Riverside School Board President Greg Douglas shared a letter he had received at the Monday, Sept. 9, meeting.
The letter informed the board Superintendent Jeff Priest had been nominated to represent the State of Arkansas through the American Association of School Administrators Superintendent of the Year program. The nomination reflects Superintendent Priest’s commitment to education and the value he brings to the children of this great state.
A selection process will take place over the next few weeks to name the 2020 Arkansas Superintendent of the Year. The individual selected will have the opportunity to represent Arkansas at the National Conference in San Diego in February.
Douglas and other school board members commended Mr. Priest on the nomination.
Michael McBryde, vice president of Stephens Public Financing, met with the board to discuss refinancing the 2014 bonds.
McBryde gave a breakdown on the potential savings the district could receive by refinancing the present bonds at a lower interest. The bonds would be refinanced without extending the time of the loan. To be eligible for the refinancing, the district must be able to save a minimum of $100,000.
It was estimated Riverside could save $107,000 receiving most of the money the first year. He said if the board wants to move forward they will file for approval through the Department of Education.
The district will have the authority to reject all bids.
The board all agreed to move forward and passed a resolution unanimously to start the refinancing process.
The board then reviewed and accepted the proposed budget for the year as presented by Superintendent Priest. Priest said the revenue will be down slightly.
“We have graduated two or three large classes and our enrollment has gone from 800-810 to 765,” Priest said.
The district has finished well the last three years.
Priest said they have the Arkansas Department of Education review the budget proposals and they have been a tremendous help.
Priest gave an update on the construction of the multi-purpose indoor facility. The facility is a partnership between the Riverside Booster Club and the district. He said the concrete has been poured and construction should start in a couple of weeks.
The building will be used for baseball, softball, bowling and other sports team to use.
“I hope by the next meeting, construction will be well on the way,” Priest said.
Justin Cleveland with Today’s Power should have all information ready by the October meeting regarding the solar field which will also provide a savings to the district.
Priest said the school year has started off well. He expressed his appreciation to Judge Marvin Day and John Boatman and his crew for the work they have done on the East Campus in Caraway.
The torn down buildings have been hauled off.
Works at the tennis courts have been done and it looks good, according to Priest.
The board approved the transfer of Jackson Mann from Brookland to Riverside.
They also approved the transfer of Kylin Woodard to Jonesboro. Kylin has always attended Jonesboro. The board also approved the transfer of Cade Huff to Brookland.
Graduation will be held this school year at 2:30 p.m. May 3.
The principals will give their report to the public at the October meeting. The board approved the minority recruitment program. The next regular school board meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 7.