Riverside School Board heard a construction update by Mark Cahoon, architect, at the April 4 meeting. Most of the interior is completed and being cleaned up. Fire alarms were scheduled for inspection this week. A few final details remain such as speakers, clocks, bells and minor HV/AC. Some exterior is still under construction but will be finished soon.
Superintendent Tommy Knight expressed disappointment in the waxing of the floors in the new building. More coats will be added before furniture is brought in. A few more walk-throughs will take place to ensure everything is in order. As soon as furniture is delivered students will be moving in and will see the end of the school year in the new building.
Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Knight, Matt Ziegler, EAST Initiative teacher/facilitator, was hired to fill the position of Assistant Principal at Riverside High School.
Principal Jeff Priest announced plans to offer archery to students. A grant by Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is intended to provide funds toward bows and targets. Teachers from athletics and agriculture will receive training for instruction.
The Board was presented with audit findings. No major findings were reported.
In student issues, the School Board met with a student and parents for a closed expulsion hearing. Following the hearing it was decided the student is to be expelled for the term of one year.
In other business:
*All classified staff has been rehired for the 2016-2017 school year.
*Mark Mann was hired in positions of maintenance and transportation.
*A wireless system was replaced following damage from recent storms. The outdated system could not be repaired and was replaced by SHI for $5,562. The total includes wireless access points as well as maintenance.
*The district will begin using Chrome Books purchased with NSLA funding. Chrome Books will be provided to each student and teacher in the ninth through 12th grades for the first year. The second year will see seventh and eighth grades receiving the same technology. Parents and students will be given three options. Students can purchase insurance for $30, decline insurance and assume financial responsibility for damages or students can leave the Chrome Books at the school after hours.
*Ten laptops were purchased for an estimated $4,490.
*An athletic fundraiser in honor of Troy Case will be held Aug. 26. The fundraiser will begin with a fish supper from 5-6 p.m. followed by an auction.
*The next Riverside School Board meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday, May 2, in Caraway.