Superintendent speaks to DPBC
Allyson Dewey, the superintendent of Mtn. Home Public Schools (MHPS) spoke to the DPBC at the September meeting. 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.
Mrs.Allyson Dewey, Superintendent for MHPS
MHPS is comprised of 7 campuses-Mountain Home Kindergarten Center, Nelson-Wilks-Herron Elementary School (1st-2nd grade), Hackler Intermediate School (3rd-5th grade), Pinkston Middle School (6th-7th grade), Mountain Home Junior High (8th-9th grade), Mountain Home High School (10th-12th grade), and the Guy Berry College and Career Academy 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)-Marsha Partney, Tommy Knight, Brad Butler, Barbara Horton, Mollie Morgan, Scott Booth, and Jason Schmeski.
The school does summative testing, with 21 areas assessed, 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. 81% of students got bronze, silver, gold or platinum on the ACT WorkKeys exam (an exam that assesses hands on skills). These statuses tell future employers the student’s strengths and skills.
MHPS also participates in ‘Draft Day’ a regional event similar to a career fair but focusing on the trade fields. 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 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 said that student and student demographics can be found at LEAinsites(see below for links). Around 12-15% of students are considered special education.
Mtn.Home High School
Questions that were asked:
Why is enrollment down?- Ms. Dewey speculated that people who move to the area aren’t bringing students – they are either older or retired. The birth rate is also down.
How the LEARNS Act has affected the school district?- Mrs.Dewey 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.
How history is being taught (or affected)?- Mrs.Dewey 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.
Are testing scores for private or church schools are published?-Mrs.Dewey 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.
Where the refurbishing plan at and have high school improvement renderings been completed?-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.
Do students have access to feminine hygiene products?- She said yes, there is a group that provides them for students.
Has MHPS been required to display the Ten Commandments?-She reported that there was an injunction and the school currently has not had to display them.
Does MHPS have a diversity policy?- yes, it is defined in the student handbook. Ms. Dewey reiterated that they serve all students.
Ms. Dewey holds a once a month drop-in day for the public. The district’s administration office is located at 2465 Rodeo Drive. For those who cannot attend but wish to visit with Dewey can email her at adewey@mhbombers.com.
Helpful Links-
https://www.mhbombers.com/page/facilities- link to Facilities Page
https://dese.ade.arkansas.gov/Offices/learning-services/curriculum-support/arkansas-academic-standards-Arkansas Department of Education Learning Standards.
https://insight.ade.arkansas.gov-LEA insites. This will answer questions on demographics, finances etc.
