Gravette school board discusses bullying

GRAVETTE — Members of the School Board held a special meeting May 3 and entered executive session for the purpose of conducting interviews with middle school principal candidates.

No other items were discussed and no votes were taken on any item.

In comments at the beginning of the meeting, Kamey Kelvinson, a School District parent whose family recently returned to Gravette from Bentonville, reported her children are experiencing bullying on their bus route.

She stated she spoke with the bus driver, transportation director and principals and expressed her concerns. She feels the district can do a better job of stopping the “violent bullying” her children and others are receiving and suggested better technology on the buses and maybe bus aides.

Kelvinson also commented she felt there is a better way to communicate with parents than the individual buildings’ digital process. Bentonville uses Peach Jar Flyer, she said, and she feels it was a wonderful tool. She thanked the board for giving her the opportunity to share her concerns.

In action items approved after returning to open session, members voted to accept the resignations of Shelly Cripps as Title I teacher and Vickie Holloway as second- grade teacher, effective at the end of the current school year. Board members thanked them both for their years of service and said they will be missed.

In other action, board members voted to approve Susan Hawkins to serve as Gravette High School counselor and to approve Melody Kwok for the position of Administrative Specialist for Communication and Technology.