School board members voted to accepted the retirement of middle school principal Teresa Morgan during their meeting on Thursday.
She wrote in a letter to the school board that she plans to resign at the end of the school year.
Morgan has 22 years of experience in Oklahoma and 18 years of experience in Arkansas with Siloam Springs School District, according to Superintendent Ken Ramey.
"My math says she's a veteran and she's good for kids -- thank you," he said.
In her letter, Morgan said she had respect for her staff, students and families, and the district's leadership and school board members. She also said she appreciated the many wonderful students, the many times she felt the warmth of friendship and encouragements and the impact that Siloam Springs has made on her life.
"When I came to Siloam Springs 18 years ago, I remember being in awe of the people," she wrote. "I remember boasting to my Oklahoma friends of the many qualities of this district, its leaders, its teachers, its resources, its community and its students. I remember wanting to give my best for this district.
"I am thankful to the people of Siloam Springs for sharing their lives with me. I will always smile when I remember Siloam Springs."
School board member Connie Matchell said it was difficult to see Morgan retire. Matchell was serving as middle school principal when Morgan was hired as assistant principal, she said.
"I thought we made a great team," she said.
Matchell said Morgan has a passion for kids, recalling several difficult incidents that Morgan handled, such as the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, as well as happy moments, such as the time that Morgan rode a motorcycle into the school cafeteria.
"What I like best, and I've never been able to adopt this, is your motto of work hard, play hard, just try to have a lot of balance. And I'm so glad you'll be able to be with your grandkids, but we're going to miss you so bad here. Thank you for all your service," Matchell said.
In other business, school board members took the following actions:
• Approved school board policy changes, recommended by the Arkansas School Board Association, for the upcoming school year.
• Approved a contract for the renovation of the track at Glenn W. Black Stadium.
• Accepted the resignations of Lynette Asbury, kindergarten teacher; Jordan Hunt Young, high school CTE/ATV teacher; Lauren Miller, first grade teacher; and Lanna Hardy, Main Street Academy social studies teacher.
• Approved the renewal of all certified employee contracts for the upcoming school year.
• Approved the transfer of five students to the Gentry School District and three students to the Lincoln School District.
General News on 04/17/2019