The Gravette School Board met this past Monday. The meeting opened with the Star-Spangled Banner performed by members of the GHS Choir. The board recognized the choir for its high marks received at their recent state competition. The district also recognized this year’s teacher of the year selections from each building. This year’s winners are Bambi Hall at Glenn Duffy Elementary, Sharon Riggs at Gravette Upper Elementary, Brad Leach at Gravette Middle School and Daniel Wietecha at Gravette HIgh School. Our community provided over 100 nominations for these awards, we are blessed to have so many outstanding educators in our district.
The board heard reports from Mr. Gravette covering end of year events and our current steady enrollment numbers for the past two months. Athletic Director Andrew Vire shared a study on compensation rates and structures for districts similar in size to Gravette. Technology Director Daniel Rice provided an update on pricing and inventory of the district’s Chromebooks. The board discussed ways to reduce the cost and number of devices in the district without losing the capabilities students and staff need for state testing. Crossland and BiLD Architects presented an update on the classroom addition at Gravette High School. The project is still on time and under budget with a completion date this July. District Chief Financial Officer Dennis Kurczek presented the monthly financial report. The district is still under budget for the current school year.
The district received a proposal from Colliers Real Estate Agency to purchase a 9.18 acre tract of district land adjacent to Stagecoach Road and Highway 72. Agent Steve Lane fielded questions from the board on the proposed price of $1,599,523. Mr. Lane reported that his agency represents a local retail company with a desire to open a store in that location. The district could still use the location to build a school or other district facility on the remaining acreage. The board did not vote on the proposal and is seeking public feedback on the proposal. The discussion of the potential sale can be viewed at the following link.
The board approved 2026-2027 classified and certified staff contracts. In bittersweet news, the board received retirement letters from GHS English Teacher Karen Tolle and GHS Principal Shannon Mitchell. Both ladies have been a pillar of the Gravette High School staff for decades and will be hard to replace.
The board approved many out of state summer camps for our volleyball and basketball teams. The board approved the purchase of a 2024 Freightliner C2 bus from Midwest Bus Sales for $98,500.
The meeting ended with a lengthy discussion on a proposal to add a daycare for infants and toddlers at Glenn Duffy Elementary. The issue was tabled and will be discussed at the May board meetings.