Riverside School Board hears news of student achievement

During the Feb. 6 meeting members of the Riverside School Board were told of accomplishments among students.

Several students took part in the recent Tomorrow's Outstanding Professionals Skills (TOPS) challenge. Many students received recognition for participation and rank. Dezarea Jones was awarded a one year scholarship to ANC for taking first place.

Alexis Robertson, nominated by teacher Michelle Freeman, was selected as the recipient of the 40th Annual Arkansas Community Service Award. A short film will be produced and an awards ceremony is scheduled to be held in June.

Rhonda New spoke with the Board asking to reconsider the alternative lunch policy. The policy, implemented when students returned from winter break, was set into motion in order to collect school lunch debts and prevent future build up over time. New shared concerns of discrimination among students who have no control over payment. She asked the Board to consider other ways to collect current debt and prevent future problems.

Riverside School District has been selected to host the senior high basketball regional tournaments Feb. 22-25. Superintendent Priest shared an expected average of 1,200 to 1,500 people present per night.

Priest invited members of the Board to attend.

"Not just the coaching staff but both communities have been working together and putting a lot together to get this going," Priest said.

The roof of the old cafeteria on the Caraway campus has been removed. Plans for the future include tearing the building down and moving playground equipment to the area. The remaining concrete is in good condition and will be converted to basketball courts if possible.

The district is considering holding an auction in late spring, similar to one held at the high school last fall. All proceeds will go toward the purchase of new playground equipment.

Matt Ziegler shared news of a recent visit from McCrory High School involving a tour of the school and questions concerning Riverside's experience with the decision to implement one-on-one Chromebooks.

Chromebooks for seventh graders will be purchased over the summer completing plans for one-on-one devices in grades four through 12. Seventh through 12th grade students take devices home. Fourth through sixth use them in the classroom only.

Superintendent Priest shared news of expectations of the archery team to begin competing soon. The program recently received $2,000 through Game and Fish Conservation Education Grant Program. The grant will cover the last of the expenses in the start up of the program.

The transfer request of a sophomore from Greene County Tech to Riverside was approved.

All principal contracts were renewed in their current positions.

The following letters of resignation were accepted by the Board:

*Jeffrey Wisham received another job opportunity and will be leaving after 11 years as a special education aide with the district. Wisham's resignation will be effective Feb. 28.

*Gale Yates entered a letter of resignation as the end of his one year as high school principal nears an end. Yates' resignation will be effective May 30.

The high school principal position will be advertised beginning Feb. 7. A superintendent recommendation will be available during the March Board meeting.

The next Riverside School Board meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday, March 6, on the Riverside East campus in Caraway.