September Minutes
Democrat Party of Baxter County
Meeting Minutes
Baxter County Library
9/6/24
Chair Mary O’Shields called the meeting to order at 10:22 a.m.
Pledge of Allegiance: Donnie led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance
Minutes: Called for any changes to August minutes. Called for approval of minutes. Ann Glueck made the motion. Gina Wilson 2nd and all were in favor. August minutes were accepted.
Treasury Report: Mary O’Shields
Mary reported that as of the end of August 2025 and with ACT Blue contributions the ending balance is $9861.
Chair Update: Mary O’Shields
Mary began the meeting by introducing officers and new members to our meeting. Mary greeted first time attendees, including an 86 yr old woman who has never voted Republican, a Mtn. View man visiting and a man who recently moved from Ft. Smith.
Mary and Donnie updated the group regarding the Bodenhamer dinner to honor the Bodenhamer family. This event will be Saturday September 27th at Gaston’s Conference Center. The cost will be $20 and the food will be catered from Holy Smokes BBQ. This dinner is a way to honor the Bodenhamer family, a family with endless contributions to the party over many decades in Baxter County. Come enjoy food, fellowship and a speakers-Kevin Bodenhamer and Grant Tenille. Tickets are available by calling/texting 773-370-1887 or 870-565-2061.
Mary announced we have three candidates running for office: Kelli Yackey for county coroner, Micha Johnson and Kirstin Amundson for school board. Mary encouraged attendees to run for office as a Democrat.
Speaker: Allyson Dewey
Mary introduced Allyson Dewey, the superintendent of Mtn. Home Public Schools (MHPS). She has been superintendent for 3 years. Her children are 4th generation Mtn. Home Bombers. She graduated in 1995 from Mtn. Home. Two of her children have gone on to earn their Master’s degree and one will be graduating this school year. She provided the meeting with a handout and displayed a slideshow presentation.
MHPS has 7 campuses, including a grade 6-12 alternative campus that serves students locally and from some surrounding counties. The school board has 7 board members, serving 4 year terms (elected only during preferential primaries).
The school does summative testing - 21 tested areas with Mtn. Home scoring above average in all but 6 areas. They strive to be better than the state average. Mtn. Home school focuses on graduates enrolling in secondary education, the armed forces or entering into employment immediately after high school. Regarding ACT WorkKeys exam (an exam that assesses hands on skills), 81% of students got bronze, silver, gold or platinum. These statuses tell future employers the student’s strengths and skills.
MHPS participates in ‘Draft Day’ a regional event which is similar to a career fair but focuses on the trade field. Seniors are prepped to be interviewed for jobs. Last year 25 students were interviewed and that is expected to increase each year. This is held in the spring (often April) at ASUMH. The school partners with businesses and students get assistance on things such as laundering clothing before interviews or assisting them with professional clothing purchases. She encouraged people to contact her if they have an interest in partnering in this event.
Ms. Dewey listed some supporting organizations, such as the Bomber Booster club that helps feed players after games (the school only covers one meal per away game). Bridges helps students with things such as dental care.
She discussed the budget of MHPS and said 70% is personnel expenses. The school transportation department has 34 bus routes. They drive around 2,000 miles per school day. The Mtn.Home district size is 350 square miles.
The poverty level in our area is 37%.
The graduation rate at Mtn. Home is 91%.
The school employs 535 people. They are the 3rd largest employer in town.
Last year over $6 million was awarded to graduates through scholarships and grants.
$377,000 was donated by the community for graduates.
Ms. Dewey listed the district priorities in the slideshow. She stated that the school provides for every student that walks through the door.
She opened the floor for questions:
One person asked why enrollment was down. Ms. Dewey speculated that people who move to the area aren’t bringing students – they are either older or retired. Birth rate is also down.
One person asked about how the LEARNS Act has affected them. She said the positives are that teacher’s salaries have been increased and it provided money for school safety. Downsides, she tentatively said that the education freedom accounts have affected funding for public school. Homeschoolers that use these funds are required to take an assessment test but the results aren’t published anywhere.
She was asked about how history is being taught (or affected). She said history is still being taught to the standards they’ve been given in the past. They have had no complaints so far from the public.
Another person asked if testing scores for private or church schools are published. She said she has seen no reporting from those schools on their scores. MHPS follows the guidelines that 95% or more of students must be tested and the scores published. Private schools do not have to do this and their teachers do not have to be accredited.
Joann asked about the high school improvement renderings and where the refurbishing plan is at. Ms. Dewey said MHBombers.com has a facilities page with proposed options. MHPS has requested funding from the Facilities Dept and they should know in October if it’s approved.
Regarding funding for the improvements, the millage is low and her goal is to keep that rate where it is. They would like to extend current bonds and that would have to be voted upon.
Someone asked if students have access to feminine hygiene products. She said yes, there is a group that provides them for students.
She was asked if MHPS has been required to display the Ten Commandments. There was an injunction and the school currently has not had to display them.
Ms. Dewey said that people can go to LEAinsites online and it has student and staff demographics. Around 12-15% of students are considered special education.
She was asked if there is a diversity policy; yes, it is defined in the student handbook. Ms. Dewey reiterated that they serve all students.
Ms. Dewey has a once a month drop-in day for the public to approach her or she can be contacted by phone.
Announcements:
Dawn from St. Andrew’s Episcopal said they are leading the charge against Christian Nationalism. They’re hosting Robert Arnold who will speak about this topic. Tickets are $5 and it will be held at ASUMH, McClure Center at the Sheid. Seating is limited to 250. It will be on Oct. 18 at 2pm. There will be a book signing afterward and a No Kings rally that day also. Call the Episcopal church for tickets. St. Andrews also has a food pantry weekly and she provided a handout on how to protect SNAP benefits. Mary stated that our group will sponsor a book signing after Robert Arnold speaks, with appetizers (location to be announced later).
Donnie went to the DPA meeting with Glenda, Johnny Rickman and Jim Kouns. Marcus Jones, a strategist and former military, was elected chairperson.
Donnie also spoke about the Baxter County Environmental Committee, who met for the first time in 12 years. Residents spoke about issues with their wells and water quality, possibly due to burning by the county and their quarry. The Quorum court met afterward. There will be a new coroners building and new annex building.
Bob Bodenhamer, from the Election Commission, spoke about a change in the voting requirements. When you return an absentee ballot you will need a witness that will sign that they saw you return your ballot. The Commission asked what happens if no one is there to witness and they do not know yet. Perhaps it will be marked as a provisional ballot. Also, Bob stated that he thinks the Republicans may try to close their primary. Currently you can choose whether you want a Republican, Democrat or optional ballot. He gave the example that all the people running for sheriff are Republican. If you choose to be an ‘optional’ party you can vote in the primary for that election. Currently you can change the day of the election and be ‘optional’ and vote in the primary. Bob also stated that they need poll workers. They will have training after the first of the year.
A member suggested people watch the Shiny, Happy People documentary on Amazon Prime to learn more about increasing Christian Nationalism.
Johnny Rickman said the abortion amendment still won’t be on the ballot this fall.
Mary has made a BlueSky account for our group: @baxterdemocrats.bluesky.social
If you would like to discuss something or add something to the agenda please contact Mary at meaoshields@gmail.com or Jennifer at jennifer@baxtercountydemocrats.com and we will work to add that. Remember we allow time for discussion at the end of the meeting for these items.
Chair Mary O’Shields adjourned the meeting at 11:55 a.m.
DPBC Meetings: (1st Saturdays)
October 4th: 10:15 Baxter County Library (300 Library Hill Ln, Mountain Home, AR 72653)
November 1st: TBA
December 6th: TBA
City Council Meetings: (1st and 3rd Thursdays)
Meetings take place at City Hall-720 Hickory St, Mountain Home, AR 72653
October 2nd: City Hall 5 p.m.
October 16th: City Hall 5 p.m.
November 6th: City Hall 5 p.m.
November 20th: City Hall 5 p.m.
County Quorum Court Meetings: (1st Tuesday)
Meetings take place at Baxter County Courthouse- 1 East 7th Street, Mountain Home, AR 72653
October 7th: County Courthouse 6 p.m.
November 4th: County Courthouse 6 p.m.
December 2nd: County Courthouse 6 p.m.
Mountain Home School Board Meetings (3rd Thursday)
Meetings take place at Central Office-2465 Rodeo Drive, Mountain Home, AR 72653
October 16th: Central Office 6 p.m
November 20th: Central Office 6 p.m
October 16th: Central Office 6 p.m
December 18th: Central Office 6 p.m
