The Mountain Home Public Schools Board of Education met Thursday, approving several items and recognizing achievements across the district.During board discussion, members highlighted a week full of positive news. Mrs. Partney noted social media has reflected many accomplishments, while Mrs. Morgan said she appreciates students reaching out with concerns and engaging in professional dialogue.
Mr. Knight also recognized Coach Leonard, Coach Huskey and the girls varsity basketball staff for their successful season and commended the players.
Board members approved the 2026-27 salary schedules, a salary adjustment to schedule 26G-1 and fiscal year 2026 budget adjustments. A bid for substitute teacher services was also approved.
In addition, the board approved a scholarship committee from Mountain Home High School to assist in awarding two local scholarships, as well as the purchase of a bus and a new districtwide handheld radio system.
Reports were also presented on academics, finances, enrollment, safety and security, as well as updates on the spring musical, Youth Art Month and National Foreign Language Month. District enrollment was reported at 3,644 students.
The board also elected officers, naming Jason Schmeski as president, Scott Booth as vice president and Mollie Morgan as secretary.
Board members will begin campus visits March 30 during lunch periods to meet with staff. In addition, a “coffee and conversation” event is scheduled for May 12 at 7 in the morning at the high school library, offering staff an informal opportunity to speak with board members. Officials say similar events may be held at other campuses if the initial meeting is successful.
The Board approved a series of personnel changes during the meeting, including new hires, resignations, retirements and internal transfers ahead of the 2026-27 school year.
Retirements include Darrah Pitchford, Sondra Hoffmann, Susie Adams and Owen Carpenter, while resignations include Leah Hester and Heather Loyd. Other certified staff members, including Alyssa Edwards, Kristie Thompson, Carla Stroud and Gwen Benton, will transition into new roles within the district.
To fill vacancies, the board approved the hiring of Amber Wolf as an elementary teacher, Luke Proctor as a special education teacher and Alex Jennings as an agriculture teacher for the 2026-27 school year.
The report also details several classified staff changes. Resignations include Kim Rails, Wanda Ann Ferg, Shawna Goldsmith, Julie Dykes, Brynn Haworth, Jessica Jefferson, Pete Stabile and Lisa Carpenter, while Elisabeth Jones and Leisa Simons are set to retire. Amber Sutton will transfer within the district.
In addition, internal transfers were approved for several employees, including Paul Bellnap, who will serve as transportation supervisor; Carla Stroud, who will move to a teaching role at the high school; and Gwen Benton, who will transition to federal programs director.
The board also approved stipend and leave payouts for eligible employees and a rehire list for the 2026-27 school year.
To view the full personnel report, click here.
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