BIC Board of Directors completed their six hours of Arkansas Department of Education required training on Monday and Thursday of this week, with total participating.
Following Thursday’s 4-7 p.m. virtual class, the board held its monthly business meeting.
Superintendent Gaylon Taylor reviewed Revenue and Expenditure comparison reports through November 2020, which revealed increases in Property Tax collections and farm rental land revenue. Classified teacher salaries are down but there were Increases in substitute teacher expenditures due to necessary teacher absences. Textbook and software expenses are down, but diesel cost continues to go up and down.
The board hired Brian Whitlow as a short-term sub for the last 9 days in December, with future consideration discussed in January 2021. Whitney Evans was hired as a high school science teacher for remainder of the school year.
Taylor reported that BIC Elementary currently has 32 virtual students with 320 students in class. The high school has 145 virtual students with 346 students in class.
The board addressed concerns about holding traditional celebrations such as proms, homecomings, and senior nights.
“If we can have sporting events, we need to consider other events also,” Taylor said. “The kids deserve a prom. We can review all the safeguards and may need to limit the attendees to only BIC students. They want to have it on campus, which would be better for all concerned. We don’t have to take action tonight but need to talk with our teachers and students about the feasibility of holding some special events, and how it can be done safely.”
“Our students need some sense of normalcy,” said Director Justin Hawkins. “They missed their prom last year, and I would hate to see them miss another one.”
The board has no opposition to the Junior and Seniors holding a prom.
Considerations for discussion included holding homecoming with modifications such as with students wearing mask, having family member escort Homecoming royalty, or holding crowning at the start of Homecoming game and dismiss those not wishing to stay for remainder of game.
“We can come up with some options for the students, while we do what we can do to protect them at the same time,” said Director Jason Stewart. “We can give them the opportunity for some fee-back on this.”
“There may be some better ideas out there,” said Supr. Taylor. “We support input on Prom, Homecoming and Sr. Night plans, but want them to be as safe as possible. Right now, we have a good handle on tracking with our BIC students.
“If the kids have a say in the decision making then they will take it better,” said Director Stacey Thomas.