HPSD bond refinance set by board

The Hope Public Schools Board adopted a resolution Monday night for the sale of bonds for a new energy efficient replacing of lighting and heating and air systems at Clinton Primary School at a 2.98 interest rate for the school.

 The system will be a high tech energy saving and computer controlled system, according to Short, that will allow the school superintendent access to the control unit from his office.
 Hope Schools offered its refinance of $2,840,000 construction bonds, dated December 1, for public sale on competitive bids, according to Carey Stephens of Stephens Inc, the school financial advisor.
 They accepted the bid submitted by Crews and Associates Inc, according to Stephens.

 Stephens presented the resolution with a lengthy explanation of transactions and legal details of the resolution to the board before they moved to adopt.
“We think we have got a great proposal,” HPS Superintendent Kenneth Muldrew said in his report to the board.
In personnel matters, the board did not move to hire a new high school principal or high school head football coach. Hope School Board President Joe Short said they dealt with classroom teacher resignations and replacements, and also moving of positions.

When questioned about the recent resignation of Coach Johnny Turner and the possible non-renewal of High School Principal Tommy Morrison’s contract Short responded, “As far as I know his contract may not have been renewed, but I do not know if there is a vacancy in that office.”
Short said if a vacancy does come open he is sure they would go through the normal procedures for hiring and advertising for an opening.
In relation to the coaching position, Short said they are still receiving applications at this time.

Muldrew also reported results of a state board meeting attended on Dec. 14 related to audits the district had received related to teacher certifications.
“We responded to the state board that the teachers mentioned had certification,” Muldrew said. “They will revisit us in February and make a recommendation to our certification citing in late March.”
He said Hope Public Schools are working hard to make sure there are no citings at any school.

Assistant Clinton Primary Principal Kendall Montgomery also presented information and a slide show on Classroom Walk Through procedures and results.
 Muldrew talked to the board about the CWT’s (classroom walk throughs).
“Research from the scholastic audit tell us we need to be in the classrooms more often,” Muldrew said.
 Montgomery explained the CWT’s as a tool to use to help teachers and students and it is not used as an evaluation of the teacher.
She said it was a very important, too, for school improvement. 

Administration such as superintendents, principals and subject coaches take part in the walk throughs and have many areas of teacher and student procedure and response they look for. They make analysis on whether or not the money spent on professional development is effective.
“It is a place where we can celebrate our successes and have more positive interaction between, students and administration,” Montgomery said.
 The board authorized the purchase of additional software and computers for Beryl Henry Elementary School and Clinton Primary from Title 1 funds.

Discussion on Race to the Top funds took place as Muldrew explained the funds will allow the schools to seek additional funding for statewide school improvement.

“It allows us an opportunity to apply if the state receives the grant,” Muldrew said.
The school board members were sent, via e-mail, school policies to read and the policies will be discussed at the January board meeting, according to Muldrew.