Tuesday, June 16, members of the Mena School Board voted to increase the salarys of the district’s superintendent and assistant superintendent.
Superintendent Benny Weston’s salary was increased to $132,000 per year and new assistant superintendent, Dr. Lee Smith’s salary was increased to $95,000 per year.
Board members also accepted the resignation of Kristy Hall and Sarah Billings and the hiring of Rachel Dover and Claire Williamson.
Ray Beardsley of First Security Finaance of Little Rock spoke to the board about refinancing over $5.5 million in bonds.
Beardsley reported the winning bid was by FHN with a rate of 1.43 percent. He stated the district will save $492,480 over the life of the bond.
Board members passed two resolutions one resolution authorized the superintendent and the district treasurer to transfer assets over $2.5 million to the district’s building fund. The other resolution suspended any portion of the present school boar policies that may come in conflict with updated waives or temporary emergency COVID-19 legislation.
Mena Middle School Principal Clifton Sherrer reported the middle school was oneo of only 15 schools in the state that was selected to participate in an adequacy study.
The study is to help quarantee a viable learning platform when school resumes this fall by having district patrons fill out a survey.
High School Principal David Maxwell provided details concerning the 2020 commencement, which is scheduled for July 18th. He informed the board more guidance from the state is expected by June 30th.
Maxwell said he has not received any word concerning the approval of a 2020 prom.
Board members approved the purchase of a new handicap accessible bus at a cost of $88,875. They also voted to renew the district’s building and property insurance, as well as the suppliemental student accident insurance for the 2020-2021 school year.
Mena Superintendent Benny Weston presented retiring Assistant Superintendent Paulette Sherrer with a plaque honoring her for her 30 years of service to the Mena School District. Submitted photo.
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Jeri Pearson
Jeri is the News Director for Pulse Multi-Media and Editor of The Polk County Pulse. She has 10 years of experience in community focused journalism and has won multiple press association awards.
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