September 10, 2007
The Board of Education appointed two of its members to represent USD 470 in the Arkansas City Leadership Cooperative effort.
For years, efforts have been made to establish and sustain open communication among the Ark City governmental leadership boards. This group has no authority to make decisions but instead is intended to exchange ideas and discussion.
ÒThe overall effort is to meet on a quarterly or as-needed basis to keep open lines of communication, establish cooperation and to emphasize cost-effectiveness and efficiency in both planning and budget expenditures,Ó Dr. Ron Ballard, Superintendent of Schools, said.
The BOE, in a 6-0 vote, appointed Mike Walker and Joe Woodard to represent the school district.
As the USD 470 Board of Education moves forward with a school bond referendum, board members and district administration are working together to find a bond structure option that gets students what they need and does so in a way that is cost effective to tax payers and beneficial to the community as a whole.
If the bond resolution is passed, a loan, would be issued, much like that of a home mortgage. Just like a mortgage, this loan would offer many options in terms of paying off the loan.
A representative from Piper Jaffray, a leading investment banking firm and financial advisors for the bond election, has shared possible financing options with the board. So far, Piper Jaffray has shown a variety of options including 20, 22 and 25-year repayment plans.
At this time the BOE has not decided on a plan and is still reviewing options.
ÒWe really want to do our research to make sure we are making a decision that is reasonable for everyone involved,Ó Ballard said. ÒThis is something we will spend a good deal of time on.Ó
At its regular meeting Monday, the Board of Education:
á Called the meeting to order
á Recognized visitors
á Approved the agenda and consent agenda
á Recognized the following resignations:
Linda DeMart Ð Noon Aide at Frances Willard
Israel Navarrette Ð ESL at Frances Willard
Courtney Peterson Ð Computer Lab Aide at IXL
á Approved the following new staff:
Mary Folk Ð Noon Aide at High School
Jacqueline Hickey Ð Noon Aide at Frances Willard
Alicia Nellis Ð Noon Aide at Lincoln/PALS
Diana Smith Ð Computer Lab Aide at IXL
á Received a $1,000.00 from Wal-Mart to be designated to the ACE Fund for Teacher Mini Grants
á Approved a Local Option Budget (LOB) resolution
á Approved the FFA chapter traveling to the National FFA Convention.
á Heard a report from Dr. Jan Voss on the districtÕs enrollment status
á Discussed the Food Service Management Procurement Process
á Discussed Board of Education Policies
á Heard a report from Tara Taylor, Activities Director, on the number of students participating in a Fall athletic program or other activity
á Went into executive session
á Called the meeting back to order
á Adjourned the meeting
The next regular Board of Education meeting will be Monday, September 24 at Frances Willard Elementary. The meeting will begin at 7p.m.