Bentonville Public Schools public meetings in 2024

Board of Education Meeting

The Board of Education is reviewing district performance data and updates from the Mid-States Benchmarking Consortium. The body is deciding on the approval of a third phase of remodeling for Lincoln Junior High School.

• Approval of LJHS Remodel Phase III including 7,400 sf of new flooring and a backup generator
• Formal expulsion of a 10th grade male BHS Virtual student through fall 2024
• Presentation of the Annual Report to the Public featuring Atlas State Assessment and NWEA MAP data
• Extra Mile Award presented to counselor Marisa Snow
• Review of Mid-States Benchmarking Consortium takeaways on AI and career education

Board of Education Meeting

The Bentonville School Board approved new parent-choice models for the 2025-26 school year at Sugar Creek Elementary (arts integration) and Thomas Jefferson Elementary (leadership academy). The board also approved a $444,252 net annual increase to the custodial contract with SSC Service Solutions, the financial report, and a consent agenda that included three student expulsions.

• Approved Arts Integration Model at Sugar Creek Elementary (SCES) and Leadership Academy at Thomas Jefferson Elementary (TJES) for 2025-26
• Increased custodial contract with SSC Service Solutions by $444,252 net annually, eliminating an attendance bonus
• Approved October 2024 financial report showing operating fund balance of $37.0 million
• Consent agenda included expulsions of three students (two at Compass, one at BWHS Virtual) through specified dates

The Board approved the establishment of a Leadership Academy at Thomas Jefferson Elementary and an Arts Integration Program at Sugar Creek Elementary for 2025-26. Members also authorized a custodial contract pay increase and elected new board officers.

• Elected Kelly Carlson (President), Jennifer Faddis (Vice President), and Becky Guthrie (Secretary)
• Approved SCES Arts Integration model for 2025-26 school year
• Approved TJES Leadership Academy model for 2025-26 school year
• Authorized custodial contract increase for SSC Service Solutions (net annual change $444,252)
• Approved policy changes for sick day donations and School Choice rules
• Approved addition of one FTE Commissioned School Security Officer for COMPASS program
• Approved three student expulsions
• Accepted personnel packet including resignations and new hires

Board of Education Meeting

The board will vote on the 2025-2026 school calendar, which was selected by staff (813 licensed, 273 classified for Draft A). They will also receive an update on the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme at Mary Mae Jones Elementary and approve the September financial report showing a $63.6 million fund balance. The consent agenda includes seven student expulsions and routine reports on facilities, enrollment, and transportation.

• Approval of 2025-2026 calendar Draft A (students start Tuesday, two-week winter break, last day May 27)
• IB programme update at Mary Mae Jones Elementary – launch of parent choice school model
• Financial report: $63.6M total fund balance, operating fund balance $31.1M (12.4%)
• Consent agenda includes 7 expulsions (all male, grades 9-11, mostly COMPASS program) with re-enrollment dates
• Extra Mile Award to Dean Hacker and Jerry Guillory for recovering a stuffed bear from Apple Glen Elementary roof

The Board approved a draft school calendar for 2025-2026 with a proposed start date of August 12. Members also certified a countywide millage rollback and approved updates to district course offerings.

• Approved 2025-2026 school calendar Draft A (7-0)
• Certified A.C.A. § 26-26-404 Computation and Certification Form for millage rollback (7-0)
• Approved first quarter Financial Report (7-0)
• Approved course approvals and deletions as presented (7-0)
• Approved personnel packet and one-year contract extension for Dr. Jones (6-0)
• Approved consent agenda including facilities, enrollment, and transportation reports (7-0)
• Approved formal expulsions for seven students (7-0)

Board Work Session

The Bentonville Public Schools Board held a work session on October 10, 2024. The main agenda item was a 10-Year Facilities Master Plan update, which projects enrollment and plans for new construction and capital projects. The board also approved district transfers via a consent agenda.

• 10-Year Facilities Plan updated with enrollment projections and new construction timeline, including a 600-seat expansion at Bentonville West High School opening fall 2029 and a sixth middle school opening fall 2031
• District transfers approved via consent agenda
• Facilities plan shows operating revenues exceeding expenses, with savings transferred to the Building Fund to fund construction without new taxes
• Capital projects over $150,000 listed, with secure vestibules completed at Apple Glen, Elm Tree, and Ardis Ann schools

The board reviewed enrollment projections and a 10-year capital project plan. Discussions focused on high school capacity and potential facility expansions. The board approved the meeting agenda and district transfers.

• Approved meeting agenda
• Approved district transfers

Board of Education Meeting

The Bentonville School Board approved a $10 million transfer from the operating fund to the building fund for future construction, adopted the FY2025 budget with a $1.1 million surplus, and received an informational update on CKLA literacy curriculum implementation. The consent agenda included approval of minutes, reports, and Child and Adult Care Food Program applications for Adventure Club, Building Bridges, and Tennie Russell Primary School.

• $10M transfer from operating fund to building fund for future construction
• Approval of FY2025 proposed budget with operating revenues exceeding expenditures by $1.1M
• Informational presentation on CKLA literacy curriculum implementation
• Consent agenda included approval of CACFP applications for Adventure Club, Building Bridges, and Tennie Russell Primary School
• Recognition of Dr. Debbie Jones as Superintendent of the Year

The Board approved the proposed Fiscal Year 2025 budget and authorized a $10 million transfer from the operating fund to the building fund for future construction. The board also approved the hiring of one additional full-time athletic trainer and accepted a personnel packet of hires, resignations, and transfers.

• Approved $10 million transfer from operating fund to building fund (3-0)
• Approved proposed Fiscal Year 2025 budget (7-0)
• Approved request for one additional full-time athletic trainer (7-0)
• Approved personnel packet including new hires, resignations, and transfers (7-0)
• Approved consent agenda including August 20 minutes and CACFP participation (7-0)
• Decided to keep October 22, 2024, board meeting date despite fall break

Board of Education Meeting

The Bentonville Board of Education approved the July 2024 financial report and surplus vehicles. The board also recognized all district schools for the Purple Star Award and discussed the 2024-2025 strategic plan focus goals.

• Approval of July 2024 Financial Report
• Surplus of two vehicles (2014 GMC Acadia, 1995 International Bus)
• Recognition of all schools for Purple Star Award
• Discussion of 2024-2025 strategic plan focus goals
• Approval of consent agenda items

The Board approved the start-of-year financial report and the surpusing of two end-of-life vehicles. Members also accepted a personnel packet containing new hires, resignations, and transfers. The board discussed strategic goals including student mental health and cell phone policies.

• Approved financial report and surpusing of two vehicles (7-0)
• Approved personnel packet including new hires, resignations, and transfers (7-0)
• Approved July 16 and August 5 meeting minutes (7-0)
• Approved facilities, enrollment, transportation, and district transfer reports (7-0)

Board of Education Meeting-Personnel

The Bentonville Public Schools Board of Education held a personnel meeting on August 5, 2024. The board approved a consent agenda that included district transfers, and later approved a personnel packet after an executive session. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved consent agenda including District Transfers (July 16, 2024 final)
• Approved personnel packet as presented (names in attached files)
• Conducted executive session under Arkansas FOIA (Section 25-19-106)
• Unanimous votes on all actions by all six board members

The Board of Education approved a personnel packet containing new hires, resignations, and status changes. The board also approved district transfers.

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

Board of Education Meeting

The Board of Education reviewed the district's financial condition and approved several policy revisions for the 2024-2025 school year. The board also voted to increase pay rates for Kelly Education substitutes to remain competitive with neighboring districts.

• Approved pay increases for Kelly Education substitutes with an estimated impact of $96,250
• Approved the surplus of seven fleet vehicles for sale on govdeals.org
• Approved financial reports showing a total fund balance of $80.9 million
• Approved policy revisions regarding Board legal status, organization, meeting agendas, and superintendent duties
• Approved consent agenda items including proposed budget and election documents

The Board approved a new pay scale for Kelly Education substitutes and authorized the surplus of seven used vehicles. Members also approved four policy revisions and a personnel packet containing new hires, resignations, and transfers.

• Approved pay increase for Kelly Education substitutes (5-0)
• Approved financial report and surplus of seven vehicles (5-0)
• Approved four recommended policy revisions for 2024-2025 (5-0)
• Approved personnel packet including new hires, resignations, and transfers (5-0)
• Approved June 18, 2024 meeting minutes, facilities report, and transportation report (5-0)
• Approved district transfers and Surrogate Parent Designee form SP-1 (5-0)
• Approved proposed budget and election documents (5-0)

Board of Education Meeting

The Bentonville School Board approved two major construction projects: a $3,481,958 guaranteed maximum price (GMP) for replacing the Transportation Department's fueling station and adding parking, and a $2,826,411 GMP for a new locker room at the BHS Soccer/Track Complex. The board also received an informational report on screen time and digital citizenship initiatives. The consent agenda, including minutes, reports, and school improvement plans, was approved unanimously.

• Approved $3,481,958 GMP for Transportation Fueling Station Replacement and Parking Addition, starting summer 2024, completion March 2025
• Approved $2,826,411 GMP for BHS Soccer/Track Locker Room Addition, starting summer 2024, completion February 2025
• Received Screen Time Report as information only
• Approved consent agenda including May meeting minutes, facilities/enrollment/transportation reports, school choice, district transfers, and school improvement plans
• No public comments were made

The Board of Education approved two major construction projects for BHS locker rooms and a transportation fueling station. Members also approved the 2024-2025 student handbooks, property insurance renewal, and a personnel packet.

• Approved BHS Soccer and Track Locker Room GMP for $2,826,411.00 (6-0, 1 recused)
• Approved Transportation Fueling Station Replacement and Parking Lot Addition for $3,481,958.00 (7-0)
• Approved property insurance renewal for 2024/2025 totaling $1,324,079 (7-0)
• Approved 2024-2025 student handbooks (7-0)
• Approved personnel packet including new hires, resignations, and transfers (7-0)
• Approved financial report for close of period 11 (7-0)
• Approved policy revisions as presented (7-0)
• Approved consent agenda including May meeting minutes and various district reports (7-0)

Board of Education Meeting

The board approved a $1,638,250 guaranteed maximum price for updates to the Ignite Annex and Student Services facility, including classroom and restroom renovations, a new metal roof, and exterior repairs. A separate $923,407 flooring replacement project at Cooper and Centerton Gamble Elementary was also approved. The consent agenda included formal expulsions of four high school students and routine reports. The board recognized Corporal Melissa Fox with the Extra Mile Award.

• Approved Ignite Annex & Student Services Facility Update GMP for $1,638,250
• Approved Cooper & Centerton Gamble Elementary flooring replacement GMP for $923,407
• Consent agenda included formal expulsions of four male students at BHS/Virtual through various dates
• Recognized Corporal Melissa Fox with Extra Mile Award for service as school resource officer

The Board of Education approved two major construction projects for the summer of 2024. They also accepted several updated department handbooks and a personnel packet including new hires and resignations.

• Approved Ignite Annex & Student Services Facility Update GMP for $1,638,250.00
• Approved flooring replacement at Cooper & Centerton Gamble Elementary for $923,407.00
• Approved policy changes for 3.34, 6.27, 6.14, 8.48, 4.11, 4.16, 4.39, and 4.63
• Approved financial report for close of period 10
• Accepted updated department handbooks for Athletics, Childcare, Preschool, TREC, Gateway, Ignite, and Visual and Performing Arts
• Approved personnel packet including resignations, new hires, and transfers
• Approved four formal expulsions for students at BHS/Virtual

Board of Education Meeting-Personnel

The Bentonville School Board met in a personnel session to approve the agenda and consent agenda, which included district transfers. The board then entered executive session before voting to accept the personnel recommendations packet as presented. The meeting adjourned at 6:26 p.m.

• Approved consent agenda: District Transfers
• Entered executive session under Arkansas FOIA
• Approved Personnel Recommendations packet (details in attached PDFs)

Board of Education Meeting

The Bentonville School Board approved a 4.8% salary increase across all salary schedules, capped at $2,500 annually, costing about $5.078 million. They also discussed employee benefits and heard a presentation on Lincoln Junior High's intervention program for students behind in math, English, or behavior. The consent agenda was approved, including routine reports and a formal expulsion of an 8th grade male.

• Approved 4.8% salary increase for all licensed and classified staff, capped at $2,500/year, effective 2024-25
• Discussed employee benefits package including medical insurance ($234.50/month district contribution) and long-term disability
• Heard presentation on Lincoln Junior High's tiered intervention blueprint for struggling students
• Approved consent agenda including minutes, facilities/enrollment/transportation reports, district transfers, and formal expulsion of 8th grade male at FJHS/Virtual

The Board of Education approved a salary increase for licensed and classified employees and renewed several service contracts. They also authorized the sale of surplus transportation equipment and accepted a personnel packet of hires and resignations.

• Approved 4.8% salary increase for licensed and classified employees, capped at $2,500 annually (7-0)
• Renewed custodial services contract with SSC Service Solutions for $6,465,508 (7-0)
• Renewed food service contract with Aramark for 2024-25 (7-0)
• Approved 2024-25 student accident insurance through Health Special Risk, Inc. for $19,520 (7-0)
• Approved financial report and the surpusing of transportation department items (7-0)
• Approved personnel packet including new hires, resignations, and transfers (6-0)
• Approved consent agenda including expulsion of one 8th grade male student (7-0)

Board Work Session

The board discussed the Downtown Master Plan, reviewing assessments of several school properties (Old High, RE Baker, Sugar Creek, Thomas Jefferson, Lincoln Jr High). They also approved the consent agenda including an inclement weather calendar waiver. The meeting included procedural items like agenda approval and adjournment.

• Downtown Master Plan discussion with assessments of five school properties (Old High, RE Baker, Sugar Creek, Thomas Jefferson, Lincoln Jr High)
• Consent agenda approved, including a resolution for an inclement weather calendar waiver
• Board approved the agenda as presented
• Meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.

The Board reviewed building assessments for downtown schools, specifically noting electrical and ADA compliance issues at Old High Middle School and structural concerns at REBaker Elementary. The District will proceed with a grant application for master planning and design consultation.

• Approved the meeting agenda
• Approved the Consent Agenda
• Decided to move forward with the grant application process for downtown schools master planning and design

Board of Education Meeting

The Bentonville School Board approved the adoption of Eureka Math² for grades K-4 at an initial cost of $669,128.95. They also approved the consent agenda including two student expulsions and the monthly financial report. The board recognized Dan Eddy with the Extra Mile Award and received information on 2024 summer camp offerings.

• Approved Eureka Math² K-4 math curriculum, initial cost $669,128.95
• Approved consent agenda including expulsion of 9th grade male at BHS/Gateway and 11th grade female at BWHS/Virtual through spring 2024
• Approved financial report showing operating fund balance of $49.1 million
• Recognized computer science teacher Dan Eddy with Extra Mile Award
• Received information on 2024 summer camps with $125 registration fee

The Board of Education approved the adoption of Eureka Math² for grades K-4 and a new two-phase staff childcare program. Members also approved the period 8 financial report and a personnel packet. Discussion regarding attainable housing was tabled.

• Approved adoption of Eureka Math² for grades K-4 at a cost of $669,128.95 (7-0)
• Approved staff childcare program including personnel requests and purchasing (7-0)
• Approved period 8 financial report (7-0)
• Approved personnel packet including new hires, resignations, and transfers (7-0)
• Approved February 20, 2024 minutes and various district reports (7-0)
• Approved expulsion of 9th grade male and 11th grade female through spring 2024 (7-0)
• Tabled discussion on attainable housing and a proposed $10,000 sign-on bonus for new staff

Board of Education Meeting

The board voted to switch from a traditional to an alternate calendar for both the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 school years, requiring a state waiver. They also approved a $814,690 guaranteed maximum price contract for replacing the Bentonville High School North roof. The consent agenda and financial report were approved, and staff were recognized.

• Approval of waiver to change 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 calendars from traditional to alternate
• Approval of $814,690 GMP for BHS North roof replacement by M2 Roofing LLC
• Approval of financial report showing $89.4 million fund balance across all funds
• Consent agenda approval including minutes, facilities, enrollment, transportation reports, and district transfers
• Recognition of Casey Cawein with Extra Mile Award for January

The Board of Education approved a contract for roof replacement at Bentonville High School North and authorized a $20 million investment in US Treasuries. The board also transitioned the school calendar from traditional to alternate for the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 school years.

• Approved $814,690 contract with M2 Roofing LLC for BHS North roof (7-0)
• Authorized $20,000,000 investment in US Treasuries with BOK Financial Securities (7-0)
• Changed school calendar from traditional to alternate (7-0)
• Approved revised 2023/2024 and modified 2024/2025 school calendars (7-0)
• Approved personnel requests for new positions including Elementary Academic Coach and CTE (7-0)
• Approved revisions to computer use policies 3.28 and 3.28F (7-0)
• Approved financial report and consent agenda (7-0)
• Accepted personnel packet including resignations and new hires (7-0)

Board of Education Meeting

The Bentonville Public Schools Board of Education met on January 16, 2024 and approved the 2024-2025 academic calendar (Draft A), accepted the Fiscal Year 2023 independent audit, renewed professional liability insurance at $35,853, and approved consent agenda items including custodial services for BWHS Addition and a School Choice Capacity Resolution.

• Approved 2024-2025 academic calendar (Draft A) based on staff survey (688 licensed, 194 classified voted for Draft A)
• Accepted Fiscal Year 2023 audit with unmodified opinion from Landmark CPA
• Renewed School Board Legal Liability and Employment Practices Liability insurance for $35,853 (2024-25)
• Approved financial report showing $86.4 million total fund balance at period 6
• Consent agenda included custodial service contract for BWHS Addition and School Choice Capacity Resolution

The Board of Education approved the 2024-2025 school calendar and authorized a waiver request to the State Board of Education regarding the start date. The board also accepted the Fiscal Year 2023 Audit Report and renewed professional liability insurance.

• Approved 2024/2025 calendar and request for state waiver (7-0)
• Accepted Fiscal Year 2023 Audit Report (7-0)
• Approved professional liability insurance renewal for $35,853 (7-0)
• Approved period 6 financial report (7-0)
• Approved personnel packet including new hires and resignations (6-0)
• Approved consent agenda including facilities, enrollment, and transportation reports (7-0)

Special Board Meeting - Student expulsion

This special board meeting was held to conduct a student expulsion hearing. After deliberation in executive session, the board voted unanimously to uphold the administration's recommendation for expulsion.

• Student expulsion hearing held; board entered executive session to deliberate.
• Motion to uphold the administration's expulsion recommendation made by Willie Cowgur, seconded by Joel Dunning.
• Final vote: 5-0 in favor of expulsion (Willie Cowgur, Kelly Carlson, Becky Guthrie, Joel Dunning, Jeremy Farmer).
• Meeting adjourned at 5:43 pm.