September 12, 2024 at 9:00 AM - State Board of Education
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I. Call to Order
Presenter:
Dr. Sarah Moore
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II. Moment of Silence
Presenter:
Dr. Sarah Moore
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III. Recognition
Presenter:
Secretary Jacob Oliva
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III.1. Russellville High School National Championship Quiz Bowl Team
Presenter:
Secretary Jacob Oliva
Description:
In June, the Russellville High School Quiz Bowl team outscored 70 other teams to claim the national championship. Team members Alyx Dunaway, Matthew Fox, Gidian Fuller, Keegan Fuller, Logan Greggs, Will Stump, and Ian Warnick won the championship, and it is the first time in 42 years that an Arkansas team has held the title.
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III.2. Jackson Jones, Central High School Senior and Founder of Fostering Friendships
Presenter:
Secretary Jacob Oliva
Description:
Little Rock Central High School senior Jackson Jones began Fostering Friendships, a non-profit organization, to connect with foster children and teens. Mr. Jones uses a method he calls "commonplace" to create "peer-to-peer connections" that may include playing card games, board games, and participating in sports. Jones says that many of his peers are joining him as volunteers for the program, and more about Jackson and Fostering Friendship can be found on the non-profit’s website at fosteringfriendship.org.
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IV. Changes to Agenda
Presenter:
Dr. Sarah Moore
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V. Action Agenda
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V.1. Consideration of a Public School Waiver Request by the Osceola School District
Presenter:
Stacy Smith
Description:
The district requests, for a period of three (3) years, waivers of the following laws, rules, and standards, pertaining to teacher licensure, class size, and teaching load:
Attachments:
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V.2. Consideration of Request for Final Approval of Administrative Rules
Presenter:
Stacy Smith, Deputy Commissioner
Description:
The following administrative rules are being presented for final approval following a 30-day public comment period.
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V.2.a. DESE Rule Governing Braille and Large Textbook Appropriation
Presenter:
Stacy Smith
Description:
The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Rule Governing the Implementation of the Braille and Large Print Textbook Appropriation was approved to be released for public comment by the State Board of Education on July 11, 2024. The public comment period began on July 20, 2024, and ended on August 20, 2024. No public comments were received, and no substantive changes were made. The Division requests the State Board of Education's final approval of the rule.
Attachments:
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V.2.b. DESE Rule Governing Public School Choice
Presenter:
Stacy Smith
Description:
The DESE Rule Governing Public School Choice was approved to be released for public comment by the State Board of Education on March 14, 2024. The public comment period began on March 22, 2024, and ended on April 24, 2024. Public comments were received, and no substantive changes were made. The Division requests the State Board of Education's final approval of the rule.
Attachments:
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V.3. Consideration of the Recommendation of the Professional Licensure Standards Board for Case 23-113 - Dexter Dumas
Presenter:
Whitney James
Description:
The educator objected to the Ethics Hearing Subcommittee's evidentiary hearing findings and recommendation of July 17, 2024, and requested a review by the State Board.
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V.4. Consideration of the Recommendation of the Professional Licensure Standards Board for Case 24-111 - Chase Utley
Presenter:
Whitney James
Description:
At its regularly-scheduled meeting on June 13, 2024, the State Board of Education requested the PLSB recommendation for Case 24-111, Chase Utley, be moved from the consent agenda to the next available action agenda. Today's hearing was scheduled and Chase Utley's attorney was notified of the hearing date.
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V.5. Consideration of the Recommendation of the Professional Licensure Standards Board for Case 24-204 - Hannah Fulmer
Presenter:
Whitney James
Description:
At its regularly scheduled meeting on August 8, 2024, the State Board of Education requested the PLSB recommendation for Case 24-204, Hannah Fulmer, be moved from the consent agenda to the next available action agenda. Today's hearing was scheduled and Hannah Fulmer was notified of the hearing date.
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V.6. Consideration of the Recommendation of the Professional Licensure Standards Board for Case 24-152 - Tirrell Brown
Presenter:
Whitney James
Description:
At its regularly scheduled meeting on August 8, 2024, the State Board of Education requested the PLSB recommendation for Case 24-152, Tirrell Brown, be moved from the consent agenda to the next available action agenda. Today's hearing was scheduled and Tirrell Brown was notified of the hearing date.
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V.7. Request for Waiver - LA-25-001 - Brandon Marks
Presenter:
Karli Saracini
Description:
The Arkansas Department of Education received information that the educator has a true report in the Child Maltreatment Central Registry. Per Ark. Code Ann. § 6-17-410, the state board shall not issue a first-time license and shall revoke any existing license not up for renewal of any person who has a true report in the Child Maltreatment Central Registry. The educator is requesting a waiver.
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V.8. Education Service Cooperative Annual Reports
Presenter:
Stacy Smith, Deputy Commissioner
Description:
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-13-1020 requires Education Service Cooperatives to submit an annual report to the State Board of Education and outlines the content that must be included in each report. The first attachment is Ark. Code Ann. § 6-13-1020. Following the statute are 15 reports, one from each cooperative.
Attachments:
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VI. Consent Agenda
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VI.1. 08-08-2024 State Board Minutes - Draft
Presenter:
Angela Scaife
Attachments:
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VI.2. Report on Waivers to School Districts for Teachers Teaching Out of Area for Longer than Sixty (60) Days, Ark. Code Ann. § 6-17-309
Presenter:
Karli Saracini, Assistant Commissioner
Description:
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-17-309 requires local school districts to secure a waiver when classrooms are staffed with unlicensed teachers for longer than sixty (60) days. LEA requests have been reviewed, were either approved or denied by DESE staff, and are consistent with program guidelines.
Attachments:
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VI.3. Review of Loan and Bond Applications
Presenter:
Greg Rogers
Description:
The members of the Arkansas State Board of Education are requested to review the following:
Commercial Bond Applications - 3 Second Lien and 1 Voted With the recommendation to approve all applications from the Loan Committee and additional information provided by the school district in its application package and: Pursuant to Arkansas Code Annotated § 6-20-1205 concerning school district bonds, a school district shall not sell bonds until the issue is approved by the State Board of Education. Therefore, the State Board of Education, in its discretion and after considering the merits of each application with the loan committee recommendation, may approve a school district bond application for the full amount of the proposed bond issue, approve the application for a lesser amount than requested, or disapprove the application.
Attachments:
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VI.4. Consideration of Garfield Scholars' Academy's Amendment Request
Presenter:
Dr. Darrell Smith, Assistant Commissioner, School Choice
Description:
The Garfield Scholars' Academy is requesting a waiver of Standards for Accreditation 4-E.1 and 4-E.2 Guidance Counselors and Section 3.01.1.1 of the DESE Rules Governing School Counseling Programs. The Panel voted unanimously to approve the request.
Attachments:
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VI.5. Consideration of the Recommendation of the Professional Licensure Standards Board for Case 24-199 James Wilson
Presenter:
Whitney James
Description:
Violation of Standard 1. An educator maintains a professional relationship with each student, both in and outside the classroom. Violation of Standard 2. An educator maintains competence regarding his or her professional practice, inclusive of professional and ethical behavior, skills, knowledge, dispositions, and responsibilities relating to his or her organizational position. The Professional Licensure Standards Board requests the State Board of Education order a Probation of License for 1 year and assess a $200.00 fine. Require Educator to complete the following coursework/readings: ERC23004: Code of Ethics Part One: Professional Relationships (.5 Credit Hour), ERC23007: Code of Ethics Part Four: Professional Responsibilities (1 Credit Hour), ERC23011: Code of Ethics Part Eight: Effective Communication (1 Credit Hour), and Title: The Power Paradox: How We Gain and Lose Influence (208p) Author: Dacher Keltner ISBN 10: 0143110292. Require Educator to prepare written reflection on each training/book on how they will impact the educator’s future communication and interactions with students. Quarterly reports from the educator’s supervisor regarding the educator’s progress on professional practices. (All cost paid by Educator Wilson) |
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VI.6. Consideration of the Recommendation of the Professional Licensure Standards Board for Case 24-197 Adrienne Durham
Presenter:
Whitney James
Description:
Violation of Standard 1. An educator maintains a professional relationship with each student, both in and outside the classroom. Violation of Standard 2. An educator maintains competence regarding his or her professional practice, inclusive of professional and ethical behavior, skills, knowledge, dispositions, and responsibilities relating to his or her organizational position. The Professional Licensure Standards Board requests the State Board of Education order a Level 2 Public Notification of Ethics Violation for 1 year and assess a $200.00 fine. Require Educator to complete the following coursework/readings: ERC23010: Code of Ethics Part Seven: An Educator’s Influence (1 Credit Hour), Title: Classroom Management for Elementary Teachers: 15 Strategies to Manage Challenging Behaviors and Create a Responsive Classroom Author: Freya Fan ISBN-13:979-8461993252, and ERC20080 We Are All in This Together: Building Student Relationships (1 Credit Hour). Require educator to prepare written reflection on each training/book regarding how the educator will improve her interactions with students in the future. Quarterly reports from the educator’s supervisor regarding the educator’s progress on student interactions. (All cost paid by Educator Durham) |
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VI.7. Consideration of the Recommendation of the Professional Licensure Standards Board for Case 24-213 Jimmy Wilkett
Presenter:
Whitney James
Description:
Violation of Standard 1. An educator maintains a professional relationship with each student, both in and outside the classroom. Violation of Standard 2. An educator maintains competence regarding his or her professional practice, inclusive of professional and ethical behavior, skills, knowledge, dispositions, and responsibilities relating to his or her organizational position. Violation of Standard 8. An educator, while on school premises or at school-sponsored activities involving students, refrains from: a) using, possessing and/or being under the influence of alcohol or unauthorized drugs/substances, and/or possessing items prohibited by law, or b) possessing or using tobacco or tobacco-related products, e-cigarettes, e-liquid, or vapor products, or c) abusing/misusing prescription medications or other authorized substances as evidenced by impairment. The Professional Licensure Standards Board requests the State Board of Education order a Suspension of License for 1 year followed by a Probation of License for 2 years and assess a fine of $400. Require Educator to complete the following coursework/readings: Title: The Power Paradox: How We Gain and Lose Influence (208p) Author: Dacher Keltner ISBN 10: 0143110292 and Title: The 85% Solution: How Personal Accountability Guarantees Success -- No Nonsense, No Excuses (256p) Author: Linda Galindo ISBN 10: ISBN 13: 9780470500163. Require Educator to prepare written reflection on each book on how they will impact the educator’s future practices due prior to the removal of suspension. Certification of completion of a drug rehab program and a letter stating the educator is fit for the classroom submitted by a licensed healthcare professional 30 days prior to the end of suspension for suspension removal. Quarterly updates from the educator’s therapist/sponsor of the educator’s recovery throughout the suspension and probation. (All cost paid by Educator Wilkett) |
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VI.8. Consideration of the Recommendation of the Professional Licensure Standards Board for Case 24-205 Dennis Sanders
Presenter:
Whitney James
Description:
Violation of Standard 1. An educator maintains a professional relationship with each student, both in and outside the classroom. Violation of Standard 2. An educator maintains competence regarding his or her professional practice, inclusive of professional and ethical behavior, skills, knowledge, dispositions, and responsibilities relating to his or her organizational position. The Professional Licensure Standards Board requests the State Board of Education order a Suspension of License for 1 year followed by a Probation of License for 3 years and assess a $400.00 fine. Require Educator to complete the following coursework/readings: Title: The Power Paradox: How We Gain and Lose Influence (208p) Author: Dacher Keltner ISBN 10: 0143110292, Title: The 85% Solution: How Personal Accountability Guarantees Success -- No Nonsense, No Excuses (256p)Author: Linda Galindo ISBN 13: 9780470500163, ERC23007: Code of Ethics Part Four: Professional Responsibilities (1 Credit Hour), ERC23012: Code of Ethics Part Nine: Professional Responsibilities II (1 Credit Hour), ERC23010: Code of Ethics Part Seven: An Educator’s Influence (1 Credit Hour), and Care Courses.com Child Abuse and Neglect. Require Educator to prepare a written reflection on each training/book regarding how the educator will improve his interactions with students in the future. Quarterly reports from the educator’s supervisor regarding the educator’s interactions with students during the duration of the probation. (All cost paid by Educator Sanders) |
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VI.9. PLSB Case 24-075 Tyler Scott - Written Reflections
Presenter:
Whitney James
Description:
The educator has submitted written reflections on books and training as ordered by the State Board of Education on June 13, 2024. |
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VI.10. Request for Approval of an Association to Accredit Private Schools Participating in the Educational Freedom Account Program
Presenter:
Dr. Darrell Smith, Assistant Commissioner
Description:
In keeping with the requirements of Ark. Code Ann. § 6-18-2507(a)(1)(A) and 7.01.2.A, the State Board of Education on June 13, 2024, and July 11, 2024, approved associations to accredit private schools participating in the Educational Freedom Account Program. An additional association, the Classical Latin School Association (CLSA), is presented for consideration of approval to accredit private schools participating in the program.
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VI.11. Embedded Courses
Presenter:
Dr. Kiffany Pride, Assistant Commissioner
Description:
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-15-202(b)(2) allows curriculum frameworks from two separate courses to be taught in a single course, known as a combined or embedded course. School districts have applied for approval of combined or embedded courses and assured, in writing, that the curriculum frameworks for both courses will fully taught in the combined or embedded course. The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education respectfully requests the State Board of Education (SBE) approve the embedded courses attached, understanding that when the curriculum frameworks for one of the courses are revised, a new course approval request must be submitted to the SBE, and approval must be granted before a school is allowed to offer the embedded course.
Attachments:
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VII. New Business
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VIII. Reports
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VIII.1. Prairie Grove-Lincoln Boundary Petition
Presenter:
Andres Rhodes
Description:
The Prairie Grove School District will provide an update regarding the petition to change its school district boundary pursuant to Ark. Code Ann. § 6-13-1414. The affected school district is the Lincoln School District, which objected to the petition. The petition by the Prairie Grove School District, the response by the Lincoln School District, as well as maps detailing the affected area prepared by the Arkansas Geographic Information Systems Office are attached.
Attachments:
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VIII.2. Blytheville School District Update
Presenter:
Sheila Whitlow, Associate Deputy Commissioner, Office of Coordinated Support and Service
Description:
At the request of the State Board, an update from the Blytheville School District is being presented in order to highlight progress made toward addressing concerns noted by DESE.
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VIII.3. Board Liaison Reports
Presenter:
Dr. Sarah Moore
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VIII.4. ATOY Report
Presenter:
Beau McCastlain
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VIII.5. Commissioner's Report
Presenter:
Secretary Jacob Oliva
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IX. Public Comments
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X. Adjournment
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