Mineral Springs School Board

Mineral Springs School board met this week. First item on the agenda was the discussion of a committee composed of alumni from Saratoga who have asked to use the school’s old gym to start an after school tutoring and sports program. After discussion it was determined to table this topic and revisit it after changes were made to the agreement.

Next was the consideration of a contract with Educators Consulting Services. The contract is for a reading program aimed at serving 5th through 8th graders that will help to determine the effectiveness of after school programs as well as determine how to best prevent learning loss over the summer break. This firm will also provide professional development courses for teachers so as to educate and give them the tools necessary to help implement protocol and carry on with the learning loss prevention efforts. The cost range provided to the board falls somewhere between $31,000 and $51,000 and would be funded using ESSER funds. After discussion the board approved the contract with 5 for and none opposing.

The board also approved in 5-0 fashion to continue to pay for health insurance premiums for its employees. Estimates put premiums increasing from $235 to $264 in the coming year.

And last, two board members received awards from the Arkansas School Board Association. Those honored included Sheila Jackson and William Dixon. Both received Master Board Member Awards with Mrs. Jackson being recognized for 50 hours of training and Mr. Dixon for 111 hours.