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Director outlines staffing, new report card, facilities work and warns of federal funding uncertainty
Summary
In the director's report the district announced that all certified positions have been filled, introduced a new standards-based elementary report card (for board awareness), previewed summer facilities projects and said some federal funds were frozen, warning of possible program impacts in future years.
The district director told the Benton County School Board the district has filled all certified positions and is nearly finished with summer hiring for support staff, and introduced a new standards-based elementary report card that the board needs to be aware of but not approve.
"At this time, we have filled all our certified positions," the director reported, and added the district had filled several other roles and was down to a small number of support openings. The director said administrators should expect additional staffing details to be stable before school opens.
On assessment and communication, the director introduced a new performance-based report card for elementary schools, describing it as "more standards based, performance based" and saying it may be a "culture shock" because it differs from traditional grading. Staff told the board the report card is informational and does not require board approval.
Facilities and summer projects were detailed: junior high roof work is scheduled but could be delayed if heavy rain intervenes; carpet and painting work has been completed in the music room; central technology plans camera system installations at all schools by Sept. 1; gym floors at Camden Junior High and other sites will be sanded and repainted; and a classroom at Camden Elementary will be converted into administrative offices. The director reminded the board that school starts Wednesday, Aug. 6.
On finance, the director warned that recent notices indicated some federal funds have been frozen. "We've already received the memo that they froze our money," the director said, adding that staff expect to be okay for the coming school year but that "there could be some tough decisions in the next year" if federal support is reduced. Staff also noted a 17% increase in workers' compensation costs compared with earlier budgeting assumptions.
The director closed by recognizing retiring employees and presenting a distinguished service award to a named retiree, and asked the board to keep staff with health issues in their prayers. The director requested board attendance at a policy meeting scheduled for Thursday, July 17 at 5:30 p.m. to review family medical leave and cell-phone policies ahead of the August second reading.
