MOUNT IDA – Superintendent Hal Landrith recognized the members of the Mount Ida School District Board of Directors during the January board meeting.
The recognition was in conjunction with a state wide recognition of school board members and the service they provide their communities.
Landrith stated, “Our board members assume a crucial role in representing our students and advocating for public education. We are very proud of our members, and Arkansas School Board Recognition Month is a great time to recognize them and celebrate their accomplishments.”
Mount Ida School Board members include: Phillip Carr, Jim Jones, Crystal Carlton, Shane Forga and Jeremy McCullough.
A statement provided by Landrith points out that as publicly elected school leaders, the board members set policy for the district. Under state law, they are empowered to hire and evaluate the superintendent, oversee district finances, approve the budget and determine the vision and mission of the district. They must also approve the curriculum and ensure the district maintains adequate facilities for teaching and learning.
Board members are also required by law to earn at least six hours of professional development each year.
Landrith also presented each board member with a certificate of appreciation for their service to the school.
In other business, Landrith discussed the possibility of installing a cooling system in the gymnasium. He stated that he had looked at a system similar to what Mena uses in their middle school gymnasium.
Jim Jones mentioned that on his job they had recently made some expansions which included a cooling system. He was pleased with the system and offered to provide Landrith with information, which he accepted.
Landrith told the board members he would keep them updated on his progress.
Landrith reported on the relocation of the preschool facilities. He stated that the bathrooms were coming along nicely and they were planning on concreting a couple spots on the parking lot. He added that when the preschool students were relocated the old facility would by used by the special education department. The facility will allow teachers and aides to provide one on one time with students who need it.
The board voted to renew Superintendent Landrith’s contract for the 2017-18 school year and add a five percent increase in salary effective January 11, 2016,