Gravette board approves personnel moves, coaching stipends and first reading of model policies

The Gravette School District Board of Education approved a series of personnel decisions, added coaching stipends and took the first reading of updated model policies at its May 20 regular meeting.

The board unanimously approved the consent agenda and later approved the monthly financial report after a presentation of April results. The district reported April property tax receipts near $1 million and total receipts for the month close to $1.8 million; year-to-date receipts were about $18.6 million (about 72% of budgeted annual revenue), and year-to-date expenditures were near $20.3 million (about 76% of budget). Dez (finance staff) led the finance presentation and fielded questions from board members about how operating funds and restricted fund lines are reported.

On personnel, the board recorded a number of resignations and retirements effective at the end of the 2024–25 school year and approved hires for 2025–26. Motions carried to accept resignations from staff including Sid Clark (DHS science teacher), Grace Jones (GHS special education paraprofessional), Dusty Larson (role not specified), Rita Clare Rudnick (kindergarten teacher), and others. The board approved retirements including Barbara Hamilton (upper elementary fifth-grade teacher). Hires approved included Joseph Dungan (GHS…