WARREN, Ark. – The Warren School Board met in regular monthly session Monday evening, March 14, 2022.
After approving past minutes and the monthly financial report, the board heard from Jason Holsclaw, representing Stephens Public Finance, who is handling the bond issue. Mr. Holsclaw went over the details of the issue and the authorizing resolution. According to Mr. Holsclaw the bond issue is for $5.1 million at a rate of 2.53%. Bonds are being purchased by FHN Financial Capital Markets. Union Bank will serve as the trustee.
After the information was provided, the board voted 7-0 to adopt the authorizing resolution. These are the funds that are building the new elementary school and arena.
Next on the agenda were minute messages from each school principal and the Director of SEACBEC. Each gave a brief report on the status of reading and math progress by grade.
The overall report showed improvement across the board. The SEACBEC report was submitted in writing. The written report highlighted activities for the month and pointed out the following students recently competed in the HOSA State Conference in Hot Springs:
- Bailey Solis-Medical Law and ethics
- Cristal Castillo-Medical Math
- Jayden Grider-Vet Science
February was Career and Technical Education month and Black History month at the Center.
After conducting an executive session, the board returned to public meeting and approved the following personnel actions:
Voted to accept the resignations of;
- Anne O’Neill, Warren High School Instructor
- Payton Sledge, Warren High School Cheer Sponsor
- Melanie Fitzgibbon, Science Instructor at Middle School
- Daysha Matthews, Brunson School Yearbook Sponsor
Voted to approve the retirement of;
- Ruth Clary, 38 years service in food service at Eastside
- LaDonna Marsh, 30 years instructor at Eastside
Superintendent Cornish stated both ladies have done great jobs and will be missed.
The board then approved an ERate grant to install up to date internet facilities at the new elementary school and arena. The grant is for $27,284.99. The grant is from the Federal government.
A minor change was made to improve the 2022-2023 school calendar and the board adopted the new school zones for election of board members as a result of the census.
Superintendent Cornish gave a monthly report and stated Spring Break is March 21-25. School will be dismissed for Good Friday, April 15 and graduation is set for May 12 at
Jim Hurley, Jr. Field.
In final action the board renewed the Superintendents contract at a salary of $120,000.00 per year, a 2.1% raise. The raise is in line with the percentage raise for teachers.
All seven board members were present for the meeting.
