MH School Board passes budget as students prepare to return Tuesday

Board members hear from AP students during Thursday’s meeting

In a meeting lasting an hour and thirty minutes, the Mountain Home Public School Board tackled a light agenda as the district prepares for the return of students next week.

The main agenda item to pass was the 2025-–2026 operating budget. The passing of the budget was a critical opening step before the start of the school year, prompting the early meeting for August, which is usually held on the third Thursday of the month.

During the facilities update, Director of Operations Chris Knight spoke on continued work to prepare for the future renovations to the “Big Top.” The work, which is required to be completed, must be presented to the public by May 2027 to allow appropriate time for the passage of a new millage and to secure contracts to complete the needed work. In October, Knight will travel to Little Rock to present the board approved improvement plan to the Division of Public School Academic Facilities and Transportation.

Other items passed by the board included approval of contract services for dyslexia support, contract services for bus driver training, and the purchase of a used school bus at a cost of no more than $125,000.

Mrs. Lawrence made a presentation on the success of the AP student program for 2025. The program saw a 14 percent jump in the number of students scoring a 3 or higher on AP testing — the largest increase the program has seen. The program had 116 students and 16 AP Scholars. AP students were in attendance and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Students spoke with board members about the positive impact the AP program has had on their educational journey.

During board discussion, member Tommy Knight brought up the issue of supplemental insurance plans for athletes in the school system. He said he has researched the current plans the school has and found them to be sufficient, and that the price the district is paying is fair a value.

Superintendent Allison Dewey shared with the board that students return to class on Tuesday. Dewey spoke on how good it is to see teachers returning over the last week. Open house had a great turnout Wednesday, and Pinkston’s new locker launch was successful. Board member Scott Booth commented on how well-presented the campuses were for the open house.

Preceding the meeting, during public comments, Hap Meyer spoke on a future millage and its ultimate necessity to pass in order to fund high school renovations. He stressed that the board should do everything in its power to make the burden on taxpayers as low as possible, including using avenues such as private donors, fundraisers, and the Mountain Home Education Foundation to assist in raising the necessary funds.

Following the regular meeting, the board went into executive session to discuss the personnel report, resignations, and transfers.

Personnel Report 08.07.2025

Live stream of Thursday’s Meeting

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