Pea Ridge Academy praised

The Pea Ridge Academy, the alternative education program for Pea Ridge Schools, was recognized by the Arkansas Department of Education.

Joshua Johnson, alternative education coordinator, told School Board members that Dr. Carroll Gardenhigher of the state department of education came to visit the program. The Pea Ridge School Board met Monday, March 14, for its regular meeting.

"He thinks what we do at Pea Ridge Academy should be replicated at other schools in the state," Johnson said.

Johnson explained, "Our students are being integrated with the high school and Pea Ridge Manufacturing Business Academy. It keeps the avenues of a traditional high school open to them while getting them back on track toward graduation." Alternative education is for students who are behind on their credits, he explained.

"Our teacher, Casey Connior, does project-based learning (which) enables kids to do hands-on lessons that develop 21st-century skills," he added.

Johnson noted the program helps students regain their credits while also helping them think about their post-secondary plans.

"It was very surprising that we were recognized for that," he said. "We've been working very hard on that program. A lot of the balance comes down to Mrs. Connior."

Keith Martin, assistant superintendent, told the board that construction of the City Hall/School Administration building is ahead of schedule and the stud walls will start going up Thursday or Friday.

The board began its meeting with an executive session, which lasted about 30 minutes.

Following the executive session, the board approved:

• Hiring Marilyn Harness, bus driver;

• Resignations of David Carlson, bus driver; Cheyenne Bender, food service; Kim Roesch, Middle School teacher; Randy Holman, Middle School teacher/bus driver; Jazmine Hyytia, SPED paraprofessional; Lora Leigh Brumley, PRMBA aide; Alexis Whaley, Intermediate School teacher; Retta Zumwalt, High School teacher; Tony Travis, football coach/athletic director; Stephanie Dohse, assistant superintendent secretary/HR; and Leslie Goolsby, intermediate nurse;

• Transfers of Amanda Mayher, full-time to part-time; Casey Connior, PRA to High School teacher; Jennifer DeCelle, Middle School SPED to PRA; Mindy Hanna, Primary School counselor to Primary School teacher; Josh Johnson, PRA director to Middle School teacher; Cheryl Tillman, PRA to PRMBA; and Mel Sorrell, Intermediate School secretary to special ed secretary;

• Renewals of contracts for administrators Bonnie Fulmer; Jon Laffoon; Matt Wood; Sarah Stokes; Charley Clark; Sue Stacey; Chip Greenwell; Leslie Moline; and Aaron Gaffigan.