The Batesville School Board presented planned projects and timelines for submission as part of their 2018 Master Plan at a public meeting Monday night.
Gary Anderson, assistant superintendent for the Batesville School District, announced the planned capital projects. The projects and their estimated costs are:
- a new roof for Sulphur Rock Magnet School (already in progress), $750,000;
- an agri barn at Batesville High School, $85,000;
- districtwide roofing at multiple schools, $1.3 million;
- window replacement at Batesville High School and Batesville Junior High, $250,000;
- a new roof at West Magnet School, $550,000;
- a new roof at the Batesville High School Gymnasium, $475,000;
- a new roof for the auditorium at the administration campus, $615,000;
- a baseball/softball campus, $1 million, and
- a multi-use arena and auditorium at Batesville Junior High School, $5.75 million.
The projects are spread out over the next four years. The district will apply for state partnership funds to help with the cost of the projects.
The board also unanimously approved a one-time $275 bonus for every employee of the Batesville School District. Joy Camden, treasurer for the Batesville School District, noted the checks would be cut today and go out by Wednesday.
Also at the meeting, the Citizens Bank Above & Beyond award for October was presented to Lorena Fuqua, school secretary at West Magnet Elementary School. The award, presented by Chuck Jones on behalf of the bank, recognizes school staff members for exceptional service to students, parents, their school, peers and the district. Peers nominate recipients of the monthly award.
Nominators called Fuqua the “glue” that keeps West Magnet together. Other comments included, “She’s a friendly face at the front desk and always has a positive attitude,” and one simply noted, “She runs the show!”
The West Magnet K-Kids Club was recognized at the meeting for awards it received for the 2016-17 school year. The club was the International Scrapbook Winner and recipient of the Internationally Distinguished Club award. Grace Hubbard received the International K-Kids Leadership Award and Scholarship while advisor Sandy Malone received the Kiwanis Family Elimidallion Award.
Other matters included the appointment of board member Danielle Brown to serve as the legislative liaison for the board; the presentation of a curriculum report by Sonya Crafton, West Magnet principal, and her staff, as well as a districtwide curriculum report by Jennifer Douglas, assistant superintendent.
Among personnel actions approved were the resignations of Stuart Smith as a teacher and coach due to retirement, and Barbara Reeve, string music instructor. Both are effective at the end of the year.
- Reported by Bob Qualls
