Safety work during break

When students return to school after spring break, they will find changes to the school buildings.

Contractors are scheduled to work during spring break next week replacing glass in doors and replacing doors on school facilities as part of the enhanced security, said superintendent Rick Neal.

The glass panes at the entrance to the gym on the high school will “become brick and block,” according to Mike Castagna with Baldwin & Shell, contractors for the job.

School Board members met Monday night and discussed school security, rehired teachers and heard a technology report.

Keith Martin, principal of Pea Ridge Primary School, was named as the new assistant superintendent and Aaron Gaffigan, currently director of ALE (alternative learning environment) and technology director, was named the principal of the Primary School.

“Mr. Martin will be involved in development of food service, transportation, grant writing,” Neal told board members, adding that Gaffigan will still be technology director.

In other business, the board:

◊ Approved a $58,000 purchase of video equipment with grant money.

◊ Accepted the resignations of Jennifer Ockinga, math teacher; Van Enderson, choir director; Dedy Brock, media specialist; and Lee Hall, bus driver.

◊ Changed Patricia Cagle’s contract from half time to full time.

◊ Approved teacher contracts for renewal with five contracts tabled.

◊ Approved a student’s exemption from physical education with both a doctor’s recommendation and approval from the State Department of Education.