Bentonville Public Schools public meetings in 2020
24 substantive meetings from 2020, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Board of Education Meeting
The board approved a $228,449 increase to the annual custodial contract with SSC Service Solutions, bringing the total to $5,577,527, to raise employee wages. They also approved the November financial report showing an operating fund balance of $51.2 million and authorized signatures for district officials. Recognitions included the Extra Mile Award to Katy Moore and District Teacher of the Year to Marissa Snow.
- Approved custodial contract amendment with SSC Service Solutions, increasing contract by $228,449 to $5,577,527
- Approved November financial report; year-to-date operating revenues exceed expenditures by $16.2 million
- Approved authorized signers: Eric White (President), Debbie Jones (Superintendent), Janet Schwanhausser (Deputy Superintendent & CFO)
- Recognized Katy Moore with the Extra Mile Award and Marissa Snow as District Teacher of the Year
- Approved consent agenda including minutes, facilities report, enrollment report, transportation report, and district-to-district transfers
The Board approved a $228,449 increase to the SSC custodial services contract and an amendment to the ESS substitute contract to meet minimum wage requirements. Members also authorized 10 paid emergency leave days for staff missing work due to COVID-19 quarantine or isolation. Additionally, the Board approved salary adjustments for bus aides and after-school employees.
- Approved SSC custodial contract increase of $228,449 for a total of $5,577,527 (7-0)
- Approved ESS substitute contract amendment and temporary incentive policy (7-0)
- Authorized 10 paid emergency leave days for COVID-19 quarantine or isolation (6-0)
- Approved salary adjustments for Bus Aides and TRPS Relief/After School employees (7-0)
- Approved December financial report (7-0)
- Adopted Eric White, Debbie Jones, and Janet Schwanhausser as approved signers (7-0)
- Accepted personnel packet including new hires and resignations (6-0)
- Rejected land purchase offer for Bright Road property (informational only)
Special Board Meeting - District Transfer Appeal
The Bentonville Public Schools Board held a special meeting to hear two district transfer appeals. After presentations from the H. Family and S. Family, the board voted unanimously to reject both transfers.
- H. Family transfer appeal hearing and presentation
- S. Family transfer appeal hearing and presentation
- Motion to reject both transfers carried 7-0
The Board held a special meeting to hear appeals regarding denied district transfers. Both appeals were rejected by unanimous vote.
- Rejected H. family transfer appeal (7-0)
- Rejected S. family transfer appeal (7-0)
Special Board Meeting
The board voted to authorize a one‑time 1.2% bonus, capped at $1,000 per employee, with a total cost of $1.6 M. After the vote the board entered an executive session as required by law. The meeting concluded with the acceptance of a personnel packet and adjournment.
- Authorize one‑time staff bonus: 1.2% of annual contract, max $1,000 per employee, total $1.6 M
- Retire to executive session (purpose not specified in agenda)
- Accept personnel packet (AC‑BB Personnel‑ NOV 23 2020.pdf)
The Board authorized a one-time 1.2% bonus for all active employees, capped at $1,000, to be paid in December. The Board also accepted the personnel packet as presented.
- Approved one-time 1.2% bonus capped at $1,000 for all active employees (6-0)
- Accepted personnel packet as presented (6-0)
Board of Education Meeting
The Board of Education approved a construction contract for the Elementary #13 project and reviewed several district reports. Additional actions included electing new officers, accepting course catalogs, and updating student sexual harassment policies.
- Approved $18,482,083 building construction GMP for Elementary #13
- Approved financial report and request to surplus four school buses
- Accepted 2021-2022 Junior High and Senior High School course catalogs
- Approved revisions to Student Policy 4.29 regarding sexual harassment
- Election of Board President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Disbursing Officer
Board of Education Meeting
The board approved its agenda and consent items, recognized award recipients and National Merit semifinalists, and took several actions. It adopted resolutions to issue $18,215,000 and $9,640,000 refunding bonds. It approved a $2,541,177 guaranteed‑maximum‑price site work package for the Elementary #13 project and authorized a contract with Bedford Camera & Video despite a board member’s interest. It also approved the quarterly financial report showing a fund balance of $67,954,268 and a $2.3 million operating deficit.
- Authorize issuance of $18,215,000 Bentonville School District refunding bonds, Series E dated Nov 1 2020
- Authorize issuance of $9,640,000 Bentonville School District refunding bonds dated Nov 5 2020
- Approve $2,541,177 GMP for site work on Elementary #13 project
- Approve contract with Bedford Camera & Video, an entity in which board member Don Hoover has an interest
- Approve financial report: fund balance $67,954,268; operating deficit $2.3 million
The Board authorized two bond issuances for refinancing and approved the site work package for Elementary School #13. Members also approved the first quarter financial report and a contract with Bedford Camera and Video.
- Approved $18,215,000 in Refunding Bonds, Series E (7-0)
- Approved $9,640,000 in Refunding Bonds (7-0)
- Approved site work package for Elementary School #13 at SW Barron Road and SW Opal (7-0)
- Approved first quarter budget and finance report (7-0)
- Approved contract with Bedford Camera and Video (7-0)
- Approved salary increases of 5% or more for listed employees (6-0)
- Approved Annual Course Approval/Deletion Report (7-0)
- Accepted personnel packet (7-0)
Special Board Meeting - Annual Report to the Public
The Bentonville Public Schools Board held a special meeting to present the 2020 Annual Report to the Public. The report was given by Dr. Janet Schwanhausser and Dr. Jennifer Morrow as an information item. The meeting included roll call and adjourned with a motion that carried unanimously.
- Presentation of the 2020 Annual Report to the Public by Dr. Janet Schwanhausser and Dr. Jennifer Morrow
- Motion to adjourn carried unanimously
The Board received a presentation of the Annual Report to the Public, as required by the Arkansas Standards of Accreditations. The report contained fall 2019 data for grades K-8 and specific academic data for grades 9-12. No public questions were submitted during the meeting.
- Adjourned meeting (7-0)
Board of Education Meeting
The Board of Education approved a plan to refinance $9,930,000 in bonds to reduce interest costs. Additionally, the board reviewed the August 2020 financial report and the proposed budget for the 2020-21 fiscal year.
- Refunding of $9,930,000 in bonds to decrease debt service costs
- Approval of the August 2020 Financial Report
- Approval of the proposed 2020-21 school budget
- Recognition of Kari Hale and Dee Thomas with the Extra Mile Service Award
The Board of Education approved the proposed budget for the 2020-21 fiscal year and authorized the refinancing of bonds. Additionally, the board approved COVID-19 emergency leave policies and the creation of three new classified staff positions.
- Approved proposed budget for fiscal year 2020-21 (7-0)
- Approved bond refinancing (7-0)
- Approved COVID Emergency Leave policies (7-0)
- Approved 3 new classified positions (7-0)
- Approved Finance report (7-0)
- Approved consent agenda (7-0)
- Accepted personnel packet (5-0)
Board of Education Meeting
The Board of Education reviewed the district's financial condition, noting a total fund balance of $107.3 million. The meeting included the approval of the consent agenda and several administrative items. Enrollment figures for August 1, 2020, were also presented to the board.
- Approval of July 2020 Financial Report
- Approval of Consent Agenda including the Ready for Learning Plan
- Recognition of Rebecca Camarigg as Extra Mile Award recipient
- Recognition of Samuel Prakash and Saivarinteja Elagandula for FBLA National placement
- Report of total enrollment at 18,318 students
The Board of Education approved the agenda, consent agenda, and the Budget and Finance report. Members also accepted a personnel packet containing various resignations and new hires. Administration provided updates on COVID-19 guidelines for sports, music, and virtual learning.
- Approved agenda (6-0)
- Approved consent agenda (6-0)
- Approved Budget and Finance report (6-0)
- Accepted Personnel packet (5-0)
Special Board Meeting - Student Transfer
The Bentonville Public Schools board held a special meeting to consider a district transfer appeal. The meeting included a family presentation and a district presentation by Mr. Don Hoover. The board voted to follow the district's recommendation and denied the transfer, with the motion carrying.
- District Transfer Appeal – family presentation (information)
- District presentation by Mr. Don Hoover (information)
- District Transfer action – motion to deny transfer, motion carried (Yes: 5, No: 1)
- Meeting opening – welcome by President Eric White and roll call
- Adjournment of the special board meeting
The Board held a closed meeting to review a student transfer appeal. The Board voted to follow the district's recommendation to deny the transfer.
- Denied student transfer (5-1)
Special Board Meeting - District Transfer Appeal
The Bentonville Public Schools Board held a special meeting to hear a district transfer appeal from the Myers family to attend Fayetteville Virtual. After a family presentation, the board voted to table the appeal and recessed until 5:30 pm.
- District Transfer Appeal for the Myers family to Fayetteville Virtual
- Family presentation (information) on the transfer request
- Motion to table the appeal passed unanimously (7-0)
- Board recessed until 5:30 pm
The board considered a district transfer request for a student to enter the Fayetteville Virtual program. The request was tabled after the family failed to appear and officials questioned if the family was properly notified of the hearing.
- Tabled District Transfer appeal (7-0)
Board of Education Meeting
The Board of Education met to review a final report from the District Reopening Taskforce. This plan must be submitted to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education before September 1, 2020. The board also addressed personnel matters and an executive session.
- Approval of the Task Force Final Report regarding school reopening
- Review of the District Support Plan for submission to DESE
- Acceptance of the personnel packet
The Board of Education approved the Task Force Final Report for the 2020 Reopening Plan. The board also accepted a personnel packet including the appointment of a new assistant principal. Several staff resignations and new hires were recorded in the personnel documents.
- Approved Task Force Final Report for 2020 Reopening Plan (7-0)
- Approved personnel packet including Tacuma Williams as BWHS Assistant Principal (6-0)
Special Board Meeting - District Transfer Appeal
The Bentonville Public Schools Board of Directors met to review several family petitions regarding district transfers. The board voted to deny all presented district transfers in a single motion.
- Motion to deny all district transfers (Passed 5-1)
- Biscup family transfer appeal
- Castaneda family transfer appeal
- Doles family transfer appeal
- Heinze family transfer appeal
The Board heard appeals from multiple families seeking transfers to Ozark Mountain. Following testimony from legal counsel and administration regarding enrollment laws and accreditation, the Board voted to deny all requests.
- Denied all district transfers to Ozark Mountain (5-1)
Board of Education Meeting
The Bentonville Public Schools Board approved its agenda and recognized an employee award. It adopted a revised 2020‑21 calendar reflecting the state‑mandated start week of August 24. The Board authorized the issuance of $50,230,000 of refinancing bonds (Series D). It also approved the June 2020 financial report showing a $78.3 million fund balance.
- Approve revised 2020‑21 school calendar with new start date week of Aug 24
- Authorize issuance and delivery of $50,230,000 refinancing bonds, Series D
- Approve June 2020 financial report (fund balance $78.3 million)
- Approve consent agenda items including property insurance renewal and multiple school improvement plans
- Recognize Kim McCool with the Extra Mile Award
The Board approved emergency resolutions requiring face coverings for all K-12 students and implementing health screenings. Other key actions included refinancing $50.23 million in bonds and approving a revised 2020-2021 school calendar.
- Approved emergency resolution for K-12 face coverings (6-1)
- Approved emergency resolution for health screenings (7-0)
- Authorized issuance of $50,230,000 in refunding bonds (7-0)
- Approved revised 2020-2021 school calendar (7-0)
- Approved sexual harassment policy revisions (7-0)
- Approved electronic transfer of funds to vendors (7-0)
- Approved financial report (7-0)
- Approved personnel recommendations (6-0)
Special Board Meeting
The Bentonville Public Schools Board will open the meeting, conduct roll call, and hear a request from community members to hold a public meeting about the graduation ceremonies for Bentonville High School and Bentonville West High School. The request states that officials did not consider community wishes and proposes an outdoor, socially distanced ceremony. The board will discuss the request before adjourning.
- Welcome, Call to Order, and Pledge by President Eric White
- Roll Call by Vice President Matt Burgess
- Community request to discuss 2020 graduation plans for BHS and BWHS (see Graduation Notes.pdf)
- Motion to adjourn
The Board held a special meeting to discuss the Bentonville 2020 Graduation following a petition by patrons. After hearing a presentation and conducting a discussion, the Board did not change the existing graduation plan.
- Maintained existing 2020 graduation plan
Board of Education Meeting
The Bentonville Public Schools Board of Education approved its agenda, consent agenda items, and the May 2020 financial report showing a $91.1 million fund balance. It adopted a series of policy revisions for the 2020‑2021 school year and accepted the administration’s commencement contingency plan for July. An informational update on Elementary School #13 was presented with no action required.
- Approve May 2020 financial report (fund balance $91.1 M, operating fund $48.0 M)
- Adopt revisions to eight district policies for the 2020‑2021 school year
- Renew Aramark Food Service contract (listed on consent agenda)
- Approve consent agenda items: meeting minutes, facilities report, enrollment report, board meeting dates, property insurance
- Accept commencement plan for July 16‑17 ceremonies with contingency dates
The Board approved a resolution to suspend certain district policies to align with COVID-19 emergency legislation. A contingency plan for a family walkthrough graduation event with a compilation video was approved. The Board also approved the May financial report and 2020-2021 policy revisions.
- Approved contingency plan 3 family walkthrough graduation event (4-3)
- Approved Resolution for the Suspension of District Policy for COVID-19 (7-0)
- Approved May Financial report (7-0)
- Approved recommended policy revisions for 2020-2021 school year (7-0)
- Approved Aramark Food Service Contract Renewal (7-0)
- Approved property insurance (7-0)
- Approved personnel packet (6-0)
- Approved May 19, 2020 meeting minutes (7-0)
Board of Education Meeting
The board approved a consent agenda including a $5,349,079.18 custodial contract renewal with SSC, minutes, and reports. It discussed a COVID-19 update covering school closures, summer child care, and professional development restrictions. The board also approved the April 2020 financial report showing $70.5M in total fund balance and passed student handbooks for 2020-2021.
- Consent agenda approval included custodial contract renewal with SSC for $5,349,079.18
- Approved April 2020 financial report: $70.5M total fund balance, $28.6M operating fund balance, expected $900K in CARES Act funds
- COVID-19 update: schools closed until state deems safe, summer child care for 300 students starting June 1
- Approved student handbooks for 2020-2021 for elementary, middle, junior high, and high school
- Recognition of Ardis Ann 'Schools to Watch' award and Dr. Richard Abernathy
The Board of Education approved the addition of 3 licensed and 8 classified FTE positions to meet state class size requirements. Members also approved the 2020-2021 student handbooks, policy updates, and a custodial contract renewal. A personnel packet containing various hires and resignations was accepted.
- Approved 3 Licensed FTE and 8 Classified FTE positions (6-0)
- Approved 2020-2021 school handbooks (6-0)
- Approved BOE Policy Updates for Executive Session, Transfers, Student Media, and Cellphones (6-0)
- Approved custodial contract renewal for $5,349,078.18 (5-0)
- Approved April 2020 financial report (6-0)
- Accepted personnel packet for hires and resignations (4-0)
- Approved April 21 and April 23, 2020 meeting minutes (5-0)
Special Board Meeting
The Bentonville Public Schools Board held a special meeting to conduct an employee appeal hearing. After deliberating in executive session, the board voted unanimously to support the administration's recommendation regarding the appeal.
- Employee appeal hearing held under Item 2.A
- Board went into executive session for deliberation (Item 3.A)
- Motion carried 6-0 to support the administration's 9-point recommendation on the appeal (Item 4.A)
The Board held a closed hearing and executive session regarding an employee appeal. Following these proceedings, the Board voted to support the administration's nine recommendations as a packet.
- Approved the 9 recommendations of the administration regarding an employee appeal (6-0)
Board of Education Meeting
The board voted to approve the SW Barron Road site (30 acres, parcel #01-180-000) for the construction of Elementary #13. They also received a COVID-19 update on projected academic learning loss and approved the consent agenda, which included minutes, facilities/enrollment/transportation reports, and a School Choice Resolution. The meeting was held virtually.
- Approved SW Barron Road site for Elementary #13
- Received COVID-19 update on projected 'Covid slide' academic impact
- Approved consent agenda including minutes, facilities, enrollment, transportation reports, and School Choice Resolution
- Recognized teaching staff for digital learning during pandemic
- Public comments accepted via email due to coronavirus
The Board of Education approved the 30-acre SW Barron Road site for the construction of Elementary School #13. Other actions included approving the March financial report and renewing student accident insurance. The board also accepted updated department handbooks and a new payroll calculation for hourly employees.
- Approved SW Barron Road site (parcel # 01-180-000) for Elementary #13 (7-0)
- Approved March financial report and surplus of items (7-0)
- Approved $19,520 Student Accident Insurance renewal with Health Special Risk, Inc. (7-0)
- Approved Alternative Calculation of Pay resolution (7-0)
- Accepted Department Handbooks for 2020-21 school year (7-0)
- Approved March 17 and March 31, 2020 meeting minutes (7-0)
- Accepted Personnel packet (5-0)
Special Board Meeting
The Bentonville Public Schools board will meet virtually to limit gatherings during the COVID‑19 pandemic. A COVID‑19 update will be presented by Dr. Debbie Jones. The meeting will be recorded and posted by April 1, 2020. The board will adjourn after the virtual session.
- Virtual meeting authorized by COVID‑19 waivers (School Board Waivers Granted March 2020.pdf)
- COVID‑19 update presented by Dr. Debbie Jones
- Meeting recording to be posted by April 1, 2020
- Roll call conducted by Secretary Brent Leas
- Meeting opened by President Eric White
The Board met to receive updates on digital learning, budget caution, and student health. No formal votes or policy decisions were recorded during the meeting.
Board of Education Meeting
The Bentonville Board of Education held a regular meeting on March 17, 2020, during which they approved a 1% salary increase across all salary schedules for the 2020-21 school year, funded by budget savings. They also approved Flintco, LLC as the construction manager for Elementary #13, with projected completion in May 2022. The consent agenda, including expulsion and routine reports, was approved. The meeting included a recognition of Dr. Debbie Jones and a financial report showing an operating fund balance of $38.1 million.
- Approved 1% salary increase for all staff for 2020-21, costing $730,000, funded by $845,000 in budget savings
- Approved Flintco, LLC as construction manager at risk for Elementary #13 (projected completion May 2022)
- Approved consent agenda including expulsion of a 1-12 grade male BHS student through spring 2020, return fall 2020
- Financial report shows $88.0 million fund balance across all funds, operating fund balance $38.1 million
- Reviewed calendar including Spring Break March 23-27, BHS and BWHS proms, graduations, and last student day May 26
The Board approved a 1% salary increase for all licensed and classified staff for the 2020-21 school year. Other key actions included approving a construction manager for Elementary #13 and the 2021-22 school calendar.
- Approved 1% salary increase across all salary schedules for 2020-21 (6-0)
- Approved Flintco, LLC as Construction Management at Risk Company for Elementary #13 (7-0)
- Approved February Financial report (7-0)
- Approved 2021-22 school calendar (7-0)
- Approved hiring of new personnel positions, primarily for Grimsley Jr. High (7-0)
- Approved personnel packet (5-0)
- Approved consent agenda including February meeting minutes and one student expulsion (7-0)
Special Board Meeting
The Bentonville Public Schools Board held a special meeting to hear an employee appeal. After an executive session deliberation, the board voted unanimously to uphold the administration's recommendation. The vote was 5-0.
- Employee appeal hearing (item 2A)
- Executive session for deliberation (3A)
- Board voted 5-0 to uphold administration recommendation on appeal (item 4A)
The Board held a special meeting to address an employee appeal. Following a closed session, the Board voted to terminate the employee and accept the specific reasons for that termination.
- Approved administration recommendation for employee termination (5-0)
- Accepted all eight reasons for termination listed in the December 17, 2019, letter (5-0)
Board of Education Meeting
The Board of Education approved a bond refinance plan to take advantage of lower interest rates, potentially reducing the final debt payment to $21.4 million. The board also approved the January financial report, renewed professional liability insurance, and accepted personnel recommendations. Informational items included an update on Grimsley Junior High's mascot and color scheme.
- Approved submission of an updated bond permit for $143,160,000 in refunding and construction bonds to the State Department of Education
- Employed First Security Beardsley as financial advisor for three years
- Approved financial report showing a $95.7 million fund balance across all funds
- Renewed professional liability insurance policy with QBE at $20,792 premium for 2020-21
- Heard update that Grimsley Junior High selected Grizzly as mascot with navy blue and pewter gray colors
The Board approved a financial plan to refinance $143,160,000 in refunding and construction bonds to save approximately $20 million. Members also voted to extend Superintendent Jones's contract by one year and approved the January financial report. A personnel packet containing various resignations and hires was accepted.
- Approved refinancing of $143,160,000 in Refunding and Construction Bonds (7-0)
- Approved employment of First Security Beardsley as Financial Advisor for three years (7-0)
- Approved January financial report (7-0)
- Approved renewal of professional liability insurance policy underwritten by QBE (7-0)
- Extended Superintendent Jones's contract by 1 year (6-0)
- Accepted personnel packet of resignations, employment, and transfers (6-0)
- Approved meeting agenda (7-0)
- Approved consent agenda (7-0)
Work Session
This is a work session of the Bentonville Public Schools Board. The board will discuss a district property overview, social-emotional learning updates, and the curriculum adoption process. No final votes are expected beyond approving the agenda and entering executive session.
- District property overview using Benton County GIS parcel map
- Social Emotional Learning (SEL) district updates with standards and plans
- Curriculum adoption process and alignment with state standards
The board approved the meeting agenda and received reports on district-owned properties for future development, social-emotional learning standards, and curriculum implementation. No formal votes were taken on property sales or curriculum changes.
- Approved meeting agenda (6-0)
Board of Education Meeting
The Bentonville School Board approved the purchase of eight new school buses (six 77-passenger at $107,406 each and two 33-passenger special education buses at $110,700 each) for a total of $865,836, with delivery expected before the next school year. The board also accepted the Fiscal Year 2019 audit report (the first under a new regulatory basis of accounting), approved the monthly financial report showing a $95.6 million fund balance, and authorized a contract with the Scott Family Amazeum despite board member Kelly Carlson's indirect interest. The consent agenda included routine items such as expulsions of three students and a long-term rental at Apple Glen Elementary to Forward Church.
- Purchase of eight buses: six 77-passenger at $107,406 each and two 33-passenger at $110,700 each
- Approval of Fiscal Year 2019 audit report with unmodified opinion, first under regulatory basis
- Authorization of contract with Scott Family Amazeum (board member Kelly Carlson indirect interest)
- Monthly financial report: $95.6 million total fund balance; $87.1 million operating revenue; $41.9 million operating fund balance
- Consent agenda included expulsions of three students and long-term rental at Apple Glen ES to Forward Church through June 2020
The Board of Education approved the 2020 Master Facility Plan and selected Hight-Jackson as the architect for Elementary #13. The board also authorized the purchase of eight new gasoline buses and accepted the Fiscal Year 2019 Audit Report.
- Approved 2020 Master Facility Plan and Project Partnership Application (7-0)
- Approved Hight-Jackson as architect for Elementary #13 (7-0)
- Authorized purchase of six 77-passenger and two 33-passenger gasoline buses (7-0)
- Accepted Fiscal Year 2019 Audit Report (7-0)
- Approved December Financial report (7-0)
- Approved contract with Scott Family Amazeum (6-0; Kelly Carlson absent)
- Approved personnel packet including resignations and new hires (6-0; Joe Quinn absent)
- Approved meeting agenda (7-0)