Manila School Board met Wednesday night with principal reports being given, positions filled, resignation accepted and budget adopted for the 2021-2022 school year.
Board president Jeremy Jackson opened the meeting starting with principal reports from Sherry Mason, elementary principal, followed by LeeAnn Helms, high school principal.
Ms. Mason presented a video commenting she focused on the positive.
"I work with the best people on earth," she said.
She commended the community for their support.
"This year we have had a 9/11 presentation with a memorial walk; welcomed members of the fire department and police department; held Patriotism Week and are very excited to have new playground equipment," Ms. Mason said. "We want school to be a place our students want to be. Last year was a challenge. Our scores are down. It was a struggle. Some students thought if they were out for Covid it was like free days. We have worked hard to help the students make up their work. Robin Baugher has been amazing. She has found programs to help fill in the learning gaps and our teachers have trained in the new programs. We are meeting the problems head on and meeting the challenges."
Presently, Manila Elementary K-6 has 525 students enrolled and 70 pre-kindergarten students.
Ms. Helms also presented a video, "MHS Stepping It Up."
"Manila is a fun place to work," Ms. Helms said. "I am thankful for the support of Mr. Jason Evers (superintendent). The football players are excited about the new field house. We know we have a lot of work to do. Covid not only caused a learning loss but an emotional loss as well. We have 492 enrolled in seventh through the 12th grades."
She talked about the "roomers-zoomers". Students have to be one place or the other and she said it is time to be accountable on education.
"We are fortunate to have Arkansas Northeastern College in our backyard," she said. "We have 32 students attending classes there. We appreciate the new furniture in the high school. MHS has an amazing staff doing amazing things."
Following an executive session, Superintendent Evers recommended the board accept the resignation of Billy Bowman, elementary teacher. The resignation was accepted 7-0.
The board then voted unanimously to accept moving Dawnna Cater from the office to the classroom as an elementary teacher. Carla Parrish was hired as elementary teacher by a vote of 7-0.
The baord voted to move Sherry Morgan to accounts payable department.
The board voted to approve the 2021-2022 budget.
Mr. Evers said the budget includes several major items including two new buses; track work; and elmentary playground equipment.
"The budget is similar to last year's budget.
During the administrative comments Mr. Evers commended the principals for their presentations.
"We know the data does not look good, but our teachers are teaching," he said. "They did not take the year off. They worked hard even though many kids were not here."
"We were growing and trending before Covid," Board member Johnny McCain said.
"It was never a question about our teachers," board member Casey Wells said. "It was only how can we help you. We knew the challenges of last year from our own work places. I don't know how our people did what they did. It was also difficult for our students."
Superintendent Evers said he appreciated the board's support on getting students back to school.
"It gives us the tools to not repeat the 2020-2021 school year. We have good kids, good teachers, a good community and it will rebound."
Board member Danny Robbins, also a member of the Manila Lions Club, said the annual chili cook-off has been canceled and it is looking as if the pancake supper may be postponed again this year due to Covid.
"We raise money through these events to support the Goodfellow baskets distributed during the holidays," Robbins said. "We need your support. We will have a drive by, pick up chili event on Friday night, Oct. 22, starting at 4:30 p.m. Tickets will be $5."
Board member McCain congratulated High School Principal Helms for earning her Doctorate in Education.
The next board meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 20.