The Hope Public School Board of Directors approved a change to the district's Reduction in Force policy which must also be looked at by the personnel policy committee and reviewed before coming back to the school board for the final change.
The change from the previous policy, according to HPSD Superintendent Kenneth Muldrew redefines the timeline. If someone is terminated within 12 months of employment, then if the position comes open again within 12 months of termination, that person will be offered that position again and not become eligible for a position in which they had not previously worked, according to Muldrew.
Muldrew said he will be looking further into the idea of a districtwide student uniform dress policy.
“I have researched and looked at the minutes and could not find anything that alleviated a districtwide dress code,” Muldrew said.
He also said that Clinton Primary School administration has tried to implement something along this line, but it did not come to pass.
“What we need to do is get a written document that will sustain any chances we have of being revoked,” he said. Nothing is finalized on a districtwide dress code, but Muldrew said he plans to discuss it with a higher official and then bring the board information.
Changes were made to the school calendar which changed the usual open house hours from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. to 3:30 to 7: 30 p.m.
Hope Public Schools received full North Central Accreditation, after a recent review.
“We are fully accredited by the state of Arkansas. No school is cited, according to the standards review by the Department of Education,” Muldrew said.
The board discussed athletics insurance policies with Muldrew, stating the current policy was only supplemental to the parent policy and the district has no concerns with the carrier.
The board approved school choice student transfers for three students; one from Emmet schools, and two special needs children. Facilities rental requests were approved.
Muldrew said the final meeting for the Hope Public Schools strategic planning and vision will be on May 21-22, at Hope High School at 6 p.m., with a meal served. The meeting will take up again Saturday morning for finalizing the report.
