Forrest City board approves Microsoft license, Virtual Arkansas invoices and personnel renewals; coaches stipends adjusted
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Summary
Board approved a $22,383.96 Microsoft license renewal, roughly $64,075 in Virtual Arkansas invoices for current-year virtual classes and multiple personnel and partner renewals; coaches' stipends were increased for certain positions effective next school year.
FORREST CITY, Ark. — The Forrest City School District board approved a set of renewals and invoices at its meeting, including a Microsoft licensing renewal, Virtual Arkansas invoices for the district’s virtual courses, addenda to partner contracts and personnel renewals. The board also approved recommended stipend adjustments for coaching positions.
On a motion by Annie Norman and a second from Sadie Blackwell, the board approved the Microsoft license renewal in the amount of $22,383.96. The superintendent presented the vendor and asked for a roll-call vote; the recorded votes were all in the affirmative.
The board also approved two Virtual Arkansas invoices totaling $64,075 (one for $34,650 and one for $29,425) covering virtual instruction for middle-school students this year. Board discussion noted these invoices reflect services already delivered for the current school year; one board member asked whether the invoices were for fall/spring periods and whether a facilitator was present in classrooms. District staff said the invoices are current-year bills and that facilitators work in the classrooms while virtual teachers provide instruction.
The superintendent recommended approval of addenda to renew partnerships the district said have supported measurable growth in schools; the motion to approve those addenda was carried after board discussion about timelines and contract days of service. The board also approved personnel renewals and summer-school staffing contingent on state licensure pathways and pending state guidance for some provisional licensing programs.
The board approved a recommended adjustment to coaches’ stipends for specific positions, described by staff as position-based increases meant to align local stipends with surrounding districts. District staff said the raises apply to positions and will take effect next year; they also said coaches must meet certification or licensure pathways required for coaching positions.
Votes at a glance: - Microsoft license renewal: $22,383.96 — motion by Annie Norman; second Sadie Blackwell; outcome approved (recorded yes votes by present board members). - Virtual Arkansas invoices: $34,650 and $29,425 (total $64,075) — motion and second recorded; outcome approved. - Addenda to partner contracts (items 3, 4, 5): recommended by Dr. Harvey to continue with partners supporting growth — motion approved (one board member voiced preference to table but motion carried). - Personnel renewals and summer-school staffing: motion approved; renewals contingent on licensure pathways and usual procedures. - Coaching stipends: board approved position-based stipend adjustments effective next school year; staff said increases reflect market comparisons and certification pathways.
The board did not discuss rescinding any prior contracts; staff said they would bring additional documentation and invited partners to present at a future board meeting if board members wanted more detail.