Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Prescott School District Considers Options

Under a sign reading, attitude equals altitude,' the Prescott School Board worked through a lengthy agenda at its April 18, meeting.

Hot topics bringing in an audience were the uniform debate and proposed staff addition. The work of the board would later turn to possible legal action concerning poor construction.

With 1,133 students to clothe, the uniform debate was one-sided with supporters out in number. Opposition to the subject was not represented, as not a single person spoke out at the meeting against uniforms. The questions concerning details and practicalities were voiced.

Mary Osorio presented information from Aramark, a uniform company.

The students would be able to pick up their five outfits for the week at school, according to Osorio. The outfits would be on hangers ready to go into the closet. At the end of the week, students would carry the suits back to the school, drop them off to be laundered, and pick up the next weeks' set.

This would cost the parents $8 a week per student. Poorer students could possibly receive assistance, through donations, the cost based similarly to the school lunch program. The cost would cover not only damage insurance for the outfits, but also the laundering.

Ron Wright, superintendent, suggested the school and parents take a pro-active approach with the clothing companies.' "Hopefully, local merchants will join in," Wright said.

Wright was questioned on the school's current dress code. Prescott does not have a dress code at this time.

Results of a survey of 474 persons, held on March 23, during the parent-teacher conferences, showed a positive interest in the uniforms. It is also obvious from the survey, many parents are waiting for more information on the effects of school uniforms on the students.

Teachers present at the meeting agreed with each other on the benefits of getting all students "on an even playing field." One teacher commented on the students she had witnessed being embarrassed by his attire when compared with other students."

No action was taken at this meeting. "We do want to hear form everyone," Wright said.

Board president, Rick McGough agreed saying, "We appreciate all input."

Quality of work from prior construction led to the boards approval vote for Wright to seek legal action.

Most important of which was the activities center at Prescott elementary School. Poor construction work, supposedly finished four years ago, has made the paint peel off the inside walls of the building.

Wright told the board, upon inspection by John McLelland and himself, the water had leaked in from the outside, seeped through the cinder blocks, and forced the paint off of the wall on the inside.

"We haven't been able to get a lot of satisfaction from Howard Construction, out of Pike County," he said.

Board member, Kay Hendrix asked, "Are they still in business and can't we do more?"

"If they had done this to my house, I'd sure want something more done about it," said McGough.

Everything is on schedule for the construction of the gym over the summer months. Wright stated, "We're ready to begin moving out the contents of the buildings, and as soon as school is out will begin with demolition."

Renovations, on the other hand, have experienced problems of their own.

Ceilings being lowered at PES hit a glitch, when workmen put the track frame for the ceiling panels in at a eight foot level instead of the correct nine foot level.

The correction will be done before the insulation is put in very soon.

The administration building is nearing completion. The carpet is the final detail, and will probably be installed on Tuesday, April 25 according to Wright.

Wright commented on the construction, "We have done all the things plus more as we promised the taxpayers."

Jonathan Kelley, band director for the Prescott Middle and High Schools, was the unexpected recipient of compliments, admiration and praise during the meeting. Kelley was present to request additional staff.

Kelley based his request on seven reasons which he presented to the school board.

Basketball band: describing it as a bridge too far.' Kelley explained to the board the increased work load is more than one person can manage. At the same time of year, February, basketball coincides with local, regional, and state competitions.

Benefits of music education: these competitions have earned offers for scholarships amounting to $70,000 cumulatively for 10 of Prescott's graduation senior band members.

"Henderson State University, Souther Arkansas University and Ouachita Baptist University, all recognize the quality of the music students produced here, they know ours students will work," Kelley said

Middle school band supervision and assistance: currently Kelley is divided. Most of his attention is focused on the high school band.

Sixth grade beginners band: would be provided with more instruction.

Kelley has enlisted the help of two HSU student teachers and two upper-level senior class members to work with the 50 percent of the sixth graders requesting private instruction.

Extra-curricular activity supervision: "Parents do a wonderful job," said Kelley, " but an assistant would make a huge difference."

Campus conflicts: Kelley believes there's an immense amount of work he would be able to accomplish with more time in the day, such as parent-teacher conferences, study hall scheduling problems, and more attention being paid to the beginner students.

Too much for one person: "If a child wants to learn, I don't want to leave anyone out," stated Kelley.

Giving a short list of changes which have occurred in the Prescott band such as the increase in numbers from 25 up to 60 students on the field, within a few years, the need for a second hour of high school band, and the division of the concert band.

From students, teachers, Wright, the board members, and a football coach, Kelley was saluted for his endearing efforts to bring the band in Prescott to a higher level.

"More than notes and rhythms go into the Prescott band," said Kelley, who continued to praise the band parents.

"This board and I are committed to the band program. We'll look into it in the near future," Wright said.