Riverside School Board held the first meeting of 2020 on Monday, Jan. 6, reviewing the financial statement, extending the superintendent’s contract, approving a student transfer, and heard reports from Superintendent Jeff Priest.
During the financial review, it was noted the ending balance was $2.501 million and at the same time last year it was $2.50 million, only $1,000 difference.
“I knew it would be close but not that close,” Superintendent Priest said.
Priest said the transition of the district’s bookkeeper/treasurer to Kaitlyn Weaver has gone well.
“Kaitlyn has done well picking it up and Katie (Katie Sanders, retired treasurer/bookkeeper) is a good teacher,” Priest said.
Kaylenn Shelton, bookkeeper/treasurer, announced her plans to resign at the end of the year in October. The board hired Ms. Weaver to fill the position.
Board member Greg Smith asked if the minimum wage went up?
Priest said it went up to $10 but it will not effect any of Riverside’s classified employees this year but when it goes up again next year adjustments will have to be made.
Riverside has about 30 Classified employees.
Priest commended high school teacher Jamie Teel for completing the National Board Certification.
The new indoor practice facility is basically completed Priest said.
“It turned out better than I expected,” he said. “I have talked the athletic director and booster club president and hope to plan an open house in late February so the community can come by and tour the new facility.”
Riverside will be bidding on the regional basketball tournament. Priest said they should know by next Thursday.
“If we are fortunate enough to get it, the Booster Club could make money to help with their commitment to the practice facility,” Priest said.
The Booster Club committed to pay half of the cost, $50,000, over five years to help with the project. Priest said he should have a complete audit on the installation and savings on changing to LED lighting in the high school, East Elementary and parking lots on Thursday. LED lighting was installed in the west elementary last year.
There is a guaranteed savings and he will have the exact information at the next meeting, Priest said.
Mike Brickell asked about a possible raise for the superintendent.
“You do a great job,” Brickell said.
Declining an increase in salary, Mr. Priest said he would be in line with the additional $1,000 the teachers with a master’s degree will receive next year and he is fine with that. “I want you to know, I am not expecting any more,” Priest said.
He was asked how the teachers’ salaries compare to other schools.
“We are comparable to schools our size,” Priest said.
He also said he has met with the personnel policy committee and the teachers are thankful for the attendance incentive bonus established.
The board did vote unanimously to extend the superintendent’s three- year contract for a year.
The board voted to approve the legal transfer of a fourth grade student. The student has attended Riverside and recently moved into the Jonesboro District and wants to continue at Riverside.
The enrollment is between 765 and 770.
The board approved the renewing of the legal liability insurance in the amount of $6,030 a year. Priest announced the Riverside Homecoming will be held at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17.