Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Teacher contracts not renewed

Due to the loss of state funds and the projected loss of more funds within the next two weeks, the Gurdon School Board had to make a decision it felt was best for the district at this time.

When the Gurdon School Board met Tuesday, April 16, it was time to evaluate employees and renew contracts. The board went into executive session to do evaluating and discussions, which resulted in reducing the staff.

Criteria for reducing the staff was to consider attrition, look at areas that are overstaffed, consider state standards as they relate to teacher/pupil ratios, consider state regulations as to what subjects must be offered, consider experience of staff members and consider staff reductions in other than certified staff.

After careful consideration the board came to these conclusions, Jason Hughes, 5th-6th grade spelling and writing teacher would be replaced by Debbie Davies who is already employed by the Gurdon School District; Elizabeth Shepperd, who was hired to take Linda Hulan's place in the fourth grade, will be dismissed and the remaining teachers will take over her duties; Bruce Burson, assistant band director for almost 10 years with Gurdon, was dismissed due to lack of justification for two band directors; Coach Benny Hargrove had already told the board he did not plan on staying in Gurdon, therefore his position will be done away with and his duties will be absorbed by the remaining coaches. Also dismissed was Tammy Reitenger, Title one 4th grade teacher.

With Shepperd and Reitenger both leaving 4th grade, Rita Roe, Gurdon Primary School Principal, will have to move a teacher from one grade to the 4th grade position. Both Shepperd and Reitenger were new hires and did not have the seniority as other teachers. This being the reason for letting both of them go and moving someone to their vacant positions.

The board explained how it hated to have to do away with so many good teachers and this decision did not reflect on any of the teachers's performance, but mainly from need or qualifications.

However, Superintendent Bobby Smithson was glad to report of some unexpected revenue coming in.

Smithson said the district had received $58,154.34 from delinquent taxes that was not expected, and there are still two more months to go.

Smithson also commented on the reduction of state revenue to come within the next two weeks.

Smithson said, Charles Knox, Associate Director of the Arkansas School Administrators Association, presented the projection at the April 10, meeting at the Dawson Coop. The cut could be done away with if the governor transferred $10 million from an account he keeps for legal purposes, however, it is not sure if he will do this or not.

Smithson commented, "We take what they send us."

Venus Talley represented Lola Gulley who could not be at the meeting, but wanted to bring some things to the board's attention.

It was so presented to the board at the beginning of each school year a handbook is sent home with each student, and each student's parent is to read the book and sign a form stating they have read and understood the book and will abide by it.

Gulley said apparently some parents are signing it without reading it and some students are not receiving equal punishment.

It was also presented to the board of the condition of the school grounds, especially the Cabe Middle School Gym. The facility is new yet it is covered in dust and cobwebs, Plexiglas is broken and light covers are crumbling and falling out of the lights with the bulbs exposed.

It was requested during basketball season the high school gymnasium be cleaned since the shelf behind the bleachers holds trophies, yet they are covered with dust and spiders run rampant. The matter was presented to school administration three times before something was done.

The concern was for the school's presentation and reputation. Talley said, "This is a new facility and one we are all proud of, but you lose pride if something isn't properly cared for and the facility will not last long at this rate."

The Gurdon Future Farmer's of America (FFA) Alumni addressed the board to let the board and administration know due to recent events the alumni planned to become more involved with FFA activities and hoped everyone knew how important FFA is and how many opportunities where offered from the program.

Examples of past members such as Eric Hughes, who is now a lawyer; Steven Orsburn, who is vice president of lending at Elk Horn Bank and Kevin Jester who is also a non-practicing lawyer, yet owns his own business. Not to mention several others and the scholarships received trough the program that have helped several students continue their education.

Due to lengthy evaluations and careful consideration by the board the meeting was not adjourned until after 10 p.m.