Magnolia Public Schools is set to add two new positions to its staff and hire trained individuals to fill the department.
Announced Monday at the district’s monthly board of education meeting, the public school’s governing body unanimously approved the hire of two new social workers to handle a variety of mental health issues that may arise for students.
This is just an added layer of social service for mental health and behavioral health,” said Magnolia Superintendent John Ward. “We are hoping this will be an additional resource for our students.”
The salaries of the new social workers will be paid through the use of NSL funds (state capital issued to each Arkansas school district based on a number of income-related factors), according to the superintendent.
The trend of staffing social and behavioral workers in a public school system in Arkansas is relatively new, Ward said Monday, but now Magnolia becomes one of the few districts in the state to provide an another avenue for students in need of professional mental aid or help in a crucial period in their lives.
“There are about a half-dozen schools across the state that have begun implementing some type of social worker programs,” added Ward. “Our principals are excited to add this position on their campuses.”
Social workers have traditionally not been employed by the district. Details were not issued on when the new positions are expected to filled.
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In other School Board of Education business for August:
During his Superintendent’s report, Ward stated that Monday was the first day all teachers were back for the upcoming school year. They attended a special program called Shake and Smile, where keynote speaker Manny Scott addressed the educators, as well as current Arkansas Teacher of the Year Randi House of Conway, and Arkansas Department of Education Commissioner Johnny Key. Ward also noted that the demolition of the former Panther Gym is complete and Panther Stadium has new lighting.
Magnolia Teacher of the Year Renée Bailey was awarded a special plaque by the Superintendent. The fourth-grade teacher, now entering her 35th school year, is also one of 14 regional finalists for the state award. She, along with school officials, will attend a special ceremony this Thursday, Aug. 16, at the Governor’s Mansion in Little Rock where the top four finalists will be announced.
Terrell Page, a Magnolia High student and member of the AAA Student Advisory Board, on Monday recapped his recent trip to the national student leadership conference where he, along with numerous other district representatives from Arkansas and the country, attended speaking engagements and learned student leadership principles. The biggest takeaway from the experience, Page stated, was better understanding his role and importance as a team member and how to take charge when an opportunity presented itself.
Financial reports were read for June and July. The ending cash-in-bank balance for June was $22,324,782. The ending balance for July was $22,588,215. Much of the funds are expected to be used on multiple campus building projects over the next two years.
The school district’s Sick Leave Bank policy was unanimously approved for the 2018-19 school year.
Bids were taken for the district’s annual food service, milk and juice, and grain and bread providers. Ben E. Keith won the food bid, while Oak Farms Dairy won the milk and juice bid, and Flowers Baking Company of Tyler, Texas, won the bread bid.
School Board President Mike Waters was reappointed as the legislative liaison for Magnolia Schools.
In upcoming school board meeting scheduling, a tentative expulsion is set for Thursday, Aug. 16, at 6 p.m., while special meetings will also be held Aug. 27 and Sept. 24 to examine bids for upcoming school construction projects. Also, as traditionally has been the case, the board’s regular monthly meetings will be rescheduled in October and November from the first Tuesday of the month, to the first Monday.
Meet the Teacher day for Magnolia Public Schools is 9 a.m.-noon, Friday Aug. 17. The first day of school will be the following Monday, Aug. 20.