The White Hall School District Board met for their monthly meeting at the Julius Brown Administrative Building on Tuesday, November 9th. The board approved several items on their agenda, including a new update to their mask policy, and announced district recognitions amongst other special announcements.
The board recognized that White Hall High School students made the top ten test scores in advanced placement (AP) computer science in the state and the only school in southeast Arkansas to qualify for a grant geared towards a computer science program. The AP students that are a part of the computer science program were ranked across the state and according to Debbie Jones the Director of Administration, the students receive those grants as awards for their accomplishments. Jones also explained more about a veterinarian program that the district has applied for that would be under the computer science program.
On another subject, the board also approved an employee one-time bonus that would be given on December 1st. The bonus is in the amount of $1,000 for certified employees, $750 for non-certified staff, and $500 for bus drivers. The board also considered a review on the mask mandate that would lift the mandate beginning on December 6th with the CDC guidelines still in place in which the board approved. Superintendent Doug Dorris explained further to the board why he thinks this change should take place and how they would handle future cases that may occur.
For students that would have to quarantine the school will offer daily tests and if that student is not positive and doesn’t show symptoms then they will be allowed to attend class to limit the number of absences. In case of a future outbreak, the board agreed that they would resume the mandate for seven days and base their decision on the numbers and condition of the students.
During the superintendent report, Dorris announced that he would be retiring from the district after working with WHSD for 40 years and working in education for a total of 46. His official retirement date will be on June 30, 2022. Board member Dr. Raymond Jones shared a few words on behalf of the board about their experience working with Dorris.
