Twelve North Little Rock citizens and an organization make up the newly-formed Ole Main Task Force, which will provide recommendations to the North Little Rock Board of Education and the North Little Rock School District on ways to preserve the former high school building, which was built in 1928 and has stood empty since May 2016.
The Ole Main Task Force is made up of the following people: Recco Bennett, Karen Boone, Belinda Sykes Burney, Benjamin Ty Collins, Ornett Grind, Juanita Henderson, Tina Lee, Paula Lively, Dewayne Noble, Debra Roberts, Sandra Taylor Smith, and Joanna White. The North Little Rock History Commission will also serve on the task force, providing a historical perspective for the group. Lively will serve as chairwoman.
“I am really impressed with this group of individuals, who not only love North Little Rock but also this school district,” said Tracy Steele, President of the North Little Rock Board of Education. “I look forward to hearing their ideas as their suggestions will be used to guide the Board as it relates to the future of the beautiful and historic Ole Main building.”
Following the October regular meeting, board members recommended a person to the Ole Main Task Force. The North Little Rock Board of Education also urged citizens with interest in serving on the task force to write a letter to express their desire to be a part of this group. Board President Steele appointed members to the task force among the citizens who submitted letters. The district’s board policies allows the Board President to appoint members to committees.
“It feels like Ole Main is bringing the city back together again,” Steele said. “We have a diverse group of people who are eager to make some good recommendations to us.”
The Ole Main Task Force will have its first meeting on November 19 at 4:00 p.m. They will tour the former high school building at that time as well.