A rendering of the new Pea Ridge High School will be complete within the next two weeks, Pea Ridge superintendent Rick Neal told those gathered at the school board meeting Monday night.
Officials are working closely with architect Steve Elliott and work on the rendering is going well.
"We are close to a product that will work for everybody," Neal said.
Design help for various centers is also moving forward. School officials have been meeting with several area Fortune 500 company representatives to solicit design help for the agriculture center, the logistics center and the culinary arts center, Neal said.
In other construction business, Neal said the school district is expected to sign a contract next month with RLP Properties, a local construction company that is interested in purchasing the baseball and softball fields on It'll Do Road.
RLP Properties is expected to pay $322,000, which includes the property, in-kind labor and money gifted for scholarships.
RLP Properties will then build a new ball field complex, which Neal estimates will cost the district about $600,000 to $700,000. Normally, that price tag would range closer to $1.7 to $2 million.
Neal also said that the millage campaign is going well and that Facebook postings regarding the millage have been positive. One current -- traffic concerns -- is something that the board has discussed. Officials have entertained options for various scenarios to improve buckled school traffic.
Neal also praised the staff for creating a culture that is drawing students from other districts and spurring growth.
"Pea Ridge is a special, special place," Neal said.
In other reports, assistant superintendent Keith Martin said a free summer lunch program for children and youth will begin in late May or early June.
The Boys & Girls Club will operate at the primary school during the summer months, and the staff will offer a free lunch program for any child ages 6 weeks to 18 years old.
He also said that school food service personnel will travel to the University of Central Arkansas in Conway this summer for training.
Several principals reported that testing has just wrapped up or will be taking place this next week. Staff members are also planning for professional training and development that will occur during the summer months.
Pea Ridge High School principal Charley Clark said the prom will be held in two weeks and planning is taking place for graduation. He also said that staff members recently completed a successful second CAP conference.
In other news, six juniors and seniors with special needs will be involved in a film camp at NWACC. They will work with a film crew coming in from out-of-state.
General News on 04/12/2017