Dierks School Board Addresses Expulsion, Personnel Changes, and Security Upgrades at December Meeting

The Dierks School Board held its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday evening, where a range of important issues were discussed, including a student expulsion, personnel changes, campus security upgrades, and a student enrollment request.

The meeting began with an expulsion hearing, where it was reported that a student had brought a banned substance to Dierks High School and allegedly gave it to another student, causing that student to become ill. After a thorough discussion, the board voted to approve a 365-day expulsion for the student involved, effective December 18th. The student who took the banned substance was also given a 10-day suspension.

The board also addressed several personnel matters during the meeting. The board accepted the resignation of Craig Dodson as elementary principal, in accordance with the terms of the agreement. Additionally, Michelle Godwin’s Dean of Students stipend was changed from an as-needed basis to full-time, in alignment with the salary schedule. The board also amended Linda Kitchens’ contract, promoting her from interim principal to principal for the remainder of the school year.

In a move to enhance campus security, the board approved the purchase of 48 indoor dome cameras with audio, along with outdoor/gym cameras, network switches, and IP outdoor cameras. The total cost of these security upgrades is $54,303.03, and they will be funded through the school safety grant. This investment is part of the district’s ongoing commitment to the safety of both students and staff.

In another business, the board unanimously denied a request for a student from Dequeen to be enrolled in the Dierks School District.

The meeting concluded with a focus on improving the district’s security measures and supporting the well-being of students at Dierks School.