Superintendent Lee Vent says Barton-Lexa may be the first school district in the state to adopt a disaster recovery plan. The board unanimously approved the plan after Vent and Sara Cox, administrative assistant, explained the process for data recovery, assembling the recovery team and the steps outlined in the plan to save records such as board minutes or lesson plans if a major catastrophe such as a flood or fire were to occur.
The session also included the approval of a resolution and the presentation of a manual for the bonds recently issued pledging to keep the bonds tax exempt. The measure received six “yes” votes. Travis Williams cast the lone “no” vote.
The board went into executive session and reconvened in open session and accepted the resignation of two employees, employed several teachers, a cafeteria worker, a Title I teacher, security guards and after school program teachers. They also contracted six teachers to take on one additional period to cover a social studies class, and approved next year’s administration staff.
Vent and the board reviewed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and what impact it will have on the district.
“Schools are not exempt from the act and the Barton-Lexa School District should benefit,” explained Vent.
Although the stimulus package has not received approval, Vent said the district was set to gain $772,200 in funds.
He suggested using the funds carefully.
“Right now it’s just a guess,” he said.
Vent said that other districts in the county would get funds as well and that the figures were based on the number of students receiving free or reduced meals.
Coach Mike Bush presented the final draft of the athletic guidelines he proposed at the last meeting. The district does not have a policy manual adopted and Bush said the policy would establish guidelines for various district policies such as safety procedures, sporting event participation and attendance.
“I feel this is very important to have,” said Bush.
He said it would give “some accountability to the athletic program.”
“Now everyone will be on the same page,” remarked board member Gloria Estes and thanked Bush for his work on the manual.
The board was given copies so they could review it before they officially it.
The board approved changes in the district’s policy that the Arkansas Department of Education suggested when they performed an onsite standards review last Thursday. It changes wording in policies that dealt with requirements for residency, attendance, student discipline, staff development dates and grading. The changes will be posted on the district’s Web site, said Vent.
“It’s a matter of semantics,” commented Vent.
The changes to the policy still must go through the policy committee and they meet the first Tuesday of the month.
Vent explained a new pilot program that teaches Mandarin Chinese. The program is in five school districts in Arkansas and works like an exchange program. The teachers come from Mainland China and reside in the school district for two years, teaching the language and culture to the students. Vent said the Barton-Lexa School District stood a good change at participating in the program.
Vent said that Mandarin Chinese is the most popular language spoken in the world.
