Story Date: Thursday, November 10, 2005 New Hector board member gives presentation By Janice Penix education@couriernews.com Members of the Hector School Board heard a presentation Monday from board member Tony Haley on methamphetamine abuse during the board’s regular monthly meeting. Haley, who was recently elected to the board and who serves as a narcotics officer with the Arkansas State Police, gave a slide show presentation developed by the state police that covered all aspects of methamphetamine abuse. Several groups have been formed throughout the Arkansas River Valley to educate the public about methamphetamine use and to help prevent the spread of the drug in the area. Many groups that focus on education, a juvenile punishment/rehabilitation and child protection, have been organized through the RIVER VALLEY METH PROJECT. The project is composed of numerous community organizations and leaders who are focused on battling the epidemic of methamphetamine. It has been active in Pope County for more than a year and was recently expanded to Johnson County. Following Haley’s presentation, superintendent Eric Armour said he would ask high school principal David Waddell about the possibility of allowing Haley to make the presentation to students at the school. In other business Monday, the board approved a recommendation from Armour to add grandchildren to the sick leave and bereavement policies. Board members also approved the $20,000 purchase of approximately three acres of land located behind school property on Maple Street. There are currently three dwellings on the land, one of which is unlivable, according to Armour. Following an executive session, the board accepted the resignation of Myrene Parks, bus driver; and approved the transfer of Ernie Owens to Parks’ route. The transfer will decrease Owens’ contracted pay by about $10 per month. The board will meet again in regular session at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 12 in the school administration building. Copyright 2007 Russellville Newspapers, Inc.