Recently, the Ozark Mountain School District notified patrons of the Bruno-Pyatt Elementary School that the school will hold kindergarten registration much earlier than normal for the 2025-26 school year.
The announcement, appearing on the school's Facebook page noted: "Registration will be from 9:00-3:00 on Jan. 14, 2025, on the Bruno-Pyatt campus.
"It is imperative that we have this registration process at an earlier date, as it will help with district planning for the 25-26 school year. If you cannot register on that date, we need you to call the Bruno-Pyatt Elementary Office at 870-427-5227 to inform the office of future registration.
"Again, it is of utmost importance that we have a count of our Kindergarten students for the 2025-26 school year by January 14, 2025.
"If you have any questions, please call the number above to speak with the Principal or office, or call the district office at 870-439-2218."
At the November meeting of the OMSD Board of Education, Superintendent Jeff Lewis presented and discussed information regarding Ozark Mountain School District's strategic plan. Millage extension and Bruno-Pyatt Campus enrollment issues were the topics of discussion, according to the meeting's official minutes.
"Mr. Lewis informed the board that the Bruno-Pyatt Elementary campus was operating at a deficit of approximately $436,000 using last year's M and O expenditures and this year's salaries of employees. Mr. Lewis agreed to send out an informational letter and survey to parents only of the BPES in regards to the future of the campus.
The December board meeting was held on Monday night, Dec. 16. The school district released the results of a survey regarding a proposal to build a new K-12 school in the district.
New K-12 School FAQ
1. Has the Arkansas Department of Education dictated that a new K-12 absolutely has to be constructed?
a. No, this decision is a local decision for the longevity of the district and the
current condition of the buildings.
2. When the discussion of constructing the new campus took place, what was the then estimated cost of construction.
a. The discussions on a new K-12 Campus dates back to August 2019. At that time,
construction costs were estimated by the Division and Construction Managers at
$175-$225/square foot. Since then, a global pandemic and inflation has escalated all costs in construction. Estimations today are between $300-$350/square foot.
3. Other than the consensus or feeling of common sense, how was the decision based to consolidate all grades into one campus?
a. This decision is based on fiscal prudence and longevity of the district.
4 .Has there been a qualified study accomplished in keeping the elementary schools and possibly middle school on the cost feasibility of them keeping them at the current facilities including operation expenses? And only construct a facility for High School?
a. The Division of Academic Facilities did a Facility Condition Inspection on
11/13/2020 and determined that a new K-12 was the most prudent fiscal route
to take, as the majority of all the buildings exceed the 65% threshold.
5. Has there been a study on the expected expenses of maintenance and operations
excluding payroll and personnel to operate only a facility for High School? A new K-12?
a. Yes
6. Has there been a study to explore remodel of all three campuses? And wouldn’t it be cheaper to remodel vs build new.
a. The cost of renovation on the majority of the buildings would be 65% or higher
the cost of new construction, as the age of the buildings range from 1935-2010.
