PEA RIDGE — The resignation of Pam Forga, counselor for Pea Ridge Middle School, was accepted without comment except that she, as well as the other teachers who resigned, were to repay the signing bonus they were given this year.

Forga’s resignation was dated Aug. 3 and was “effective immediately.”

Forga was arrested July 22 by Rogers police for a domestic disturbance. She was also arrestedtwice for DWI - May 22 and June 29. Certified personnel policy requires teachers to notify their supervisor or the superintendent of any alcohol- or drug-related arrests, or face recommendation of termination.

After a nearly one hour long executive session Monday night, School Board members hired four teachers and four certified personnel, approved two transfers and accepted two resignations.

Board members gratefully accepted the donation of 60 computers from NorthWest Arkansas Community College. The used computers are “much better than what we have,” said Sarah Stokes, principal at the Intermediate School.

“It is so hard to find ways to donate them,” said Diana Johnson, NWACC employee. “This is just a premiere institution to be able to give our computers to. We thank you as much as you thank us.”

The board received good news from Buster Beardsley that because of improvement in the bond market prices, the district may be able to save $136,158 by selling bonds now. No action was needed as the sale was approved last October, but when rates declined, the bonds were not put out for sale.

The board approved several recommendations from interim superintendent Dr. Roland Smith including creating a new position - safety aide at the Middle School - to help with safety of the children during this year of construction.

“Safety comes first,” Smith said, adding that he, elementary school principal Keith Martin and Police Chief Tim Ledbetter have discussed the need for contracting for off-duty police officers to provide extra security at “high attendance”events.

“We want to utilize that person to do some crosswalk duties, be with us in physical activities - just be an extra set of eyes,” Sarah Stokes, principal at the Intermediate School, said.

That position will also assist Bonnie Fullmer, curriculum coordinator, with filing.

Architect Steve Elliott said he received a bid for painting the multi-purpose facility while on his drive to Pea Ridge. That bid was about half the cost of one Smith received. The board authorized Smith to accept the lowest and best bid, anticipating the painting to cost about $18,000.

Also approved was the expenditure of up to $7,800 for signs, sidewalks, lights and other improvements on the safe room. Signs have been installed in both English and Spanish, Martin said.

Athletic director Larry Walker presented information about lockers for the multi-purpose facility,saying the best prices will probably be from the state prison.

Board members also approved a Supplementary Instruction Program allowed by the Arkansas Activities Association for athletes whose grade points fall be 2.0 and involves a remedial program.

“This is just a tool to keep the kids involved,” Rick Neal, high school principal, said. “You’ve got a head coach that is trying to build a program.”

“We see it as an opportunity,” Walker said, “to keep kids involved.”

Principals reported a successful first day of school.

Most reported increased attendance.

There were:

◊357 students at the Primary School;

◊455 students at the Intermediate School

◊393 students at the Middle School; and

◊485 students enrolled in the high school.

SCHOOL PERSONNEL

◊ Alisha Johnson, first grade teacher

◊Mark Laster, ISS dean

◊Michelle Scholtes, third grade teacher

◊Helena Caudle, Middle School counselor

◊Leon Kelley, aide for library and computer lab, Intermediate School

◊Valerie Ward, aide for library and computer lab, Primary School

◊John Smith, hourly rate bus driver

◊Cheryl Tillman, safety aide, Intermediate School

Transferred:

◊Deanna Thompson from special education to seventh grade writing

◊Megan Taylor from first grade to special education

Resignations accepted:

◊Pam Forga, Middle School counselor

◊Lori Ann Mardis, Middle School teacher

◊Robin M. Vincent, computer technology aide

and acknowledged that

◊Lindsay Barnes declined to sign her contract

News, Pages 1 on 08/17/2011