By JOEL PHELPS | The Arkadelphian

The Arkadelphia Board of Education held a light December meeting Tuesday at Goza Middle School, moving swiftly through the few agenda items that were up for discussion.

While most of the meeting was dedicated to a student choir performance and Badger Pride awards, the board had three action items and approved each without much discussion.

Board members approved the transfer of five students to Centerpoint Public Schools. The students, from two separate families, have attended Centerpoint but recently moved within the physical boundaries of the Arkadelphia School District.

The school board also approved an amendment to the school handbook as it relates to disciplinary actions for offenses committed on a school bus. The policy previously allowed for less harsh punishment for violations committed on a school bus. The new policy puts the punishment for offenses committed on a school bus in line with violations committed on campus.

In its last action item the school board approved a one-year expulsion for an Arkadelphia High School student who made terroristic threats. The specifics of the offense were not discussed at the meeting. Superintendent Nikki Thomas said she met personally with the student and family, who chose to waive their right to a hearing at a board meeting. Under state law, the district is required to offer educational services to the expelled student.

Following a 25-minute executive session, the board reconvened to approve the following personnel recommendations:

Employment
Jana Wright, from full bus route to half bus route

Resignations
Bridgett Hardage, special education teacher at Peake Elementary School

Temporary employment
Callie Hunley, extra duty/mentoring at AHS

In the superintendent’s report, Thomas noted the demolition at Peake is nearing completion, and the district is still “on go” to hold a groundbreaking ceremony in January for the new campus, which will be built in the same location and retain its name as Peake Elementary School.