Buffalo Island Central School Board met Thursday, July 26, to approve new programs, handbook revisions and staffing for the upcoming 2018-2019 school year.
High School Principal Randy Rose presented an outline for the BIC Flex Schedule. He presented a proposed letter prepared for BIC parents, guardians and students if the Board of Directors approves the Flex Schedule.
The letter stated that since 2004 the Arkansas Department of Education has required all students attend school a full day. That law was replaced in 2017 by Act 867 which now allows for school districts to create a modified or “flex” schedule. The BIC Board of Directors and Administration recognizes the need for flexibility and will implement this change beginning with the 2018-2019 school year. Eligible students can now apply for Flex scheduling and leave school for college classes or for employment. Eligibility will be limited to students in the 11th and 12th grades who are on track to graduate with the required number of credits and have completed the application form and have been approved. Proof of enrollment or employment will be requested.
After a brief discussion the board passed the new modified “flex” schedule plan with a 6-1 vote, with Justin Hawkins casting the opposing vote.
Rose reviewed changes in the new 7-12 grade student handbook, which included: inclusion of two quarterly tests during first and third nine-week periods instead of just one semester test; elimination of student homework; and any handguns found on campus would result in principal’s recommendation for student expulsion sent to the superintendent for final decision. The student handbook revision was approved by the board unanimously.
Tommy Cole was hired by the board as new resource officer for both Monette and Leachville campuses for a salary of $36,000.
Cole will provide carrying and use of a weapon on campus training for Superintendent Gaylon Taylor and Principals Randy Rose and Mark Hurst.
Superintendent Taylor reviewed construction work and moving plans for new buildings on both campuses.
“We plan to start moving all teacher’s equipment and supplies into the elementary building on Aug. 1,” Taylor said. “This will be followed by teachers and student desks, then library shelves. We will concentrate on the north end of building first, the south side second, and the middle with cafeteria, offices and P.E. last. They should be in by the start of school on Aug. 20. There will still be additional work being done outside and one inside room."
“We are pulling painters off work at the high school to get the elementary finished,” Taylor said. “We hope to have junior high ready for demolition in 8 to 10 days.”
Nine Student Choice applications were approved, and included Brodie Couch, Emily Dieu, Haddyn Hurst, Bradlee McClelland, Andrew Milligan, Maci Shrable, Colin Weatherly, Piper White and Silas White.
The next regularly scheduled BIC board meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 16.