November 13, 2025 at 9:00 AM - State Board of Education
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I. Call to Order
Presenter:
Adrienne Woods
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II. Moment of Silence
Presenter:
Adrienne Woods
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III. Pledge of Allegiance
Presenter:
Adrienne Woods
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IV. National Anthem
Presenter:
Adrienne Woods
Description:
A quintet from Pulaski Academy, under the direction of John Willis, Director of Fine Arts, will sing the National Anthem.
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V. Recognition
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V.1. Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) Student Leaders
Presenter:
Ross White
Description:
In Arkansas, we recognize eight Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSO) that make up 50,000+ student members. These organizations align with students' selected career pathways and provide opportunities for work-based learning, networking with industry professionals and leadership development.
Eva Orr, National President Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) Heber Springs High School X'Zaievium Sims, National President-Elect Jobs for America's Graduates (JAG) Career Association Pine Bluff High School Evie Hernandez, State President DECA (Formerly known as Distributive Education Clubs of America) Southside High School (Fort Smith) Wyatt Pettry, State President Educator's Rising Nemo Vista High School Taylor Peters, State President Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Piggott High School Lauren Carter, State President Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) Valley View High School Julieann Stacks, State President FFA (Formerly known as Future Farmers of America) Taylor High School (Graduate) Southern Arkansas University Joann Kim, State President HOSA (Formerly known as Health Occupations Students of America) Valley View High School Lauren Curtis, State President SkillsUSA Cabot High School Breanna Morris, State President Technology Student Association (TSA) Alma High School |
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V.2. Resolution from the Arkansas State Board of Education Declaring January 2026 as School Board Member Recognition Month
Presenter:
Secretary Jacob Oliva
Description:
A resolution, recognizing and saluting members of local boards of education by proclaiming the month of January 2026 as Arkansas School Board Member Recognition Month is presented for review by the State Board of Education.
Attachments:
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VI. Changes to Agenda
Presenter:
Adrienne Woods
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VII. Action Agenda
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VII.1. Cleveland County Waiver Request for Elementary Class Size
Presenter:
Hope Worsham, Assistant Commissioner
Description:
The district requests a waiver of the third-grade class size requirement at Rison Elementary. Third-grade enrollment totals fifty-one (51) students, divided between two classrooms with twenty-five (25) and twenty-six (26) students. This configuration exceeds the limits established by the elementary class size standards.
Attachments:
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VII.2. Career and Technical Education Standards
Presenter:
Ross White
Description:
The Division of Career and Technical Education is seeking approval of revised standards for 74 courses available at the following link:
http://bit.ly/3KOkBrc |
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VII.3. Request to Release the Rules Governing the Arkansas Children’s Educational Freedom Account Program for Public Comment
Presenter:
Stacy Smith
Description:
Amendments to the Rules Governing the Arkansas Children’s Educational Freedom Account Program are necessary to implement changes from Act 920 of 2025. DESE is requesting approval to release the rules for public comment.
Attachments:
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VII.4. Request to Release the Rules Governing the Arkansas Adult Diploma Program for Public Comment
Presenter:
Stacy Smith
Description:
Amendments to the Rules Governing the Arkansas Adult Diploma Program are necessary to implement changes from Act 502 of 2025. DCTE is requesting approval to release the rules for public comment.
Attachments:
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VII.5. 2026 State Board of Education Meeting Dates
Presenter:
Courtney Salas-Ford, Chief of Staff
Description:
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-11-104(b) states, "In any of its meetings before the end of the calendar year, the state board shall determine the meeting dates for the following year." This item is returning to the State Board for approval because three dates on the October 9 agenda, the July, September, and December meeting dates, were not second Thursdays of the month.
Keeping with the tradition of meeting every second Thursday of the month, the following Thursdays are proposed for 2026 meetings:
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VIII. New Business
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IX. Consent Agenda
Presenter:
Adrienne Woods
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IX.1. Minutes
Presenter:
Angela Scaife
Attachments:
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IX.2. Review of Loan and Bond Applications
Presenter:
Greg Rogers
Description:
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-20-1205 states that a school district shall not sell bonds until the issue is approved by the State Board of Education. 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.
The ADE Loan Committee recommends approval of the following Commercial Bond applications:
Attachments:
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IX.3. PLSB Case 25-094 Thomas Michael Stacks — Written Reflections and Certificate
Presenter:
Whitney James
Description:
The educator has submitted written reflections on books and training as well as a completion certificate as ordered by the State Board of Education on August 1, 2025. |
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X. Reports
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X.1. Board Liaison Reports
Presenter:
Adrienne Woods
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X.2. ATOY Report
Presenter:
Jeanie Wilcoxon
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X.3. Commissioner's Report
Presenter:
Secretary Jacob Oliva
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X.3.a. Lee County School District Update
Presenter:
Sheila Whitlow, Education Division Director
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XI. Public Comments
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XII. Adjournment
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