The Gravette School Board met on Monday to discuss a wide range of issues, from significant academic gains and enrollment figures to a proposed energy-efficiency project and a highly discussed 9.18-acre parcel of district property at Stage Coach Road and Highway 72.
The meeting opened with a celebration of our kindergarten teachers. They highlighted the strategies behind their students' academic growth. They thanked board members for the support shown for curriculum upgrades, touchscreen technology and the importance of our kindergarten aides. Dr. Newsom, Glenn Duffy Elementary Principal, praised the team for everything they do for their students. Mr. Gravette highlighted the many extra hours our staff puts in for preparation and training. The kindergarten staff won “Team of the Year” at this year’s 6th Annual District Appreciation Day sponsored by the Greater Gravette Chamber of Commerce.
Two fifth-grade students, Paisley Moots and Magnolia McClaine, came to collect board member’s "Wildly Important Goal," to support Gravette Upper Elementary’s literacy and math growth. Dr. Mandy Barrett, principal of Gravette Upper Elementary, invited the board into GUE to serve as additional tutors for students during “W.I.N.” (what I need) to support staff. The humorous moment of the night followed when the students asked board members why the teachers had ice cream to celebrate recent successes and the students have not yet. The board promised to rectify the matter soon, way to advocate for your fellow students ladies!
Assistant Superintendent Rebecca Andrews presented the district’s annual report detailing school performance. She happily reported that for the first time in its history, all of our district schools received a B school letter grade. The achievement is a milestone for the district. The district received the highest scores of Western Benton County schools. Mr. Gravette credited teachers, administrators, parents and students for the improvement. "It took everybody," he said, pointing to the hard work it takes at school and at home to make these gains. Arkansas had 26 school districts receive an A grade out of 259 districts. Lets continue to do everything for our students as a school and community to provide the support to get to the next level.
The annual report showed current enrollments of 428 students at Glenn Duffy Elementary, including preschool students; 485 students at Gravette Upper Elementary; 462 students at Gravette Middle School and 642 students at Gravette High School. K-12 enrollment was reported at 1,939 students.
The most viewed portion of the meeting involved district-owned property at Stage Coach Road and Highway 72. During public comment, one citizen urged the board to retain the property rather than proceed with a potential sale. The board subsequently considered a motion to enter into real estate negotiations involving approximately 9.18 acres of district property at Stage Coach Road and Highway 72.
Board members emphasized that authorization to negotiate would not itself constitute a final sale. Mr. Flynt said the issue had generated significant public discussion and stressed that board members could reasonably reach different conclusions about what constitutes the district's best interest. The board voted 4-3 in favor of entering negotiations. The district will post the property for sale, have an appraisal completed and obtain market analysis to determine to move forward or not. The board continues to study the educational benefits of a potential sale and future enrollment trends. Mr. Gravette expects this to be a lengthy process. Initial estimates indicate 9-12 months.
A link to the discussion on this issue is available below.
A link to the district’s frequently asked questions on the land issue can be found below. The document will be updated as more information becomes available.
https://www.gravetteschools.net/article/3137408
The board also heard an extensive presentation from Roger Flud of Ideal Impact concerning a proposed energy-efficiency program. According to the presentation, the company conducted an audit of the district's facilities, examining 12 months of gas and electric bills, utility rates, mechanical systems, controls, humidity and comfort issues and operating strategies.
According to the company's presentation, the district could potentially save $162,000-$183,000 in annual savings, or roughly 36% of the district's energy bill.
Mr. Flud reported district would not have any upfront costs under the proposed arrangement. Instead, the district would begin making payments of approximately 80% of verified savings, with the remaining 20% retained by the district. After a 5-6 year payoff period the district would retain the technology and receive all the savings. Estimates put the 15-year savings between $2,000,000-$3,000,000. The district will consult with other districts that are years into the project.
Board members asked questions about how weather fluctuations would affect the calculations, how utility-rate changes would be handled, who would manage event schedules and how teachers would control classroom temperatures?
Mr. Flud indicated the savings calculations would account for weather conditions and utility rates and that teachers would retain the ability to make limited temperature adjustments in their classrooms.
We thank Richard Carver, Mellisa White, Scott Bolduc and Sam Neale for the extensive time and care they took to make this project a possibility. They spent hours assisting with the energy audit.
The board’s next regular meeting will be on October 19th.