Warren School Board approved the 2023-24 certified salary schedule Monday night, which under the state LEARNS Act sets a base salary for teachers at $50,000.
The schedule includes an additional $2,000 for teachers already making $50,000. Salaries for administrators were also raised by $2,000.
At the end of the meeting, Superintendent Bryan Cornish said, “As money comes in, we will look at readdressing the schedule.”
Top photo: Mainline Health Systems CEO G. Allan Nichols discussed setting up a school-based health clinic with Warren School Board members Monday night. Photo by Tim Kessler.
By Tim Kessler
Saline River Chronicle Freelance Contributor
In other action:
- Brunson Elementary Principal Regina Scroggins was approved for retirement. She has spent 37 years in education, including 31 years in Warren School District.
- Mainline Health Systems CEO G. Allan Nichols addressed the board about setting up a school-based health clinic. He said his company currently has clinics in schools at Sheridan, Star City, Lakeside (Lake Village), Hamburg and Dermott. No action was taken on the proposal.
- Cornish reported that concrete for a riser room at Warren High School was being poured. Plumbers are on site. Heating and air conditioning closets are to be completed this week. He said it is hoped that the high school will be ready for occupation by July.
As for the new Warren Elementary School, a motion was unanimously passed by the board to formally approve that name. Cornish said painting is still going on, ceiling tiles are being put in place and flooring is expected to be completed by the end of this week. Dirtwork and sidewalks are ongoing. Furniture is to be delivered on April 24. A motion was approved to purchase $178,942 in playground equipment, with another $39,000 for shades.
Cornish said a $164,000 safety grant had been approved and several safety improvements will be done in stages on all campuses.
- A motion was approved to accept the 2021-22 legislative audit.
- A motion was approved for special education assurances and agreements for the 2023-24 school year.
- Board President Jerry Daniels was appointed to serve on the Gray-Weiss Committee.
- In minute messages, Eastside Elementary Principal Sara Weaver said a needs assessment on Professional Learning Communities and inclusive practices was completed. In May, the Guiding Coalition will write goals for next year. A professional development day was held on curriculum and extended collaborative teams. State testing will begin next week with second-grade students.
Scroggins said Brunson personnel participated in the community Easter egg hunt by handing out free books. New flags were received from Woodmen of the World. On April 4, Brunson students won first place at the Quiz Bowl Tournament in Monticello. Fifth-grade participants were Grayson Gorman, Emma Spears, McKenna Martin, Jazmin Cortes and Madalynn Morgan. Matt Treadway of Solution Tree met with Brunson teachers who took a needs assessment. Brunson ACT Aspire testing will be April 17-21.
Warren Middle School Principal Kathy Cornish said the beginning choir presented “Pirates: The Musical.” Intermediate and advanced students presented “Schoolhouse Rock Live Jr.” Intermediate and advanced choirs will sing the national anthem at an Arkansas Travelers game on April 27. Progress reports will be sent home on April 27.
WHS Principal Tiffany Gathen said several eSports teams had competed at state and national levels. Act Aspire testing will be held on April 18-19 and April 25-26. Prom will be held April 21. Pre-registration will be held later this month. The band concert will be held at 4 p.m. April 29. On May 3, the Renaissance Award program will be held. On May 16, the senior awards ceremony will be held. Baccaulaureate will be livestreamed that evening. Graduation ceremonies will be held in Lumberjack Arena at 7 p.m. May 18.
Scout Ballentine was also on the Quiz Bowl team.