Delta Digital News Service

Story by DDNS Reporter Benjamin McDowell

JONESBORO, Ark. — The Valley View School Board honored longtime member Richard Rogers, celebrated the success of the theater program, and approved major technology purchases during its recent meeting.

The board recognized the Valley View theater program, which took its one-act play Eurydice to competition in Russellville and earned a score of 97 out of 100. Judges selected the group as one of four schools in the state to showcase their one-act play at the State Thespian Festival in February.

Students later performed in Springdale, receiving a superior rating, along with awards for ensemble work and music design, and earned $100,000 in scholarships for theater education.

The board also heard updates on the Fine Arts Center lighting project, which improved stage and auditorium lighting for performances. The new lights allow different colors, enhancing plays, festivals, and shows.

Chromebook purchases and finances

The committee reviewed financial reports showing a $2.7 million deficit due to building project expenditures, though revenue collections are currently 51% ahead of budgeted expenses. Members approved the purchase of 750 Acer 514 Chromebooks for $373,525 and 250 Lenovo L16 Chromebooks for $223,223, citing cost-effectiveness and vendor reliability.

Superintendent Roland Popejoy discussed the Chromebook purchases and technology replacement plan.

“I have shared with you guys previously that we’ve been working on a replacement plan for laptops. That is an area where, whenever I came into this role, it was very important for me to make sure that we work toward getting a specific line item per year for technology replacement,” Popejoy said.

Popejoy emphasized that students should have access to the tools they need to succeed.

“Previously, we made really big purchases and then kind of saw how long they would last as part of our process. I really want to make sure that we have a solid replacement plan. And so that’s what we’ve been working on. We’re moving to one-to-one,” he said.

Honoring Richard Rogers

Board members recognized Richard Rogers for his 11 years of service, noting his role in overseeing several major school projects.

“He has served on our board since October of 2011, and so this will be his last meeting. Mr. Richard Rogers has played a pivotal role in multiple things in his time here. He oversaw the building of our high school while he was on the board, also the women’s field house, the additions here at the intermediate and the intermediate junior high, and now our high school addition,” Popejoy said.

He also praised Rogers’ contributions to athletic facilities.

“In addition, one thing that I think is really important is that he has played an integral role in the efforts to improve our athletic facilities, with our turf project for our football field, baseball field and softball field,” Popejoy said. “Anybody that knows this board over the years knows Richard is a voice that a lot of people reach out to. Richard is one that has a unique way of his advocacy.”

Special education and facility updates

Special education director Carol Brown provided an overview of services.

“As of December, there were 2,827 students enrolled in our district, and out of those, there are 448 receiving special education services, which is 15.85%,” Brown said.

Brown explained that the district serves students with a variety of disabilities, including specific learning disabilities and other health impairments such as ADHD, seizure disorders, and other medical conditions. She said the district provides multiple therapists and therapy options to support students academically, mentally, and medically.

Senior project manager Angie Berryhill gave an update on facility improvements.

“What I’d like to do is dwell on the path moving forward, and our message is still the same to this board and this community, that we’re going to move as expeditiously as possible. When we understand things, we will make that known, and we’re going to be here until the very end,” Berryhill said.

Berryhill added that the improvements will not cost taxpayers extra money.

“We have processes and procedures in place now that are going to prevent things like this from happening again,” she said.

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