Bentonville School District examining students' financial barriers

BENTONVILLE -- The School District is looking at ways of eliminating financial barriers so more students will be encouraged to participate in school clubs and activities.

Christie Jay, federal programs director, presented the topic during Monday's School Board meeting. Research shows students who are engaged in clubs and activities are more likely to succeed academically, Jay said.

Land negotiation

The Bentonville School Board voted Monday to authorize School District administrators to negotiate with owners to buy land for future district needs. Superintendent Debbie Jones said she hopes to bring a land purchase agreement to the board for approval no later than January. The district isn’t discussing specific properties, but is considering land in the south and west sections of the district, as well as land in the north Bentonville and south Bella Vista area.

Source: Staff Report

Either there's no charge or scholarships are available for all clubs and activities at the elementary and middle school levels, Jay said. Some of those activities include chess, art, robotics, running and ballet.

The junior high school and high school levels have far greater numbers of clubs, many of which come with at least some kind of fee.

Participating in the marching band, for example, can cost students $1,000 to cover the costs of trips and uniform accessories.

According to data provided by the district, the most expensive program for students is Bentonville High School's dance team, which lists a fee of $1,183 to cover apparel and camps.

There are opportunities for scholarships for at least some clubs and activities, however. Travis Riggs, board president, asked how the schools get the word out about such opportunities, "not to embarrass them but to let them know there are ways to assist them."

Word is spread most commonly through counselors and student advocates, said Amanda Musick, director of student services. Musick acknowledged, however, not all students may be getting the message.

Rebecca Powers, board member, suggested telling students at every opportunity -- particularly on fliers -- about the financial assistance that's available.

About 25 percent of the district's students qualify for free or reduced-price lunches at school, an indication of economic status. Statewide, 63 percent of students qualify.

Powers asked if the district could provide statistics showing how many students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunches are involved in each school club or activity.

Debbie Jones, superintendent, said the district is not allowed to release such personal information to staff members or anyone else.

Teachers, however, are very intuitive and can recognize those students who are most in need, Jones said.

Musick also discussed the district's Bright Futures program, a network that coordinates the efforts of schools, businesses and community members in meeting the needs of children. Bentonville started its Bright Futures program in 2014.

Musick said she thinks of Bright Futures not so much as a program or initiative, but as something that captures a district mantra.

"It's everybody having this thought that if we have a kid in need, I'm going to step up and help," she said.

Bright Futures will work to provide an instrument for a student who wants to be in band, help kids go to cheer or dance camp, and get club fees waived, she said.

Riggs, returning to the theme of his earlier question, asked how club sponsors and organizers can get the word out about the financial help that exists.

"I think there aren't any perfect districts or perfect situations," Jay said. "But I think it's important we're talking about it right now and it's on the minds of administrators and teachers. I think that's a good first step. I think it's something we need to continue working on."

NW News on 12/06/2016

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