Bentonville Public Schools public meetings in 2022

Board of Education Meeting

The Bentonville School Board will vote on the 2023-2024 academic calendar, which must start no sooner than the second Monday before Labor Day per Act 688. They will also elect board officers (president, vice president, secretary) and determine term lengths via lot draw, approve a consent agenda including student transfers to other districts, and discuss snow/AMI day policies. A budget and finance report is also up for approval.

• Election of officers: President and Disbursing Officer, Vice President, Secretary, and lot draw for term lengths (1 two-year, 2 three-year, 2 four-year, 2 five-year).
• Consent agenda approves district-to-district student transfers to Deer Mt. Judea, Gentry, Pea Ridge, Springdale, and Rogers (17 students listed).
• 2023-2024 calendar approval: start date aligned with Act 688; two draft calendars were voted on by staff.
• Snow/AMI days plan: three traditional snow days first, then AMI days with asynchronous and live instruction; school year ends by May 31 if used.
• Budget and finance report approval (recommended motion).

The Board of Education elected new officers, determined board member term lengths via lot draw, and approved the 2023-2024 school calendar. The board also authorized a $20 million investment in US Treasuries and approved a personnel packet including new hires and resignations.

• Elected Kelly Carlson as President, Willie Cowgur as Vice President, and Jennifer Faddis as Secretary
• Approved 2023-2024 school calendar (7-0)
• Authorized $20,000,000 investment in US Treasury with First National Bank of NWA for 12 months (6-0)
• Approved personnel packet including new hires, resignations, and status changes (6-0)
• Approved financial report (6-0)
• Approved consent agenda including November 15, 2022 minutes and district reports (7-0)
• Established board term lengths via lot draw: 1 two-year, 2 three-year, 2 four-year, and 2 five-year terms

Board of Education Meeting

The Board of Education approved a three-year renewal of a financial advisory agreement with First Security Beardsley, effective 2023. They also received the annual report on school performance, which showed district ESSA scores 5–10 points higher than comparable Arkansas districts, and approved the monthly financial report reflecting an $80.4 million fund balance. Other actions included a consent agenda covering minutes, facilities, enrollment, and transportation reports, and a policy revision.

• Renewed financial advisory agreement with First Security Beardsley for 3 years
• Approved financial report showing $80.4 million total fund balance across all funds
• Received annual report noting no Bentonville schools identified for targeted support under ESSA
• Recognized Sarah Tucker, Willowbrook teacher, with the November Extra Mile Award
• Approved policy revision (details not provided in agenda excerpt)

The Board of Education approved a three-year contract for financial advisory services and updated the policy regarding board member term lengths. The board also approved the period 4 financial report and a personnel packet containing hires, resignations, and status changes.

• Approved 36-month contract for First Security Beardsley as Financial Advisor (7-0)
• Approved board member term length policy revisions (7-0)
• Approved period 4 financial report (7-0)
• Approved personnel packet including new hires and resignations (7-0)
• Approved minutes from Oct 25 and Oct 27 meetings (7-0)
• Approved facilities, enrollment, and transportation reports (7-0)

Board Work Session

The Bentonville Public Schools Board held a work session and voted to approve the superintendent's contract. Members also received informational presentations on a demographer enrollment analysis and a 10-year facilities master plan update.

• Approved superintendent contract (motion carried 6-0)
• Received RSP Demographer Enrollment Analysis (information)
• Received 10-Year Facilities Master Plan Update (information)

The Board formally approved the updated contract for Superintendent Dr. Jones. Members also reviewed a demographer enrollment analysis and a 10-year facilities master plan update.

• Approved agenda (6-0)
• Approved updated superintendent contract for Dr. Jones (6-0)

Special Board Meeting

This special board meeting of the Bentonville Public Schools Board consists only of a call to order, roll call, and motion to adjourn. No policy decisions, contracts, or other actionable items are on the agenda.

• Welcome, call to order, and Pledge of Allegiance by President Eric White
• Roll call by Secretary Brent Leas
• Motion to adjourn

The meeting was called to order at 10:25 PM following a petition of 50 registered voter signatures. No votes were taken on policy or budget items, and the meeting adjourned at 10:28 PM.

• Adjourned meeting (Motion carried)

Board of Education Meeting

The Bentonville Board of Education will vote on whether to approve a $15,892,128 Guaranteed Maximum Price for expanding Bentonville West High School, adding 630 seats and parking. The board will also act on a consent agenda that includes minutes, reports, and five student expulsions. Recognitions and public comments are also on the agenda.

• Approval of $15,892,128 GMP for BWHS facility addition, adding 630 seats and 481 parking spaces
• Consent agenda includes formal expulsion of five male students from BHS, BWHS, and Gateway
• Reports on facilities, enrollment, transportation, and school health for 2022-23
• School improvement plans for all district schools approved as part of consent agenda
• Recognition of Bentonville Pride Marching Band achievements and Extra Mile Award to teacher Cayse Cunningham

The Board approved a guaranteed maximum price for the Bentonville West High School facility expansion and updates. Other key actions included approving a substitute teacher pay increase and a childcare pilot program at Vaughn Elementary.

• Approved $15,892,128.00 GMP for Bentonville West High School expansion (6-0)
• Approved substitute teacher pay increase and bonus (6-0)
• Approved Mobius contract for childcare pilot program at Vaughn Elementary (6-0)
• Declined land offer of $150,997.97 for .27 acres at 212 NW D Street (6-0)
• Approved September 2022 financial report (6-0)
• Approved annual course additions and deletions (6-0)
• Approved 2023-2024 Junior High and High School course catalogs (6-0)
• Decided to wait until election is finalized to determine board lot draw (6-0)

Board of Education Meeting

The Bentonville School Board approved the fiscal year 2023 budget, which includes a 2% salary increase for staff and an increase in the district's health insurance contribution to $300 per month. The board also approved a consent agenda that included a 5% salary increase approval and participation in the Child and Adult Care Food Program. An annual bullying report for the 2021-2022 school year was presented, showing 81 reported incidents with 31 confirmed cases.

• Approved FY2023 budget with $268,757 operating surplus
• Approved 2% raise for staff plus step increases for most employees
• Increased district health insurance contribution from $203.64 to $300 per month starting January 2023
• Approved consent agenda including 5% salary increase and CACFP participation for Adventure Club, Building Bridges, and Tennie Russell Primary
• Received annual bullying report: 81 reported incidents, 31 confirmed in 2021-22

The Board approved the fiscal year 2023 district budget and a revised ARP ESSER plan for staff retention payments. The board also approved the consent agenda, financial reports, and personnel recommendations. Several board members and administrators apologized to a family after a student was left on a school bus.

• Approved fiscal year 2023 district budget (7-0)
• Approved revised ARP ESSER Plan for Use for staff retention payments (6-0)
• Approved financial report for close of period 2 (2022/2023) and FY2022 (7-0)
• Approved consent agenda including August 16 minutes and 5% salary increase (7-0)
• Approved personnel packet for new hires, resignations, and transfers (7-0)
• Moved October Board Meeting and Work Session to 10/25/22 and 10/27/22 (6-1)

Board of Education Meeting

The Bentonville Board of Education will vote on approving a $1,976,574 Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) for the Ignite Construction & Design facility expansion and renovation. The board will also consider the July 2022 financial report showing an $87.0M total fund balance and authorization for electronic fund transfers to vendors. Additionally, the meeting includes a consent agenda with approval of minutes, reports, and proposed budget/election documents, followed by a personnel recommendation from executive session.

• Approve GMP of $1,976,574 with Crossland Construction for Ignite Construction & Design facility addition (4,800 sq. ft.) and renovation of existing 4,800 sq. ft., completion by August 2023
• Approve July 2022 financial report with $87.0M total fund balance, $13.1M more than prior year
• Authorize electronic fund transfers to vendors, including continued use of Arvest ePayables system (generated $56,378 in rebates last fiscal year)
• Consent agenda includes approval of July 19 and August 2 meeting minutes, facilities, enrollment, transportation reports, and proposed budget/election documents
• Personnel recommendation from executive session (details not provided in agenda)

The Board of Education approved a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) contract for the Ignite Construction & Design Facility. Other actions included approving the August financial report and a personnel packet. The board also authorized electronic fund transfers to vendors.

• Approved $1,976,574.00 GMP for Ignite Construction & Design Facility updates (5-0)
• Approved electronic transfer of funds to vendors (5-0)
• Approved August financial report (6-0)
• Approved personnel packet (6-0)
• Approved consent agenda including July 19 and August 2 minutes (6-0)

Board of Education Meeting-Personnel

The Bentonville School Board will consider and vote on a personnel packet containing staffing recommendations. The meeting includes an executive session to discuss personnel matters as allowed by Arkansas law. The board also approved the agenda and adjourned after the personnel vote.

• Approval of personnel packet (staffing changes) under Arkansas Code 6-13-620
• Executive session held to discuss personnel matters
• Board voted unanimously (7-0) on agenda and personnel motions

The Board of Education met to review and approve a personnel packet containing staff changes. The board voted unanimously to accept the recommendations for new hires, resignations, and transfers.

• Approved personnel packet as presented (7-0)

Board of Education Meeting

The Bentonville School Board is considering a request to add one School Resource Officer (SRO) at Bentonville West High School for the 2022-2023 school year, with an estimated cost of $99,400. The board also approved the June 2022 financial report showing a $90.3 million fund balance and discussed a new district website. Other items include recognition of staff, a consent agenda, and an executive session.

• Request to add one SRO at Bentonville West High School ($99,400)
• Approval of June 2022 financial report ($90.3M fund balance, $206.3M operating revenue)
• Introduction of new district website and mobile app by Apptegy
• Recognition of Willowbrook Elementary registrar Maria Stevenson with Extra Mile Service Award
• Consent agenda including school improvement plans and district transfers

The Board of Education approved the hiring of one additional School Resource Officer for Bentonville West High School at a cost of $99,400. The board also approved the year-end financial report and a personnel packet including new hires and resignations.

• Approved one additional SRO for Bentonville West High School (7-0)
• Approved Financial report for close of period 12 (7-0)
• Approved $2.5 million transfer to construction fund for additional schools (7-0)
• Approved Personnel packet for new hires, resignations, and transfers (6-0)
• Approved Consent Agenda including June 21 minutes and facilities/transportation reports (7-0)

Board of Education Meeting

The board approved a guaranteed maximum price of $797,945 for construction of a 127-space parking lot at the Ignite Annex (1002 SE 14th St) and approved renewal of property insurance for $868,715. The May 2022 financial report was also approved, showing an operating fund balance of $54.1 million. The consent agenda covering routine items was approved as well.

• Approved $797,945 Guaranteed Maximum Price for Ignite Annex parking lot by Crossland Construction Co.
• Approved property insurance renewal for 2022-23 at $868,715 with $100,000 deductible through Alliant Program
• Approved May 2022 financial report: operating revenues $191.2M, expenses $171.6M, fund balance $54.1M
• Consent agenda approved including minutes, facilities, enrollment, transportation reports, and revised board meeting dates

The Board of Education approved a construction contract for a new parking lot and renewed property insurance for the 2022-23 school year. Other actions included approving salary schedules, policy updates, and the 2023 commencement locations.

• Approved $797,945 GMP for Ignite Annex parking lot via Crossland Construction Co. (5-0)
• Approved property insurance renewal for 2022-23 through Stephens for $868,715 with a $100,000 deductible (6-0)
• Approved 2023 commencement to be held at BHS and BWHS stadium locations (5-0)
• Approved 2022-2023 Salary Schedules and Stipend Schedules (5-0)
• Accepted ten policy revisions and additions (5-0)
• Accepted recommended Visual and Performing Arts handbook for 2022-2023 (5-0)
• Approved June Budget report (6-0)
• Approved personnel packet including new hires, resignations, and transfers (5-0)

Board of Education Meeting

The board approved a $637,006 guaranteed maximum price for renovations at Tennie Russell Primary School, including security upgrades and classroom updates. It also approved the sale of 1.94 acres near Vaughan Elementary to Buffington Homes for $80,000 and a consent agenda containing two student expulsions. Members heard a demographer report on enrollment projections and recognized retiring staff member Betsy Batey with the Extra Mile Award.

• Approved $637,006 Tennie Russell Primary renovation GMP (federal ARPA grant and district funds)
• Approved $80,000 sale of 1.94 acres on Vaughan Elementary's eastern property line to Buffington Homes
• Consent agenda included formal expulsion of an 11th-grade female at BHS ALE and an 11th-grade male at BWHS Virtual
• Demographer RSP & Associates presented enrollment projections for next 5–10 years
• Extra Mile Award given to retiring technology staffer Betsy Batey after 31 years of service

The Board of Education approved several service renewals, including a $6,040,812 custodial contract and a food service agreement with Aramark. They authorized a $637,006 refresh for Tennie Russell and approved the sale of 1.94 acres of land to Buffington Homes for $80,000.

• Approved Tennie Russell Refresh GMP for Crossland Construction of $637,006
• Approved sale of 1.94 acres to Buffington Homes for $80,000
• Authorized 2022-23 student accident insurance through Health Special Risk, Inc. for $19,520
• Renewed custodial services contract with SSC Service Solutions for $6,040,812
• Renewed food services contract with Aramark at a per-meal fee of $0.1325 for administration and $0.0531 for management
• Approved recommended policy changes for 2022-2023 school year
• Approved consent agenda including facilities, enrollment, and transportation reports
• Accepted personnel packet including various resignations and retirements

Board of Education Meeting

The Board of Education approved a $73,816 renovation for the Ignite medical program. Additionally, the board reviewed the district's financial condition and authorized several surplus buses.

• $73,816 for Ignite medical program expansion/renovation
• Approval of School Choice Capacity Resolution
• Vaughn Elementary mascot (eagle) and colors presentation
• Authorization of surplus school buses valued at over $2,500 each

The Board of Education approved student handbooks for the 2022-2023 school year and authorized 14 new licensed and classified positions. Other actions included approving a $73,816 expansion for Ignite Medical and the surplus of 16 buses.

• Approved student handbooks for 2022-2023 school year (7-0)
• Approved 10 licensed and 4 classified positions for 2022-2023 (7-0)
• Approved $73,816 GMP for Ignite Medical expansion (7-0)
• Approved financial report and surplus of 16 buses (7-0)
• Approved consent agenda including March 15 minutes and a 10th grade female expulsion (7-0)
• Accepted personnel packet as presented (7-0)

Board of Education Meeting

The Bentonville School Board will consider approving 43 new positions for the new Vaughn Elementary School and Ignite Professional Studies program, at an estimated cost of $2.7 million. The board will also vote on a $591,190 contract for a bus tracking and camera system, and adopt superintendent performance goals for the 2022-2023 school year. The consent agenda includes approval of meeting minutes, enrollment reports, and the 2022-2023 district calendar.

• Personnel request for 31 licensed and 12 classified positions for Vaughn Elementary ($2,272,500) and Ignite ($444,000), plus a technology reclassification ($17,000)
• Installation of Transportant system on 161 buses at $591,190, with annual fee of $96,600
• Approval of superintendent performance goals for 2022-2023, focusing on academic remediation, communication, and resource stewardship
• Consent agenda includes approval of February 15 meeting minutes, enrollment and transportation reports, and the 2022-2023 calendar
• Recognition of four social workers (Gabby Steen, Lindsey Jones, Laney Doan, Lynn Rhuda) with Extra Mile Award

Board of Education Meeting

The board approved professional services contracts for expanding the Ignite Construction Trades facility at an estimated cost of $1.5 million and the Ignite Health Sciences program for $74,500. They also received a COVID-19 update on updated state guidance and approved the consent agenda including a formal expulsion.

• Approved $1.5 million expansion of Ignite Construction Trades program with Hight Jackson Associates (design) and Crossland Construction Company (construction)
• Approved $74,500 expansion of Ignite Health Sciences program with Hight Jackson Associates (design) and Flintco, LLC (construction)
• Approved consent agenda including formal expulsion of a 10th-grade male BHS student through spring 2022
• Received COVID-19 update on changes to contact tracing requirements and updated Safe Schools Plan
• Recognized Carson Rankin with Extra Mile Award for assisting a student with a medical emergency on a school bus

The Board of Education approved professional services contracts for the expansion of the Ignite Construction Trades and Ignite Health Sciences programs. Members also approved a new weighted credit policy for NWACC concurrent classes and extended Superintendent Dr. Jones's contract by one year.

• Approved design contract to Hight Jackson Associates and construction contract to Crossland Construction Company for Ignite Construction Trades (6-1)
• Approved design contract to Hight Jackson Associates and construction contract to Flintco, LLC for Ignite Health Sciences (7-0)
• Approved Policy 5.21 regarding weighted credit for NWACC concurrent classes for 2022-2023 (7-0)
• Extended Dr. Jones's contract by 1 year (7-0)
• Approved the Financial report (7-0)
• Approved Personnel packet as presented (7-0)
• Approved January 18 and January 20, 2022 meeting minutes (7-0)

Board of Education Work Session

The Board heard an informational report on expanding the Ignite Professional Studies program, which currently serves 342 students. The expansion would add a new Advanced Air Mobility program, increase capacity in health sciences (where 117 students were on a waitlist), and grow the construction management program with an additional 1.0 FTE. The Board also discussed weighted credit as an informational item.

• Ignite Health Sciences Program: 89 students accepted, 117 on waitlist; median RN wage $58,240; offers CNA, EMT, pharmacy tech, phlebotomy, EKG certifications
• Construction Management Program expansion: 45 students accepted, 1.0 FTE added; offers NCCER Core, Carpentry, OSHA 10/30 certificates
• New Advanced Air Mobility program proposed, requiring 1.0 FTE and equipment costs
• Weighted credit discussion (information only)

The Board of Education held a work session to discuss expanding the Ignite program into health sciences, construction management, and aviation. The Board also reviewed a proposal to allow weighted credit for certain concurrent or university courses to affect student GPAs. No formal votes were taken on these proposals during this session.

• Approved the meeting agenda (5-0)

Board of Education Meeting

The Bentonville Public Schools Board approved the meeting agenda and the consent agenda items, including the December 21, 2021 minutes, enrollment report, transportation report, and CEU hours. The Board accepted the Fiscal Year 2021 Audit Report presented by Landmark PLC. It also approved the financial report showing a fund balance of $99.0 million for the half‑year period. Additional items included a COVID‑19 update and public recognitions.

• Approve agenda as presented
• Approve consent agenda: minutes, enrollment, transportation, CEU hours
• Accept Fiscal Year 2021 Audit Report
• Approve financial report with $99.0 million fund balance
• COVID‑19 update and safety guidelines

The Board of Education approved a contract with RSP & Associates, LLC for demographic services and accepted the Fiscal Year 2021 Audit Report. The board also approved the renewal of the Professional Liability Insurance policy and the period 6 financial report.

• Approved $60,000 demographic services contract with RSP & Associates, LLC (7-0)
• Accepted Fiscal Year 2021 Audit Report (7-0)
• Approved Financial report for close of period 6 (7-0)
• Approved renewal of Professional Liability Insurance policy (7-0)
• Approved personnel packet including new hires, resignations, and transfers (7-0)
• Approved meeting agenda (6-0)