Members of the Barton-Lexa School Board and administrators met Tuesday to address a lengthy agenda and unanimously passed a resolution to issue bonds that will finance new facilities.
The school district will generate $295,000 through the bonds to help finance a new cafeteria, a combined cafeteria and auditorium complex, kindergarten classrooms, nurses and counselors offices.
Carey Smith, vice president of Stephens Inc., explained that Ross Sinclaire and Associates submitted the highest bid with 4.244 percent in interest rates. He had told the board at an earlier session that he could get them a lower rate but said the economy prevented low interest rates. Smith said he felt the offered rate was still “a good rate.” The district will make its first payment Aug. 1, 2009.
The board also unanimously approved the addition of costs associated with tree and stump removal to the costs for removal of the old high school building. That project will cost the district about $42,000. The stump removal project totaled $9,423.
Kenneth Murphree, elementary principal and David Bagley, the high school principal, addressed the board about various events at the school. Murphree said that parent’s night went well. Bagley briefly explained that students would be taking semester exams and the release times for the holidays and the basketball teams progress on the court.
Superintendent Lee Vent presented a financial report that reflected the district has about $3 million in funds.
A lengthy conservation was held concerning the Standards Assessment Review the school would undergo Feb. 4.
“Between now and July, we really need to get our house in order,” said Vent.
“We have some issues we don’t want to go to court with.”
Vent said the school had many policies that conflicted and that the district would have to ensure that various policies were addressed. A thick folder was presented with several items that needed adjustments.
Vent was asked for copies of the changes in the board meeting but Barbara Davidson was referred to the district Web site and an e-mail. Davidson said she needed the copies because she couldn’t access them through the Web site or her e-mail.
“It’s been there a month,” said Vent who seemed reluctant to have the copies made, citing time and trees.
Travis Williams, the newest board member, volunteered to pay for the records to be copied from his own personal funds.
It was suggested that a retreat be held to address over 1,000 changes. Vent also talked about a policy change that would require the district to pay $3 a mile for travel to athletic events.
Coach Mike Bush also addressed the board about athletic policies that the district has never adopted. Bush was instructed to make a formal presentation at the next meeting.
Bagley also approached the board concerning changes to the student handbook that need to be implemented.
“One-hundred and fifty-five areas will be reviewed by the Standards Assurance Committee,” he said.
“The job that Ms. Cox and Mr. Vent are doing will save our bacon,” he commented. The board unanimously approved adopting a change in the school’s policy concerning tobacco and tobacco products. The policy change will allow the district to apply for a $75,000 grant for tobacco programs with the help of the Delta Area Health Education Center. The adoption prohibits students, staff and visitors from using tobacco products anywhere on campus, including their personal vehicles. The board member Williams asked if a sign would be posted about the new policy. Sara Cox, administrative assistant said that signs were already ordered.
Vent and the board allowed the media to address the board about various Freedom of Information Act issues such as notice to the media of changes concerning board meeting and citizens concerns with record requests. Vent was asked if practices, such as letting unauthorized personnel attend executive session, had ceased. He said that the he and the board would cease that practice, which violates the FOIA. The district also has addressed state mandated records compliance on their Web site, which wasn’t available until the media brought it to the attention of the district.
The board held a brief executive session concerning executive sessions and when convened back in open session hired a new teacher to replace Mrs. Oxner, who resigned at a special meeting last month.
The board has moved their meetings to the second Tuesday of the month at 5 p.m. in the high school library. The next meeting is scheduled for Jan. 13.
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Members of the Barton-Lexa School Board and administrators met Tuesday to address a lengthy agenda and unanimously passed a resolution to issue bonds that will finance new facilities.
The school district will generate $295,000 through the bonds to help finance a new cafeteria, a combined cafeteria and auditorium complex, kindergarten classrooms, nurses and counselors offices.
Carey Smith, vice president of Stephens Inc., explained that Ross Sinclaire and Associates submitted the highest bid with 4.244 percent in interest rates. He had told the board at an earlier session that he could get them a lower rate but said the economy prevented low interest rates. Smith said he felt the offered rate was still “a good rate.” The district will make its first payment Aug. 1, 2009.
The board also unanimously approved the addition of costs associated with tree and stump removal to the costs for removal of the old high school building. That project will cost the district about $42,000. The stump removal project totaled $9,423.
Kenneth Murphree, elementary principal and David Bagley, the high school principal, addressed the board about various events at the school. Murphree said that parent’s night went well. Bagley briefly explained that students would be taking semester exams and the release times for the holidays and the basketball teams progress on the court.
Superintendent Lee Vent presented a financial report that reflected the district has about $3 million in funds.
A lengthy conservation was held concerning the Standards Assessment Review the school would undergo Feb. 4.
“Between now and July, we really need to get our house in order,” said Vent.
“We have some issues we don’t want to go to court with.”
Vent said the school had many policies that conflicted and that the district would have to ensure that various policies were addressed. A thick folder was presented with several items that needed adjustments.
Vent was asked for copies of the changes in the board meeting but Barbara Davidson was referred to the district Web site and an e-mail. Davidson said she needed the copies because she couldn’t access them through the Web site or her e-mail.
“It’s been there a month,” said Vent who seemed reluctant to have the copies made, citing time and trees.
Travis Williams, the newest board member, volunteered to pay for the records to be copied from his own personal funds.
It was suggested that a retreat be held to address over 1,000 changes. Vent also talked about a policy change that would require the district to pay $3 a mile for travel to athletic events.
Coach Mike Bush also addressed the board about athletic policies that the district has never adopted. Bush was instructed to make a formal presentation at the next meeting.
Bagley also approached the board concerning changes to the student handbook that need to be implemented.
“One-hundred and fifty-five areas will be reviewed by the Standards Assurance Committee,” he said.
“The job that Ms. Cox and Mr. Vent are doing will save our bacon,” he commented. The board unanimously approved adopting a change in the school’s policy concerning tobacco and tobacco products. The policy change will allow the district to apply for a $75,000 grant for tobacco programs with the help of the Delta Area Health Education Center. The adoption prohibits students, staff and visitors from using tobacco products anywhere on campus, including their personal vehicles. The board member Williams asked if a sign would be posted about the new policy. Sara Cox, administrative assistant said that signs were already ordered.
Vent and the board allowed the media to address the board about various Freedom of Information Act issues such as notice to the media of changes concerning board meeting and citizens concerns with record requests. Vent was asked if practices, such as letting unauthorized personnel attend executive session, had ceased. He said that the he and the board would cease that practice, which violates the FOIA. The district also has addressed state mandated records compliance on their Web site, which wasn’t available until the media brought it to the attention of the district.
The board held a brief executive session concerning executive sessions and when convened back in open session hired a new teacher to replace Mrs. Oxner, who resigned at a special meeting last month.
The board has moved their meetings to the second Tuesday of the month at 5 p.m. in the high school library. The next meeting is scheduled for Jan. 13.
