Compromise Committee Starts Work Monday

— A committee tasked with finding a compromise between a ninth-grade center and second high school supporters will meet for the first time Monday.

The committee was approved by the Bentonville School Board during a meeting in December.

The meeting will start at 5:30 p.m. at the Bentonville School District Administration Building, 500 Tiger Blvd.

A School Board decision in October to ask voters to support a millage to build a ninth-grade center was immediately met by opposition by a group wanting a second high school. An organization supporting the board’s plan also formed.

The millage election has been put on hold as the committee begins its work.

Board members have asked the committee to find a solution to overcrowding at Bentonville High School. District officials have said the school could reach more than 4,000 students by 2014.

Willie Cowgur, a board member, will serve on the committee.

At A Glance

Committee Meeting

A committee made up of ninth-grade and second high school supporters will meet for the first time Monday. The meeting is at 5:30 p.m. at the Bentonville School District Administration Building, 500 Tiger Blvd.

A second meeting will follow Tuesday at the same time and place.

Source: Staff Report

“I am excited for the challenge,” Cowgur said. “I am looking forward to seeing what ideas we can come up with. I am hoping that all of the committee members come in open-minded and open for discussion. If we do that, I think we will get better results out of it.”

Superintendent Michael Poore and Gary Ritter, University of Arkansas endowed chairman of the Department of Education Reform, also will be on the committee.

Ninth-grade center supporters on the committee are Steve Carter, Amber Morey and Jerri Carter, whom is no relation to Steve Carter.

Susie Poindexter, Rob Adair and Grant Lightle will serve on the committee as representatives for those who support a second high school.

Committee members received a packet to prepare them for the meeting. The packet includes enrollment and millage history, a look at capacity at the high school and projected growth numbers.

A document in the packet asks members of the committee respect each other and outlines how participants should engage in conversation.

The documents states, “Lay down all personal interests and keep the interests of all students first.”

Steve Carter said the documents were put together well.

“I’m excited about how well-detailed the packet is,” Carter said. “I appreciate the opportunity to participate in this committee.”

Poindexter said she plans to listen to the ideas of ninth-grade center supporters.

“I’m ready to get this process started,” Poindexter said. “It is time to move forward.”

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