and district administrators were also in attendance.
During public comment, David Jones addressed the board regarding the possibility of purchasing or leasing the former bus garage and the visitor parking lot at the old football field, which is currently leased to the City of Waldron.
The board unanimously approved its consent agenda, which included approval of the June meeting minutes, financial reports and expenditures, purchase orders, insurance invoices and a purchase order with Northern Tool and Equipment.
Board members also unanimously approved updates to several district policies and adopted a resolution required under Act 1105 of 2017 authorizing the superintendent and district treasurer to transfer any year-end balance exceeding $1.99 million in the district’s operating funds to the building fund after required categorical and restricted funds are deducted.
District preparing for start of school
Building principals reported that summer student workers and custodial staff have made significant progress preparing campuses for the upcoming school year.
Elementary Principal Cheyenne Smith announced that local artist Avery Self is painting a mural at the elementary campus and said a math specialist has provided staff training during the summer.
Middle School Principal Josh Atchley recognized student Kaylee Ammons for representing Waldron at the National FBLA Conference in San Antonio, Texas, and praised both Ammons and adviser Mrs. Waddle for their dedication. He also officially welcomed Jessica Brown as the district’s new assistant principal.
Assistant Superintendent Chris Lipham updated the board on athletics and transportation. He reported that cheerleaders were hosting a youth camp, football teams were participating in summer 7-on-7 competitions, basketball teams recently attended camps in Branson, and the district continues to recruit drivers to fill two open bus routes. Lipham also promoted the district’s Bulldog apparel store.
Superintendent Daniel Fielding updated the board on ongoing roof projects at the elementary and middle schools and commended administrators, teachers and students for improvements in the district’s ATLAS assessment scores.
Personnel approved
The board unanimously approved the following personnel actions for the 2026-27 school year:
- Mason Cox, Technology Support Specialist, effective July 21.
- Preston Bays, Level 1 Bus Driver.
- Kanisha Schafer, First Step/ABC Paraprofessional.
- Morgyn Gamaza, Elementary Special Education Paraprofessional.
- Kayle Pickens, Elementary Special Education Paraprofessional.
- Anna Hudson, transferred from middle school paraprofessional to 238-day Attendance Clerk/Special Education Secretary.
- Juanita Mays, Middle School Paraprofessional.
- Renee Seay, Middle School Paraprofessional.
- Jayde Escalanta Watts, Middle School Special Education Paraprofessional.
- Lane Metcalf, Middle School Math Teacher.
- Rae Newlin, High School Social Studies Teacher.
Following the completion of business, the board adjourned at 7:10 p.m.
