Longtime Mineral Springs School District bookkeeper resigns

Monday night, the Mineral Springs School District bookkeeper, Marla Williams resigned from the district. Superintendent Billy Lee stated Williams has served the district for 16 years and that she will be missed.

The board approved the purchase of an International brand bus at a cost of $109,450. Lee said the bus will be purchased with state funds and will be used as a trip bus.

At the end of the meeting, board member Mike Erwin addressed the board. He expressed his desire to see the Saratoga campus converted into a vo-tech high school and see the district raise teacher salaries.

Erwin said the district should have the highest salaries in the De Queen-Mena Co-op. He said teacher salaries it directly tied to teacher recruitment, retention and improved test scores. Erwin pointed out that the De Queen School District currently has the highest teacher salaries in the co-op and the highest test scores in the co-op. 

Following the meeting, Lee was asked about his vision for the Saratoga campus.

The next board meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 13 at 6:30 pm.