Bentonville Public Schools public meetings in 2021
18 substantive meetings from 2021, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Board of Education Meeting
The Bentonville School Board approved a revised 2022-2023 academic calendar to meet a new state law requiring school to start no earlier than the Monday two weeks before Labor Day. The board also approved the financial report, which noted a millage rollback from 48.5 to 48.0 mills due to a countywide reassessment. The consent agenda included two student expulsions, 36 district-to-district transfers, and routine reports.
- Revised 2022-2023 school calendar approved to comply with Act 688's later start mandate
- Financial report shows $82.9 million total fund balance at end of Period 5; operating revenues exceed expenditures by $13.6 million
- Millage rate reduced from 48.5 to 48.0 mills following 11.6% increase in assessed value from countywide reassessment
- Consent agenda includes formal expulsions of a 10th-grade female at BHS and a 7th-grade male at WJHS through spring 2022
- 36 students transferred out of Bentonville district, listed in itemized table by receiving district
The Board of Education approved several capital projects for roof replacements and athletic turf. Other actions included approving the 2022-2023 school calendar, the 2022 Master Facility Plan, and updates to library material challenge policies.
- Approved $2,589,400 roof replacement for Lincoln Junior High and Technology Center (7-0)
- Approved $615,964 roof replacement for Childcare Enrichment Center (7-0)
- Approved $487,700 BWHS Baseball Turf Project (7-0)
- Approved $435,050 BWHS Softball Turf Project (7-0)
- Approved revised 2022-2023 school calendar (7-0)
- Approved 2022 Master Facility Plan (7-0)
- Rejected land purchase offer from America Land Hub, LLC for Parcel 01-18561-00 (7-0)
- Approved policy revisions requiring challengers of media center materials to be a parent, legal guardian, or in loco parentis (7-0)
Board of Education Meeting
The Bentonville Board of Education met on November 23, 2021, to approve a new district boundary map for the 2022 school election and authorize a one-time $1.6 million bonus for full-year staff. The approved zone plan will establish voting precincts for the November 2022 school board election. The board also reviewed financial updates, including a $7.4 million revenue increase and lower-than-projected bond interest rates. All proposed motions were approved by a unanimous vote.
- New district boundary map for the 2022 school election (5 single-member, 2 at-large zones)
- One-time 1.2% staff bonus capped at $1,000, totaling $1.6 million
- Financial review showing $7.4 million revenue increase and $3.6 million expense increase
- Bond sale interest rate of 2.21%, saving the district $8.3 million over the repayment period
- Bus driver salary schedule increase costing $291,726 for the fiscal year
The Board of Education approved a new map dividing the district into five school board zones for the 2022 annual school election. The board also approved a one-time bonus for full-year employees.
- Approved zone plan and map for 2022 annual school election (7-0)
- Approved one-time 1.2% bonus for full-year employees, capped at $1,000 (7-0)
Board of Education Meeting
The board will consider a $20.48 million bond sale to complete Elementary #13, and vote on a rezoning plan for board member zones based on 2020 census data. They will also hear the annual report to the public, which shows Bentonville schools outperforming state averages on ESSA index scores. Other items include oath of office for a new board member and recognition of an Extra Mile Award recipient.
- Bond sale recap: approve resolution to issue $20,480,000 in Series G construction bonds for Elementary #13
- Board rezoning: decide between a 5 single-member + 2 at-large zones, or 7 single-member zones
- Annual report: ESSA index scores show district 5-10 points higher than comparable Arkansas districts
- Oath of office for new board member Mike Swanson
- Recognition of Andrea Thompson with Extra Mile Award for leadership on Choose Love 2021
The Board approved the issuance of $20.48 million in construction bonds and voted to restructure board zoning to five zones with two at-large seats. The Board also named a new school Vaughn Elementary and rejected two separate land offers. A proposal for a custodial attendance bonus program failed.
- Approved issuance of $20,480,000 in Construction Bonds, Series G (7-0)
- Changed board zoning to 5 zones with 2 at-large seats (7-0)
- Rejected land offer from Skylight Homes for ~20 acres on SW Windmill Road (7-0)
- Rejected counteroffer of $65,000 per acre for 80.05 acres of land (7-0)
- Named Elementary #13 Vaughn Elementary (7-0)
- Approved financial report for close of period 4 (7-0)
- Accepted policy revisions for bus driver and bus aide salary increases (7-0)
- Attendance bonus program for SSC Service Solutions failed (0-0/Not Present)
Board Work Session
The board receives information on a 10-year facilities master plan update and a school board rezoning plan required by Arkansas law after the 2020 Census. A rezoning resolution will be presented for approval at the November 2021 board meeting.
- 10 Year Facilities Master Plan Update (information only)
- School Board Rezoning presentation based on 2020 Census data, with legal requirements from district attorney
- Proposed zone maps from Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission discussed
The board approved the meeting agenda and discussed a 10-year facilities master plan and potential board rezoning options following the 2020 Census. No formal decisions were made regarding school construction, closures, or the final board zone structure.
- Approved meeting agenda
Board of Education Meeting
The Board approved the consent agenda items, including minutes and various reports. It voted to approve a $20 million bond sale to fund the construction of Elementary #13, with closing documents to be presented on November 16 and the sale to close on December 1. The Board also narrowed the naming options for Elementary #13 to two finalists and approved a $227,227 awning project for Thomas Jefferson Elementary.
- Consent agenda approval of September 21 minutes, facilities, enrollment, transportation, health reports, and expulsion notices
- Naming process for Elementary #13 narrowed to two final names after 201 community suggestions
- Financial report approved showing a $65.6 million fund balance and a $4.5 million operating deficit
- Bond sale approved to generate $20 million for completing Elementary #13 construction, closing Dec 1
- Awning addition contract for Thomas Jefferson Elementary approved at $227,227
The Board approved a phase 2 awning project for Thomas Elementary and designated demography as a professional service. Members also approved a financial report, personnel changes, and updated course listings. The naming process for Elementary #13 was narrowed to Barron and Vaughn Elementary.
- Approved Thomas Elementary awning project (6-0)
- Designated demography as a professional service (6-0)
- Approved financial report (6-0)
- Accepted annual course approvals and deletions (6-0)
- Approved 2021-2022 policy recommendations (6-0)
- Approved personnel changes for 4 classified staff (6-0)
- Approved personnel packet (6-0)
- Approved consent agenda including two 9th grade expulsions (5-0)
Board of Education Meeting
The board will vote on the 2021-22 school budget, which includes a 2.5% raise for employees (costing $3.6M) and an increase in the district's health insurance contribution from $174.78 to $203.64 per month. They will also act on a consent agenda that includes approval of a 5% salary differentiation, facilities/enrollment reports, and participation in the Child and Adult Care Food Program. The meeting includes recognition of an Extra Mile Award recipient and public comments.
- Approve 2021-22 school budget with 2.5% raise and health insurance hike (total $580K/year thereafter)
- Consent agenda includes 5% salary differentiation (6-13-635) and Child and Adult Care Food Program applications
- Financial report shows FY2021 ending fund balance of $74.1M; operating fund balance $34.5M (17.6%)
- Recognize Jared Jones, Washington Junior High band director, as Extra Mile Award recipient
- Calendar notes Elementary #13 naming survey, fall break Oct 13-15, early voting Oct 26, general election Nov 2
The Board approved the 2021-22 school budget and established mask mandates for licensed and classified staff based on employee votes. A resolution was also adopted to make masks voluntary if ACHI infection data falls to 29 or below.
- Approved 2021-2022 School Budget (7-0)
- Approved mask mandates for licensed and classified staff (5-2)
- Adopted resolution to make masks voluntary if ACHI infections are 29 or below (5-2)
- Approved August financial report (7-0)
- Approved reorganization of two Technology department positions (7-0)
- Approved consent agenda including facilities, enrollment, and transportation reports (7-0)
- Approved personnel packet including resignations (6-0)
- Approved participation in Child and Adult Care Food Program (7-0)
Board of Education Meeting
The Bentonville Schools Board of Education voted to decline two offers to purchase district land: 1.94 acres near Elementary #13 and 81.23 acres on SW Windmill Road. The board also approved the consent agenda, including a proposed budget with tax levy for FY 2022-23, and authorized electronic fund transfers. Financial reports and a land offer review were presented.
- Declined $4.47M offer from RAY Residential Homes for 81.23 acres on SW Windmill Road
- Declined offer from Buffington Homes for 1.94 acres near Elementary #13 construction site
- Approved consent agenda including Proposed Budget of Expenditures with Tax Levy for FY 2022-23
- Approved electronic transfer of funds to vendors, noting $49,130 in rebates last fiscal year
- Reviewed process for naming Elementary #13 per policy 7.11 and state law
The Board of Education voted to reject two separate offers to purchase district land. Additionally, the board approved the proposed budget for the 2022-2023 fiscal year and accepted a personnel packet of new hires and resignations.
- Approved Proposed Budget of Expenditures with Tax Levy for FY 2022-2023 (7-0)
- Declined offer from Buffington Homes to purchase 1.94 acres near Elementary #13 (7-0)
- Declined $4,470,000 offer from RAY Residential Homes for 81.23 acres on SW Windmill Road (6-0)
- Approved August financial report (7-0)
- Approved electronic transfer of funds for vendors for FY 21/22 (6-0)
- Accepted personnel packet of new hires and resignations (7-0)
- Approved meeting agenda (7-0)
Special Board Meeting
The Bentonville School Board voted 5-2 to require face masks for all students ages 3 through 12 while indoors or on school buses, with exemptions for medical or behavioral needs. The board also approved a staff mask mandate pending a majority vote of employees, and adopted a COVID-19 leave policy providing 10 days of paid leave using ESSER funds.
- Motion to require masks for students ages 3–12 passed 5–2 (yes: Burgess, Cowgur, Quinn, Carlson, Faddis; no: Leas, White)
- Board approved policy for staff mask mandate, contingent on a majority staff vote by August 25, 2021
- Adopted COVID-19 leave policy granting 10 days paid leave for quarantine, isolation, or caring for ill family members
- Student mask policy to be reviewed every 60 days based on infection rates and vaccination data
- Public comments were heard during the meeting
The board approved a requirement for students ages 3 through 12th grade to wear masks indoors and on school buses. A staff mask policy was also approved pending a majority vote from staff members. Additionally, the board established a COVID leave policy for the 2021/22 school year.
- Approved mask mandate for students ages 3 through 12th grade (5-2)
- Approved recommended staff mask policy pending majority vote of staff (5-2)
- Approved COVID leave providing 10 days of leave for impacted staff (7-0)
Board of Education Meeting-Personnel
The board received an informational update on the 2021-2022 Safe Schools Continuation Plan, which follows state guidance recommending indoor masks for unvaccinated individuals. A proposed COVID-19 emergency leave policy for staff was presented, pending a staff vote. The board approved adding 10 elementary licensed FTE teachers due to a 5.2% enrollment increase, at an estimated cost of $725,680.
- Safe Schools Continuation Plan presented with updated COVID-19 guidance from state
- Proposed COVID-19 emergency leave policy for staff (10 days), pending staff vote
- Approved 10 additional elementary teaching positions due to enrollment growth
- Enrollment grew to 18,908, a 5.2% increase from projections
- Board held executive session for personnel recommendations, then approved personnel packet
The Board approved requests for additional teachers to accommodate a 5.2% growth in enrollment, specifically noting 194 new kindergarten students. The Board also accepted a comprehensive personnel packet including new hires, resignations, and transfers. A proposed COVID Emergency Leave policy was presented for informational purposes and is pending a staff vote.
- Approved additional personnel requests for teachers (7-0)
- Accepted personnel packet including new hires, resignations, and transfers (6-0)
- Approved meeting agenda (7-0)
- Decided to meet before school starts to vote on a possible mask mandate if Act 1002 is changed
Board of Education Meeting
The board approved the June 2021 financial report and a $12 million transfer from the operating fund to the building fund for future construction. They also approved property insurance renewal and a consent agenda covering school improvement plans, facilities, transportation, school choice, and district transfers. Recognitions were given to two staff members with Extra Mile Awards.
- Approval of $12 million transfer from operating fund to building fund for future construction
- Approval of June 2021 financial report showing $46.4 million operating fund balance
- Property insurance renewal with Alliant Property Insurance Program
- Consent agenda including school improvement plans for 22 schools, facilities report, transportation report, school choice, and district transfers
- Extra Mile Awards presented to orchestra teacher Faith Guidry and health sciences instructor Wendy Broughton
The Board of Education approved a $12 million transfer from the operating fund to the building fund and accepted a property insurance renewal. The board also approved a rate increase for long-term substitutes and a personnel packet of new hires and resignations.
- Approved transfer of $12.0 million from operating fund to building fund (5-0)
- Approved June 2021 financial report (5-0)
- Accepted Property Insurance Renewal plan with Alliance Property Insurance (5-0)
- Approved long term substitute rate increase (5-0)
- Accepted personnel packet including new hires and resignations (5-0)
- Approved meeting agenda (5-0)
- Approved consent agenda (5-0)
Board of Education Meeting
The Bentonville Public Schools Board approved its agenda and consent agenda items. It authorized a $2,203,976 purchase of twenty new buses, funded entirely by federal COVID relief. The board also reclassified the Director of Technology to Executive Director and adopted two policy additions for the 2021‑2022 school year.
- Authorize purchase of 19 77‑passenger buses at $109,990 each and one 33‑passenger bus at $114,166, total $2,203,976 (federal funds)
- Reclassify Director of Technology to Executive Director of Technology, setting salary range $101,382–$138,379
- Adopt Policy 3.19.1 and Policy 6.14.1 additions for the 2021‑2022 school year
- Approve consent agenda items including licensed, classified, administrative salary schedules and academic/athletic stipends
- Accept personnel packet presented by the board
The Board of Education approved the purchase of 20 buses and reclassified the Director of Technology position to Executive Director. Members also approved a new personnel policy regarding non-contract days and accepted a comprehensive personnel packet of hires, resignations, and transfers.
- Authorized purchase of 19 77-passenger buses and one 33-passenger bus (5-0)
- Approved reclassification of Director of Technology to Executive Director of Technology (5-0)
- Approved additions to personnel policy regarding non-contract days (5-0)
- Approved salary and stipend schedules via consent agenda (5-0)
- Accepted personnel packet including new hires, resignations, and transfers (5-0)
Board of Education Meeting
The Bentonville School Board approved a $26.8 million refunding bond issue to save $3.4 million, renewed a custodial contract with SSC Service Solutions for $5,755,284 for 2021-22, and received a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategic update. The board also approved consent agenda items including minutes, facilities, enrollment, transportation reports, and federal assurances.
- Adopted resolution authorizing $26,800,000 Refunding Bonds, Series F, for debt savings
- Renewed custodial contract with SSC Service Solutions for $5,755,284 (June 2021–May 2022)
- DEI Strategic Update presented by Dr. Debbie Jones covering training and recruitment efforts
- Consent agenda included facilities, enrollment, transportation reports, and ARP ESSER assurances
- June Extra Mile Award recipient postponed to the July board meeting
The Board of Education authorized the issuance of $26.8 million in refunding bonds and approved new school zones for the 2022/2023 school year. The board also renewed custodial and food service contracts and approved updated district policies.
- Approved $26.8M Refunding Bonds, Series F (5-0)
- Approved school zones for new elementary 13 for 2022/2023 (5-0)
- Renewed SSC Service Solutions custodial contract for $5,755,284 (5-0)
- Renewed Aramark food services contract (5-0)
- Approved recommended revisions and new policies for 2021-2022 (5-0)
- Approved financial report for period 11 (5-0)
- Accepted personnel packet including resignations and new hires (5-0)
- Approved meeting agenda (5-0)
Board of Education Meeting
The Bentonville School Board approved a $683,900 annual lawn care contract with Envy Lawn Care, renewable for up to four additional years. It also approved the sale of a non-buildable lot on Sunset Drive in Bella Vista for $500. The board received an informational report on refunding two bond series, expecting about $2.4 million in savings without extending debt duration. Consent agenda items, including minutes and reports, were approved.
- Approved 2021-2022 lawn care contract with Envy Lawn Care for $683,900, with annual renewal up to four additional years.
- Approved sale of Parcel 16-00825-000 (0.19-acre non-buildable lot) on Sunset Drive, Bella Vista, to Jim Bruce for $500.
- Reviewed bond refunding of remaining two series; anticipated savings of approximately $2.4 million over the bond lives.
- Authorized renewal of student accident insurance policy through Health Special Risk, Inc. at a cost of $19,520 for 2021-22.
- Approved consent agenda including April 20, 2021 meeting minutes, facilities/enrollment/transportation reports, and 2021-2022 board meeting dates.
The Board approved a multi-year lawn care contract and authorized student accident insurance and personnel recommendations for the upcoming school year. Members also accepted updated department and grade-level student handbooks and approved the sale of a non-buildable lot.
- Approved 2021-2022 Envy Lawn Care contract for $683,900.00 (7-0)
- Approved sale of non-buildable lot on Sunset Drive for $500 (7-0)
- Authorized 2021-22 student accident insurance through Health Special Risk, Inc. for $19,520 (7-0)
- Approved personnel recommendations for the 2021-2022 school year (7-0)
- Accepted recommended department handbooks for 2021-2022 (7-0)
- Accepted recommended grade level handbooks for 2021-2022 (7-0)
- Approved the Financial report (7-0)
- Accepted Personnel packet including resignations and terminations (7-0)
Board of Education Meeting
The board will decide on a $1,365,635 guaranteed maximum price for replacing the roof at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School, with work planned for summer 2021. They will also approve the consent agenda, which includes a school choice resolution and financial reports, and receive a COVID-19 vaccination update. The meeting includes recognitions, calendar review, and commencement details for 1,288 seniors.
- Approve $1,365,635 GMP for Thomas Jefferson Elementary roof replacement by M2 Roofing
- Consent agenda includes School Choice Capacity Resolution for 2021–2022
- Financial report: $70.3 million total fund balance, $38.7 million operating fund balance
- COVID-19 briefing: district to offer student vaccinations during high school open house on August 5
- Extra Mile Award presented to Jon Penn for his work at the Benton County Juvenile Detention Center
The Board approved a contract for roofing and insulation at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School. Members also approved the financial report and a personnel packet. A zoning proposal for a new elementary school was presented for a future vote in June.
- Approved $1,365,635.00 GMP for Thomas Jefferson Elementary roofing replacement (7-0)
- Approved financial report (6-0)
- Approved personnel packet (6-0)
- Approved meeting agenda (7-0)
- Approved consent agenda (7-0)
Board of Education Meeting
The board voted to adopt the 2022-2023 school calendar (Draft B) after staff input, and authorized capital projects: BHS bleacher replacement ($226,859.16) and BWHS digital video board ($314,722.48). They also received a COVID-19 update showing 70% of staff vaccinated and public comments with 396 in favor of keeping masks through the end of the school year.
- Approved 2022-2023 academic calendar (Draft B) based on staff vote (62% licensed, 64% classified)
- Approved $226,859.16 bid to Innerplan Corporation for BHS competition and east auxiliary gym bleacher replacement
- Approved $314,722.48 bid to VCRNOW for BWHS digital LED video board at Wolverine Stadium
- Received COVID-19 status report: 1,217 of 2,264 staff vaccinated through district clinics; 70% estimated overall
- Consent agenda included formal expulsions of two 9th-grade males at BHS
The Board of Education approved a 2.5% salary increase for the 2021-22 school year and accepted the 2022-2023 school calendar. Members also authorized several facility improvements and the creation of four personnel positions. Additionally, the Board voted to end all emergency policies at the end of the 2020/2021 school year.
- Approved 2.5% salary increase for 2021-22 school year (6-0, 1 recused)
- Approved $226,859.16 for BHS bleacher replacement (7-0)
- Approved $314,722.48 for BWHS digital LED video board (7-0)
- Approved Safe Schools Continuation Plan and ending emergency policies (6-1)
- Approved 2 reorganized and 2 new personnel positions for 2021-2022 (7-0)
- Accepted proposed 2022-2023 school calendar (7-0)
- Approved financial report for period 8 (7-0)
- Accepted personnel packet including resignations and retirements (7-0)
Board Work Session
The board will hear informational presentations on 2020 academic performance data, a proposed K-12 virtual learning program for 2021-22, and commencement plans for the Class of 2021 with COVID-19 safety protocols. The board will also discuss real estate procedures. No formal votes are expected beyond routine items.
- 30% of students selected virtual learning; NWEA MAP assessment results to be presented
- Proposed 2021-22 K-12 virtual learning program building on pilot started in 2018
- Commencement details: ~500 BWHS and ~725 BHS graduates, six guests per graduate, masks required, no bands at Bud Walton Arena
- Real estate procedures discussion for district property transactions
- Contingency graduation plans at Tiger Stadium and Wolverine Stadium if needed
The Board determined that all unsolicited offers to purchase district land must be presented by the Superintendent to the Board at regularly scheduled meetings. The session also included presentations on 2020 academic performance, the 2021 virtual school program, and graduation plans.
- Approved agenda (5-0)
- Established procedure for unsolicited real estate offers: Superintendent must bring each offer to the Board at a regular meeting and the buyer must disclose identity
- Adjourned meeting (6-0)
Board of Education Meeting
The Board of Education voted to approve a Guaranteed Maximum Price of $1,559,258 for the WJHS Phase II remodel, with Flintco as the construction manager. They also received a COVID-19 status update reporting 1,076 staff vaccines administered and discussed a zone analysis for Elementary #13, set to open in 2022-2023. Consent agenda items including minutes, facilities, enrollment, and transportation reports were approved, and the financial report showing an operating fund balance of $50.6 million was adopted.
- Approved WJHS Phase II GMP for $1,559,258 with Flintco
- Heard COVID-19 vaccine update: 1,076 staff doses administered
- Presented zone analysis for new Elementary #13 opening 2022-2023
- Approved financial report: operating fund balance $50.6M
- Recognized Officer Onan Castro and Corporal John Loncarevic with Extra Mile Award
The Board of Education approved a construction contract for renovations at WJHS and accepted the January financial report. Members discussed potential rezoning impacts for the opening of Elementary #13 in August 2022. Personnel recommendations and the meeting agenda were also approved.
- Approved WJHS Phase II remodel GMP and construction management by Flintco for $1,559,258 (7-0)
- Approved January financial report (7-0)
- Approved personnel packet (7-0)
- Approved meeting agenda (6-0)
Board of Education Meeting
The Bentonville School Board approved the consent agenda, including minutes and reports, and accepted the Fiscal Year 2020 audit with an unmodified opinion. The board heard a COVID status briefing on $3,611,590.86 in ESSER II funds and the administration of 500 vaccine doses to staff, with 100 more scheduled. The board also renewed professional liability insurance with a 20% premium increase.
- Consent agenda approved, including minutes, enrollment reports, and transportation report
- Presented $3,611,590.86 in ESSER II federal funds for COVID relief
- Reported 500 vaccine doses administered to school staff, with 100 additional doses on Jan 29
- Accepted Fiscal Year 2020 audit with unmodified opinion from Landmark PLC
- Renewed professional liability insurance from QBE with 20% premium increase, new retention amounts up to $100,000
The Board of Education extended Superintendent Dr. Jones's contract by one year and approved a new COVID-19 emergency leave policy for staff. Other actions included accepting the FY2020 audit and purchasing a boom lift. The board also approved a personnel packet of new hires and resignations.
- Extended Dr. Jones's contract by one year (7-0)
- Approved FY 2020 Audit Report (7-0)
- Approved renewal of Board legal and employment practices liability insurance (7-0)
- Authorized purchase of TZ50 Trailer-Mounted Boom Lift for $44,737 (7-0)
- Approved COVID-19 emergency leave policies EP 1.7 and EP 1.8 (7-0)
- Approved monthly financial report (7-0)
- Accepted personnel packet of hires and resignations (6-0)
- Approved meeting agenda (7-0)