School Board seeks new board member

A vacancy on the Pea Ridge School Board will be filled by March 23, according to Ann Cato, School Board president.

Board member Braxton Hurst resigned in accordance with state law as he and his family moved out of the district.

At the regular School Board meeting Monday night, board members accepted the resignation.

"It's with a little sadness, we've got to talk about a board member vacancy," Rick Neal, superintendent, said. "I'd like to thank you for a year of service. The board is going to miss you."

Hurst said: "Thank you ... it was an unforeseen opportunity to move out of district, we've relocated to Garfield. My wife still teaches here, my children still go to school here; we're still heavily involved. Thank you guys. It was privilege to be on the board. I believe the district is going in a great direction."

Cato presented an application form which she said will be available at the school office. She said applications will be accepted until Friday, March 13, and the board will meet in a special meeting next week to interview interested persons and make the appointment by March 23.

Hurst's letter is dated Feb. 28 and gives a date of Feb. 21 for the move. Cato said state law requires the position to be filled within 30 days.

In other business, the board:

• Approved the transfer of Katie Rhine from teacher at the Intermediate School to director and lead teacher for the Pre-K program;

• Accepted the resignation of Debbie Ruff, Primary School counselor;

• Transferred Mindy Hanna from teacher to Primary School counselor;

• Hired Valerie Hill, vocal music teacher for the high school and middle school;

• Hired Tim Ledbetter, bus driver;

• Approved out-of-state bus trips for baseball to Cassville, Mo., and Quapaw, Okla., and for track to Joplin and Cassville, Mo.; Intermediate School trip to Roaring River, Mo., in May.