Gravette School Board approves personnel moves, bank signatory updates and a six-classroom addition; calendar proposal fails
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Summary
At its regular meeting the Gravette School District board approved multiple personnel hires and resignations, updated bank signatories and authorized a six-classroom high-school addition; a proposed calendar change failed and the board adopted a bereavement-leave policy.
The Gravette School District board approved a series of personnel actions, a bank signatory update and a contract for a six-classroom addition while rejecting a proposed calendar change at its meeting.
Administrators presented a slate of personnel motions that the board approved by voice votes, including acceptance of the resignation of bus driver Warren Mason and hires or transfers for multiple staff: Arissa Blakeslee was transferred to executive assistant for personnel services on a 99-day contract; Linda Herron was hired as a full-time food-service substitute; Tammy Mueller was hired as a fifth-grade teacher; Edward DeMasters was voluntarily transferred to special-education paraprofessional; and Candace Millsap was hired as a Title I paraprofessional. Board members recorded voice votes for each motion.
The board also moved to adopt new language to Policies 3.0.11 and 8.5 to provide up to five days of bereavement leave for immediate family members, effective July 1, 2026; the motion passed. Later, a proposal to adopt "Calendar 1," which would have added a Tuesday after Labor Day and an extra Monday of spring break among other changes, failed on a voice vote after extended discussion about instructional minutes and family impact.
On facilities and financial administration, the board approved a contract to furnish a six-classroom Gravette High School addition for $84,173.75 and voted to send a letter of direction to Legacy Bank to update district account signatories. The superintendent and construction staff said ordering now would allow delivery and readiness by Aug. 1.
No votes were taken in executive session, which the board convened to discuss employment and legal matters under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.
The board concluded with plans to publish a candidate questionnaire for the March 30 school-board election so voters may compare responses.
Actions at a glance: - Consent agenda: approved (voice vote). - Approve monthly financial summary: approved (voice vote). - Resignations/retirements: multiple accepted (voice votes). - Hires/transfers: multiple approved (voice votes). - Policies 3.0.11 and 8.5 (bereavement leave): adopted, effective 07/01/2026. - Calendar 1 (district PPC/CPPC proposal): failed (voice vote). - Six-classroom Gravette High School addition contract: approved for $84,173.75. - Legacy Bank letter of direction (update signatories): approved.
The meeting included an executive session for personnel and legal matters; no actions were taken while in executive session.