Ozark Board Updated On New Field House
by Robbi Roberts
Ozark Assistant Superintendent Lucas Skaggs provided an update on the new field house during the monthly meeting of the School Board on Monday, April 20.
Skaggs, who also serves as athletic director, said the field house will be constructed on the old gym site, at 12th and Gibson streets, with approximately the same footprint as the gym.
The field house will contain a weight room, coaches offices, girls and boys locker rooms with separate bathrooms and a film room, among other features. The building will have a four-to-five-foot slope to protect it from flooding, with the water being diverted toward the street intersection, Skaggs said.
No action was required by the Board, and Skaggs reported bids are currently being sought for the project.
Other Matters
–Superintendent Zane Vanderpool gave the financial report, stating the operating budget trend for the close of March was $5,072,181.48.
–For the academic update, a written Alternative Learning Environment (ALE) report was provided by Lisa Collins and other ALE teachers.
–Transfers approved included two students from Ozark to County Line, by way of Fort Smith; two students from Oark/Jasper to Ozark; one student from Ozark to Charleston; one student from Ozark to County Line; and one student from Ozark to Paris. These transfers will take place in the 2026-27 school year.
–The Performing Arts Center hosted the musical “Mean Girls Jr.,” as well as a show presented by special learning students.
Personnel
Following an executive session, resignations were accepted from Kaylee McAnally, high school English teacher; and Truman Phillips, school resource officer, and Pam Moore, middle school social studies teacher, both who are retiring.
Employed were Deirdre Jackson, secondary science teacher; and Morgan Immel, assistant cheer sponsor. Contract renewals were also approved for classified staff for the 2026-27 school year.
Board members present included David Kendrick, Rick Cline, Garrett Shepherd and Caren Nichols, while Ryan Battles was absent.
Read this story and others in the April 29 issue of The Graphic, available online and at businesses throughout Franklin and Johnson counties. Subscribe or donate here to support more hometown journalism.
