By Jamie Miller
Increased enrollment was the topic of conversation at Bryant’s regularly scheduled School Board Meeting, Monday, Aug. 15. According to[more] Randy Rutherford, Bryant Superintendent, there was an increase of 78 students in the elementary schools, 197 students in the middle schools and an additional 152 students at Bryant High School. This made for a total enrollment increase of 427 students as compared to the first day of school in 2010. More increase is expected throughout the year as construction is completed on an apartment complex on Boone Road.
The 2010-11 Lady Hornet Softball team was recognized last night for their accomplishment of becoming the Class 7A State Champions for the second year in a row after defeating the North Little Rock Lady Cats in the finals. School Board President Sandra Porter was also recognized for her service on the Board along with Don McGohan, Assistant Superintendent, for his 36 years of service in education.
The Salt Bowl is fast approaching and new Athletic Director Michael Lee has been thrown right into the action. Lee stated that athletics are in full swing and he publicly thanked Coach Tom Farmer, former Athletic Director, for all the assistance he has given in Salt Bowl planning. Coach Farmer then went on to explain a few events that are planned for the Salt Bowl week.
Bryant and Benton have teamed up with the Red Cross Blood Drive and will be holding blood drives at Benton the Tuesday before the Salt Bowl and at Bryant the Wednesday before the Salt Bowl. The goal is for 500 units of blood to be donated. There will also be community pep rallies at Everett Buick GMC the Monday night before the Salt Bowl for Benton and Tuesday for Bryant.
For more about Salt Bowl activities, go here.
Every year, the board is informed of the District’s academic performance from the previous school year. According to Dr. Debbie Bruick, Assistant Superintendent, the elementary schools continued to show growth in both math and literacy despite high test scores in the past, and more diverse populations but more academic growth and improvement is needed in the middle schools and high school.