Bentonville Public Schools public meetings in 2023

Board of Education Meeting

The board approved the purchase of athletic equipment and flooring from Sorinex Exercise Equipment, Inc. for $375,939 to update the Tiger Athletic Complex weight room. They also approved the annual Facilities Master Plan, a routine even-year update with no state partnership projects. Informational updates were presented on the Model Parent Choice School at Mary Mae Jones (International Baccalaureate) and Apple Glen Elementary (Visible Learning).

• Approved $375,939 purchase from Sorinex Exercise Equipment, Inc. for weight room equipment ($278,962) and flooring ($96,977).
• Approved the Facilities Master Plan, an even-year submission to the state with no partnership projects requested.
• Consent agenda approved: minutes, facilities/enrollment/transportation reports, district transfers, and Bentonville Theatre Booster Club sanctioning.
• Informational update: The International School at Mary Mae Jones will adopt International Baccalaureate curriculum, seeking candidacy for 2024-2025.
• Informational update: Apple Glen Elementary awarded Partner Level Visible Learning (July 2023), aiming for Certified status in July 2024.

The Board of Education approved the district's Facilities Master Plan and authorized a purchase for weight room equipment. Other actions included approving the period 5 financial report and confirming authorized signers for district accounts.

• Approved Facilities Master Plan (6-0)
• Authorized $375,939 purchase of BHS weight room equipment from Sorinex Exercise Equipment, Inc. (6-0)
• Approved Financial report for close of period 5 (6-0)
• Adopted Kelly Carlson, Debbie Jones, and Janet Schwanhausser as authorized signers (6-0)
• Approved November 14, 2023 meeting minutes and consent agenda (6-0)
• Accepted personnel packet including new hires, resignations, and transfers (6-0)

Board of Education Meeting

The Bentonville School Board will consider authorizing the donation of approximately 9 acres of district property to Excellerate Foundation for attainable workforce housing. The board will also hear the annual report to the public, elect officers, and approve a consent agenda including bus purchases and student expulsions.

• Donation of ~9 acres near BHS gym to Excellerate Foundation for staff housing (estimated property value $1.3-$1.5 million)
• Annual Report to the Public on ESSA index scores and national comparisons
• Election of board president (Kelly Carlson), vice president (Willie Cowgur), and secretary (Jennifer Faddis)
• Consent agenda includes request to purchase buses and two formal expulsions of 10th-grade males
• Recognition of Ignite students and Extra Mile Award to three teachers for a writers' conference

The Board of Education authorized the donation of approximately 9 acres of district property to the Excellerate Foundation for attainable housing. The board also elected its officers and approved the financial report, course catalogs, and personnel changes.

• Authorized donation of ~9 acres to Excellerate Foundation (5-1)
• Elected Kelly Carlson as board president and disbursing officer (7-0)
• Elected Willie Cowgur as Board Vice President (7-0)
• Elected Jennifer Faddis as Board Secretary (7-0)
• Approved financial report for close of period 4 (7-0)
• Accepted junior high and high school course catalogs (7-0)
• Approved course approvals and deletions for grades 7-12 (7-0)
• Approved personnel packet including new hires and resignations (7-0)

Board of Education Meeting

The board approved consent agenda items including minutes, reports, a student expulsion, and a parent group sanction. They also approved two major facilities projects: a $732,897 synthetic turf replacement and drainage at BHS Tiger Stadium by Hellas Construction, and an $892,953 stadium bleacher expansion at BHS and BWHS by Southern Bleacher Company.

• Approved consent agenda including expulsion of 9th-grade male at BWHS through April 5, 2024
• Approved $732,897 GMP for synthetic turf replacement at BHS Tiger Stadium by Hellas Construction
• Approved $892,953 GMP for stadium bleacher expansions at BHS and BWHS
• Recognized front office assistants Cheryl Bowen and Brynne Love with Extra Mile Award
• Reviewed calendar with upcoming breaks and future board meeting dates

The Board approved contracts for synthetic turf replacement at BHS and bleacher expansions at both BHS and BWHS. Other actions included extending the Superintendent's contract and approving a personnel packet. The Board also reviewed a security report and discussed aligning graduation requirements with state standards.

• Approved $732,897 contract to Hellas Construction Inc. for BHS Tiger Stadium turf replacement (5-0)
• Approved $892,953 contract to Southern Bleacher Company, Inc., Flintco, Inc., and Hight Jackson Architects for BHS and BWHS bleacher expansions (5-0)
• Extended Dr. Debbie Jones' contract through June 30, 2027 (5-0)
• Approved personnel packet including new hires, resignations, and status changes (5-0)
• Approved Financial Report for close of period 3 (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda including September minutes and a 9th grade male expulsion (5-0)

Board Work Session

The Bentonville School Board held a work session to discuss three informational items: a proposal to donate district land for attainable workforce housing, an update on the 10-year facilities plan, and progress on parent-choice school models for downtown elementary schools. No formal action was taken on these items, but the board later entered executive session to evaluate the superintendent.

• Attainable housing proposal: district considers donating 6 developable acres near Bentonville High School for workforce housing, valued at $1.3–$1.5 million
• 10-year facilities plan update: projects enrollment growth and plans new construction for 2030-31, funded without new taxes
• Parent-choice model progress: community survey and focus groups inform new school models for under-enrolled downtown elementary schools, with models to be announced by Dec. 1, 2023
• Executive session held for superintendent evaluation

The board discussed a proposed attainable housing project and received an annual update on the 10-year facilities plan. No substantive votes were taken on these items during the work session.

• Approved the meeting agenda (7-0)
• Adjourned the meeting (7-0)

Board of Education Meeting

The board will hear an update on a proposed workforce housing project on 9 acres behind Bentonville High School gym, with only 6 acres developable due to floodplain. They also receive updates on the Parent Choice Model at Mary Mae Jones Elementary and a Visible Learning award at Apple Glen Elementary. The consent agenda includes approval of minutes, various reports, and a formal expulsion of a 9th-grade female at BHS through fall 2023.

• Attainable housing presentation by Jeff Webster of Excellerate Foundation on 9 acres behind BHS gym (6 developable)
• Parent Choice Model School update for Mary Mae Jones Elementary researching dual language, IB, and Montessori
• Apple Glen Elementary receives Partner Level Visible Learning Award, first in Arkansas
• Consent agenda includes formal expulsion of a 9th-grade female at BHS through fall 2023
• Consent agenda includes Child and Adult Care Food Program applications for Adventure Club, Building Bridges, Tennie Russell

The Board of Education approved the Fiscal Year 2024 proposed budget and a $9.0 million transfer from the operating fund to the building fund for future construction. Members also approved a consent agenda including school improvement plans and one formal expulsion. A proposal for attainable housing for teachers was discussed but not decided.

• Approved Fiscal Year 2024 Proposed Budget (6-0)
• Approved $9.0 million transfer from operating fund to building fund (6-0)
• Approved August 2023 Financial Report (6-0)
• Approved consent agenda including school improvement plans and district transfers (6-0)
• Approved formal expulsion of 9th grade female through fall 2023 (6-0)
• Approved personnel packet including new hires and resignations (6-0)
• Approved participation in Child and Adult Care Food Program for Adventure Club, Building Bridges, and Tennie Russel Primary School (6-0)

Board of Education Meeting

The Bentonville Public Schools Board of Education approved the consent agenda including formal expulsions of three students, proposed budget and election documents, and various reports. The board also voted to change future board meetings to the third Tuesday of each month and approved the July 2023 financial report. Information was presented on a new community service graduation requirement of 75 hours for the Class of 2027 and the new ATLAS summative assessment replacing ACT Aspire.

• Formal expulsion of three students: 9th grade female at BWHS/Virtual (expelled through fall 2023, re-enroll spring 2024), 9th grade male at BHS/Virtual (expelled through fall 2023, re-enroll spring 2024), 11th grade male at BWHS/Virtual (expelled through fall 2023, re-enroll spring 2024)
• Proposed Budget & Election Documents included in consent agenda for upcoming board consideration
• Community service requirement: Arkansas Act 237 of 2023 mandates 75 hours for current freshmen and beyond, with 15 hours in freshman year and 20 hours in each subsequent year
• ATLAS summative assessment will replace ACT Aspire for grades 3-10, first administration in spring 2024
• Board meeting calendar changed to third Tuesday of the month; financial report shows fund balance of $80.5M across all funds

The Board of Education approved a change to the meeting schedule and accepted the first fiscal report of the 2024 school year. The board also approved a personnel packet and three student expulsions.

• Moved Board of Education meetings to the third Tuesday of each month starting September (6-0)
• Approved first fiscal report for the 2024 school year (6-0)
• Approved personnel packet including new hires, resignations, and transfers (6-0)
• Approved expulsion of three 9th and 11th grade students through fall 2023 (6-0)
• Approved minutes from July 17 and July 31, 2023 meetings (6-0)

Board of Education Meeting-Personnel

This is a personnel-focused meeting of the Bentonville Board of Education. The board will vote on a consent agenda item for district transfers and a personnel packet as presented. An executive session will be held for confidential matters. The meeting includes only procedural and personnel actions without detailed financial or policy changes.

• Approval of district transfers (consent agenda)
• Approval of personnel packet
• Executive session per Arkansas FOIA for confidential discussions
• Adoption of meeting agenda
• Meeting adjourned at 5:56 p.m.

The Board of Education approved a personnel packet containing new hires, resignations, and internal moves. The board also approved district transfers as part of the consent agenda.

• Approved district transfers (6-0)
• Approved personnel packet including new hires, resignations, and internal moves (6-0)

Board of Education Meeting

The board approved K-8 attendance zone adjustments for the 2024-2025 school year to ease overcrowding in western schools. They discussed a potential affordable housing project for staff on 9 acres near the high school, pending an Arkansas Attorney General opinion on the legality of donating the land. The board also approved the year-end financial report showing $81.3 million total fund balance and an operating fund balance of $41.2 million.

• Approved attendance zone adjustments for 2024-2025 based on demographer RSP and Associates' analysis
• Discussed staff attainable housing: possible donation of 9 acres near BHS for workforce housing, awaiting AG opinion on constitutionality
• Approved consent agenda including June 20, 2023 minutes, facilities report, transportation report, and district transfers
• Financial report: operating revenues $219.3M, expenses $212.7M, operating fund balance $41.2M (19.4%)
• Recognized Natalie Marts and Ashley Semingson with the Extra Mile Award for supporting two sisters

The Board of Education approved attendance zone changes for grades K-8 and authorized the hiring of an additional School Resource Officer. Members also approved the year-end financial report, updated student policies, and a personnel packet. A proposal for teacher-only housing was discussed but not decided.

• Approved attendance zone adjustments for grades K-8 for 2024-2025 (7-0)
• Approved hiring one additional School Resource Officer for 2023-2024 (7-0)
• Approved year-end financial report (7-0)
• Approved new or modified student policies (7-0)
• Approved June 20, 2023 meeting minutes, facilities report, transportation report, and district transfers (7-0)
• Accepted personnel packet including new hires, resignations, and transfers (7-0)

Board of Education Meeting

The Board of Education reviewed the district's financial status, noting a $101.1 million fund balance. The board also addressed a significant increase in property insurance premiums for the upcoming school year.

• Approval of the May 2023 financial report showing a $101.1 million total fund balance
• Renewal of property insurance through Stephens/Alliant Property Insurance Program for $1,211,082
• Recognition of Extra Mile Award recipients Jack Loyd, Jonathon Guthrie, and Jennifer Morrow
• Approval of the consent agenda including enrollment, facilities, and transportation reports

The Board of Education approved a property insurance renewal and updated district policies to align with the LEARNS Act. Members also accepted the Athletics and Fine Arts handbooks and a personnel packet. Attendance zone adjustments were discussed and will be addressed at the July meeting.

• Approved property insurance renewal for 2023-24 through Stephens/Alliant for $1,211,082 (6-0)
• Approved recommended policy revisions, deletions, and additions (6-0)
• Accepted Athletics and Fine Arts Handbooks (6-0)
• Approved personnel packet including new hires, resignations, and transfers (6-0)
• Approved Financial report (6-0)
• Approved consent agenda including May meeting minutes and instructional materials (6-0)

Board of Education Meeting-Personnel

The Bentonville Public Schools Board of Education met for a personnel meeting. After an executive session, the board unanimously approved a personnel recommendations packet. The meeting was largely procedural, with no individual personnel actions detailed in the agenda.

• Approval of personnel recommendations packet (names not specified in agenda)
• Executive session held pursuant to Arkansas FOIA (reason not specified)
• Agenda approved unanimously
• Meeting adjourned at 6:48 p.m.

The Board of Education approved a personnel packet containing a list of new hires, resignations, retirements, transfers, and status changes for administrative, licensed, and classified staff. The motion passed with a unanimous vote of 7-0.

• Approved personnel packet as presented (7-0)

Board of Education Meeting

The board approved a $1,378,400 guaranteed maximum price for interior updates at Washington Jr. High School, including a new FACS classroom, robotics lab, and nurse's station. They also heard information on a partnership to explore parent choice model schools for downtown elementary schools. The consent agenda included approval of minutes, reports, and two student expulsions.

• Approved $1,378,400 GMP for WJHS interior updates (summer 2023)
• Discussed parent choice model school consultant for downtown elementary transformation
• Approved consent agenda including two expulsions (11th grade male Gateway, 10th grade male BHS)
• Recognized Jesse Collett with Extra Mile Award
• Reviewed district calendar including zoning adjustment parent forums

Board Work Session

The Bentonville Public Schools Board held a work session focused on attendance zone adjustments for grades K-8, driven by overcrowding expected in 2024-25 in western district schools. The board reviewed enrollment projections, boundary criteria, and preliminary concepts from demographer RSP and Associates. They also approved a personnel packet. No final decisions were made on attendance zones; a public feedback period and future board votes are scheduled.

• Discussion of attendance zone adjustments for K-8 based on RSP and Associates boundary analysis
• Goal to alleviate overcrowding in western portion of the district expected in 2024-25
• Timeline set: community feedback website live May 2, public presentations May 22–23, final plan June 20, board approval July 18
• Personnel packet approved with a motion carried 6-0
• Roll call and agenda approval were procedural; meeting adjourned at 8:07 p.m.

The Board approved the personnel packet including new hires, resignations, and retirements. Members reviewed two proposed concepts for kindergarten through eighth grade attendance zone adjustments, with amended proposals expected May 16.

• Approved the meeting agenda (5-0)
• Accepted the personnel packet as presented (6-0)

Board of Education Meeting

The Bentonville Public Schools Board of Education will consider approving contracts for a new digital LED video board at Tiger Stadium ($444,266.69) and replacing the orchestra shell at Arend Arts Center ($337,419.02). The board will also vote on a consent agenda that includes a student expulsion, routine reports, and renewal of the educators legal liability policy ($34,654). The meeting begins with recognitions and public comments.

• BHS Tiger Stadium digital LED video board replacement contract with Rainey Electronics for $444,266.69
• Arend Arts Center orchestra shell replacement contract with Wenger Corporation for $337,419.02
• Consent agenda includes formal expulsion of a 10th-grade male at BHS through fall 2023
• Renewal of Educators Legal Liability Policy for $34,654 through January 2024
• Monthly financial report showing $76.6 million fund balance across all funds

The Board of Education approved a 6.5% salary increase for all district employees for the 2023-24 school year. Other key approvals included a new digital scoreboard for BHS Tiger Stadium and the replacement of an orchestra shell at the Arend Arts Center. The Board also renewed several insurance policies and accepted updated department handbooks.

• Approved 6.5% salary increase for all employees for 2023-24
• Approved BHS Digital Scoreboard Replacement with GMP of $444,266.69
• Approved Orchestra Shell Replacement at Arend Arts Center
• Approved renewal of Educators Legal Liability Policy
• Approved Student Accident Insurance Renewal with Health Special Risk, Inc.
• Approved April financial report
• Accepted department handbooks for Childcare Enrichment, Gateway, Ignite, Tennie Russel, and TREC
• Approved personnel packet including new hires, resignations, and transfers

Special Board Meeting - Employee Appeal

This is a special board meeting for an employee appeal. The board heard the appeal in open session, then deliberated in executive session. Afterward, they voted unanimously to uphold the superintendent's recommendation for non-renewal of the contract and to uphold items 1 and 2 from the superintendent's letter.

• Employee appeal hearing held in open session
• Board entered executive session for deliberation
• Motion to uphold non-renewal of contract passed 7–0
• Motion to uphold items 1 and 2 from superintendent's letter passed 7–0

Board of Education Meeting

The Bentonville Board of Education approved renewing a $6,265,833 contract with SSC Service Solutions for custodial services from June 2023 to May 2024. The board also voted to implement Phase I of consolidated school bus routes for the 2023-2024 school year, moving to neighborhood stops. Additionally, the board approved a consent agenda that included expulsion of three students through spring 2023.

• Renewed custodial service contract with SSC Service Solutions for $6,265,833 from June 1, 2023 to May 30, 2024.
• Approved Phase I of consolidated bus routes (neighborhood stops) for 2023-2024 school year.
• Consent agenda included expulsion of three students (10th grade male from BHS, 11th grade female from BWHS Gateway, 9th grade male from BHS) through spring 2023, allowed to return fall 2023.
• Approved financial report showing total fund balance of $86 million and operating fund balance of $38.3 million.
• Recognized Jeri Schulz, Benefits Coordinator, with the Extra Mile Award.

The Board approved the implementation of Phase I of consolidated bus routes for the 2023-2024 school year to improve reliability. They also renewed a custodial services contract with SSC Service Solutions and approved the district's financial report.

• Approved Phase I of Consolidated bus routes for 2023-2024 (7-0)
• Renewed custodial contract with SSC Service Solutions for $6,265,833 (7-0)
• Approved Financial report for period 8 (7-0)
• Approved consent agenda including three student expulsions (7-0)
• Accepted personnel packet including new hires and resignations (7-0)
• Approved meeting agenda (7-0)

Board of Education Meeting

The Board of Education is voting on three construction projects: a $1.89 million secure vestibule at Apple Glen Elementary, a $1.32 million secure vestibule at Ardis Ann Middle and Elm Tree Elementary, and a $290,740 window replacement at Lincoln Jr. High. The consent agenda includes approval of minutes, enrollment and transportation reports, and three formal expulsions. The board will also recognize facilities staff with the Extra Mile Award.

• Approve $1,889,682 guaranteed maximum price for Apple Glen Elementary secure vestibule
• Approve $1,315,754 guaranteed maximum price for Ardis Ann Middle and Elm Tree Elementary secure vestibule
• Approve $290,740 guaranteed maximum price for Lincoln Jr. High classroom window replacement
• Consent agenda includes formal expulsions of three students through spring/fall 2023
• Review of February enrollment and transportation reports

The Board approved three construction projects for secure entry vestibules and window replacements. It also authorized the purchase of 12 new buses and approved a substance abuse program for first-time offenders.

• Approved $1,889,682.00 GMP for Apple Glen Elementary secure vestibule (4-0, 3 not present)
• Approved $1,315,754.00 GMP for Ardis Ann Middle School & Elm Tree Elementary secure vestibule (5-0, 2 not present)
• Approved $290,740.00 GMP for Lincoln Jr. High classroom window replacement (5-0, 2 not present)
• Approved purchase of eight 77-passenger and four 33-passenger buses from Rush Truck and surplus of five buses (5-0, 1 not present)
• Approved Substance Abuse Impact Program for first-time possession offenses (4-1, 1 not present)
• Approved period 7 Financial report (5-0, 2 not present)
• Approved personnel packet including resignations, new hires, and transfers (6-0, 1 not present)
• Approved formal expulsions for three students (5-0, 2 not present)

Board Work Session

The Bentonville School Board held a work session discussing three main topics: transportation sustainability, a restorative discipline proposal for first-time drug offenders, and superintendent goals. The transportation review covered growth in ridership, routes, staffing, and fleet. The substance abuse update proposed an alternative discipline program allowing first-time offenders to return to school sooner through a restorative plan. No final decisions were made; the board received information.

• Transportation sustainability presentation on growth trends in ridership, routes, staffing, and fleet
• Proposal for a restorative discipline program in lieu of expulsion for first-time drug offenders
• Discussion of Arkansas law requiring alternative education for expelled students
• Superintendent goals for 2023 presented by Dr. Debbie Jones
• Board approved the agenda and later adjourned at 7:34 p.m.

The Board discussed a proposal to move to consolidated bus stops to reduce driver and fuel costs, but no action was taken pending more information. The Board also reviewed a proposed one-day substance abuse program for first-time offenders and the Superintendent's annual goals.

• Approved the meeting agenda (5-0)

Board of Education Meeting

The board approved a conditional alternative 2023-24 academic calendar that would allow an earlier start date if the Arkansas Legislature rescinds or amends Act 688. They also accepted the FY2022 audit with an unmodified opinion, approved the consent agenda (including minutes, facilities and enrollment reports, and a school choice capacity resolution), and recognized the grounds crew with the Extra Mile Award. An ethics training presentation was provided by legal counsel Marshall Ney.

• Approved alternative 2023-2024 academic calendar contingent on legislative change to Act 688 (earlier start date).
• Accepted FY2022 audit report from Landmark CPA with unmodified opinion.
• Recognized grounds crew (Jon Cottrell, Jaime Duenas, Jaime Duenas Sr., Candido Sanchez, Jose Vizcaino Bringas) with Extra Mile Award.
• Approved consent agenda including Board CEU hours, School Choice Capacity Resolution, and enrollment/transportation reports.
• Ethics board training presentation by Marshall Ney for board member CEU credit.

The Board accepted the Fiscal Year 2022 Audit Report and approved a conditional academic calendar for 2023-2024 based on potential legislative changes. Members also designated authorized signers for district contracts and financial records and approved a personnel packet.

• Accepted Fiscal Year 2022 Audit Report (7-0)
• Approved 2023-2024 Alternative Start Date Calendar if Arkansas Legislature allows earlier start (7-0)
• Approved Kelly Carlson, Debbie Jones, and Janet Schwanhausser as authorized signers (7-0)
• Approved January financial report (7-0)
• Approved personnel packet including new hires, resignations, and transfers (7-0)
• Approved consent agenda including December 20, 2022 minutes and various reports (7-0)