In a special meeting Thursday evening, Watson Chapel School District board members formally approved stipends for multiple positions including new junior high volleyball coaches.
The meeting was a final step toward setting a salary schedule, which has yet to be brought before the board.
It also creates savings for the district in special education personnel and overtime for drivers who transport athletic teams to events.
The board initially approved a proposal for the stipends April 14.
Instead of hiring a new special education director, the district will offer a stipend of $15,000 to $20,000 to a current staff member who is assigned to that role.
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Among the responsibilities for the director include, according to a recent district memo, ensuring program continuity, compliance with the individualized education plans, and support for students and staff.
The district will offer a $2,600 stipend for a new volleyball coach and $1,800 addition for an assistant coach at the junior high level.
Superintendent Keith McGee explained the Arkansas Activities Association has asked Watson Chapel to consider adding volleyball to give girls another sport for the fall.
Currently, White Hall and Sheridan are the only southeast Arkansas districts to compete in volleyball.
Head coaches who have commercial driver’s licenses will earn stipends of $750 each.
Assistant coaches with CDLs will earn stipends of $500 each.
WHSD PURCHASES HODGES’ SERIES
The White Hall School District has purchased two sets Phyllis Hodges’ complete series of books covering Barack Obama’s presidency and female celebrities, “8 Years of Unforgettable History,” “Girl Power” and “Girl Power 2.”
Jennifer Menard, the district’s public information officer, said the books will be added to the library collections at White Hall High School and White Hall Middle School.
“We are excited to include the works of an Arkansas author in our libraries — especially those that highlight the stories of fellow Arkansans,” Menard said.
Hodges is from Little Rock.
The series encompasses living, current, Arkansas, American and African American history and includes Arkansas figures like presidential diarist Janis Kearney, Little Rock Nine member Thelma Mothershed-Wair and Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders.
“As the author I would like to brag on all 60 school districts around the glove that have the vision to include my history series in their schools, because there (are) so many opportunities and untold stories for our youth,” Hodges said.
WHSD PERSONNEL MOVES
The WHSD approved personnel moves during a special board meeting on April 18, highlighted by the naming of Menard as the new high school principal starting with the 2025-26 school year.
Menard is also the district’s virtual learning principal.
Other personnel moves, effective next school year: Wendy Cantwell has been named secondary literacy specialist; Diana Herring was hired as director of special services and curriculum; and Arthur Hall and David Prather were hired as bus drivers.
Middle school English teacher Emily Davis and high school science teacher Allison Chambers will resign at the end of this school year.