Timbo: Readiness certified, vacancy declared

The Timbo School Board has approved a resolution certifying readiness to operate as an independent isolated school district and at two meetings held recently also hired personnel and took other action in preparation for the coming school year.

The board approved the resolution of readiness at its June 22 meeting, where action also included approving an administrative services agreement for $75,000.
At a meeting June 30, the board received the resignation of board member Jonathan Schrock, who served on the steering committee and accepted an appointment to the board to help the district get established, but now wishes to return to the role of PTO president.

Supt. Valorie McCleary said the board would need to declare a vacancy and fill the position within 30 days. She said she would post information to notify interested individuals to get a petition signed and to submit a letter of interest to her office. The board expects action related to appointing a new member Aug. 4. Information about the process and a link to the necessary petition is posted at www.timbotigers.net. Questions may be addressed to McCleary at vmccleary@timbotigers.net.

Also at that meeting, the board:

• approved soliciting bids for propane and fuel.
• agreed to purchase services from Clinton Physical Therapy, the same company that has been providing physical and occupational therapy services for students as needed. The school will pay $25 per trip for travel, with Medicaid billed by the company where applicable.
• agreed to contract with Melissa Futrell for educational psychological testing at a rate of $400-$500 per student as needed. McCleary estimated that 10-20 students might be assessed during a school year.
• approved electronic funds transfer for limited uses: Arkansas Teacher Retirement, federal and state taxes, health insurance, and state treasury (property insurance).
• hired Amber Beavers special education teacher K-6, and Nicole Mullen as special ed aide, and agreed to hire a summer hourly worker at minimum wage.
• revised Sondra Roper’s contract from 240 days to 210 days at her request, and approved Ashleigh Avey as LEA supv/preschool director and teacher at additional $4,000 for additional duties on a 210-day contract.
• accepted the resignation of Jill Brewer as paraprofessional.
• discussed the “Tigers and Tailgates” event set for July 9 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. to encourage community members and students to meet staff members and learn about school clubs, etc.
• discussed food services continuing under Provision II (along with Mountain View and Rural Special) under which students receive free breakfast and lunch. If the percentage of free- and reduced-price meal eligibility remains high, the district could consider a different program for the future.
• reviewed upcoming meeting dates: no meeting on July 7; special meeting on July 13 at 4 p.m. for facilities training, possibly with Rural Special and Searcy County school boards; regular meeting Aug. 4.

In other action June 22:

• The board hired Dawn Lee for Pre-K through 12th grade paraprofessional and Natasha Patrick as food service director/head cook. The board also accepted resignations from Michelle Bush and Scott Flippo.
• approved a contract with Heartland Business Systems for Technology Transition at the rate of $205 per hour for 75 hours.
The board was updated on the following items:
• Timbo Booster Club and Timbo PTO will sponsor a billboard to promote the new school district, including the four-day school week, to be placed by Wing Shack in Mountain View on a six-month contract.
• McCleary reported that a request for meal counts and commodities inventories had not been received, nor was there a response from Mountain View regarding missing items. The deep fryer and vent hood are in need of cleaning and repair.
• The status of buses was presented. The district is collaborating with a company that will assist with a safety grant, including cameras and other needed technology. The district may also need some additional doors and replacement of broken windows. Aliza Jones will help conduct safety assessment. This grant does require a match.
• McCleary is planning with Boston Mountain Regional Health Clinic for a grant for a school-based health clinic for students and the community.