The demand for technology in education prompted the School Board to create a third position in technology agreeing to hire another technology specialist to join Keln Taylor, network administrator, who was hired last month and replaces Brent Kincade, and Nancy Henson, technology specialist.

Aaron Gaffigan, technology director, told the board that Taylor is doing “a phenomenal job.” He explainedthat the increased numbers of iPads, computers and dependence on technology is putting a strain on the technology department.

“We’ve noticed old things that needed to be fixed ... including the Internet, which has been quite slow in the past ... we’ve got the band width, it’s just not utilized in the right way,” Gaffigan explained. “We’re serving 1,700 students and 212 employees.”

Superintendent Rick Neal told board members that other school districts of similar size employee asmany as four or five technology personnel.

During the regular meeting Monday night, board members also approved School Choice transfers bringing 30 more students into the district and approved policy changes as recommended by Neal.

They also approved resolutions to extend construction bonds.

The July meeting was changed to Thursday, July 18.

Several fundraisers have brought in more than $16,000 for a playgroundat the Intermediate School and the Parent Teacher Organization will donate $10,000, according to Keith Martin, assistant superintendent. Sarah Stokes, principal of the Intermediate School, told the board a grant of $2,000 had also been received and playground equipment would be purchased.

In other business, the board members:

◊Increased the hourly rate for food service workers from $8.02 to $8.15 per hour.

◊Accepted the resignations of Jennifer Ockinga, math teacher, PRHS; Evelyn Villarreal, Spanish teacher, PRHS; Meagan Hussain, Pea Ridge Intermediate School; Claleigh Tuberville, Pea Ridge Intermediate School; Jamie Bunting, teacher & cheer coach; and Tim Pate, PRHS biology teacher.

◊Terminated Beth Elrod and Brent Kincade.

◊Hired Izeta Osmond, special education; Andrew Ballard, special education;

Courtney Woodward; Kelley Peters; Brandy Knight, elementary teacher;

Michael Schwartz, high school Enlglish/drama; and Aimee Lynn, vocal music/teacher.

◊Hired Julia Ferguson, food service director, with a salary on the new salary schedule.

◊Agreed to hire a third technology employee.

◊Accepted a personal contribution to Pea Ridge High School TV production department of $1,000 from Kim Saylors-Laster and a $3,000 contribution from Walmart Executive Matching Gift Program from Karen Parker, senior manager, Walmart Foundation.

Community, Pages 6 on 06/12/2013