District solicits staff for name suggestions for new school
Posted on Tuesday, August 28, 2007
FARMINGTON — School staff will have an opportunity to recommend a name for the new elementary school being built at Angus and Bonnie lanes.
The school is currently under construction and is scheduled to be finished by the next school year.
At their meeting Monday, Farmington Board of Education members asked the administration to take suggestions from staff in the current schools about the name for a new school.
Board President Herbert Dorman said he thought it would be good to name the school after someone who has had a positive impact on education within the community. With the exception of Farmington High School, all of the district’s schools have been named after people.
“ For me personally, it’s important for it to be a staff decision, ” Dorman said.
Once employees have a chance to make suggestions, a committee could then narrow the recommendations and present options at the September board meeting.
“ That gives us a starting place, ” Superintendent Ron Wright said. “ Hopefully by next month we’ll have a (suggestion ) to bring back to you. ”
Architect Mark Haguewood reported that construction of the school appears to be on schedule.
The exterior colors of the school were briefly discussed, with Wright and the board asking that they try to match the scheme used at Jerry “ Pop” Williams Elementary, which opened in 2005.
Also Monday, the board approved a series of school policy changes as presented. Wright said the changes were based on recommendations from the Arkansas School Board Association.
Among the changes were some updates to the policy for sex offenders, which outlines conditions under which a Level 3 or Level 4 sex offender may visit the campus. The levels are considered the most serious rankings under law.
Among the exceptions are to attend a graduation ceremony or if the offender is a parent or guardian visiting the campus to deliver items for their student. The policy provides that under most cases, a sex offender must be accompanied by a school employee while on campus.
In other business, the board:
• Granted Wright permission to attend the Arkansas Center for Executive Leadership’s Superintendent Academy this year. Wright was one of about 20 state superintendents selected to attend.
• Presented outgoing school board member Sally Zelenka a plaque for five years of service. Zelenka decided not to seek reelection. Doug Williams is scheduled to take over Zelenka’s spot after school board elections are held Sept. 18. Williams was the only candidate to file for the position.
• Heard a report from band director Jim Spillars about the Farmington High School Band’s summer trip to Washington, D. C., for the National Anthem Project.
• Discussed enrollment. Wright said overall enrollment appeared to be 2, 137 students, which is slightly higher than last year but not a dramatic increase.
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