Parkers Chapel School Board approves upgrades, policy updates
Parkers Chapel School Board met in a regular session last Monday to consider updates to their fire alarm system and an awning outside the cafeteria.
Chris Brantley from Arkansas United Fire Suppression gave a presentation to the Board before their vote.
“All the buildings will be on one panel, as opposed to five different panels,” said PCSD Superintendent Michael White. The Board voted unanimously to approve the new alarm system.
The Board also voted unanimously to upgrade an awning outside of the newly renovated cafeteria. White said that previously, the building had a simple sheet metal awning, which had to be moved during last year’s renovation. The Board decided to replace the awnings with ones that will match the rest around the school. White said the cost would be about $12,000.
One student transfer request, from El Dorado School District to PCSD, was approved. The Board also updated several policies, including one regarding school choice rules and one having to do with classroom size.
State law says that except for courses that lend themselves to large group instruction, one teacher may not be assigned more than 150 students. White said that after receiving clarification from the state, they revised their policy to reflect that guidance.
“Like a PE class, it’s not deemed to be a ‘small class,’ so if the PE teacher has more than 150 students, it’s not an issue,” White explained.
The Board unanimously accepted the elementary and high school principals’ recommendations for their certified staff members for the 2018 school year.