Act 44 of 2003 established the Arkansas Leadership Academy’s Master Principal Program to provide training programs and opportunities to expand the knowledge base and leadership skills of public school principals. Those successfully completing the 3-year program are required to publicly demonstrate, through a rigorous assessment process, the ability and skills that lead to sustained academic improvement in a school and a school district. The 2019 Designated Master Principals will be announced.

The United States Senate Youth Program was created by Senate Resolution 324 in 1962 in order “to increase young Americans’ understandings of the interrelationships of the three branches of government, learn the caliber and responsibilities of federally elected and appointed officials, and emphasize the vital importance of democratic decision making not only for America but for people around the world.”

Presented for recognition of their achievement are:

* Isabelle Jones - Senior
   Academies at Jonesboro High School
   Jonesboro, AR

* Sojas Wagle – Senior
  Har-Ber High School
  Springdale, AR

Each year during Month of the Military Child the State Board of Education honors families from the various branches of the military to show support for military-connected students.

April of each year is recognized by the federal Department of Defense and by state governments as Month of the Military Child.  The Arkansas State Board of Education annually adopts a resolution recognizing Month of the Military Child and honoring military-connected students.

The State Board of Education will show its support for Educator Commitment Signing Week with a Resolution. Teacher Cadets from Russellville High School, 2008 Arkansas Teacher of the Year Dr. Paul Gray and 2018 Arkansas Teacher of Year Randi House will make remarks.

The applicant data from this information is used to compile the Applicant Flow Chart forms for the Affirmative Action Report, which demonstrates the composition of applicants through the selecting, hiring,
promoting and terminating process.  The information is needed to measure the effectiveness of the agency's recruitment, hiring and promotion efforts and is in conformity with federal government guidelines, which require the agency to compile statistical information about applicants for employment.

The members of the Arkansas State Board of Education are requested to review the following:

Commercial Bond Applications–6 Second Lien and 7 Voted Bond Issues

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.

Arkansas Code Annotated §6-17-309 requires local school districts to secure a waiver when classrooms are staffed with unlicensed teachers for longer than 30 days. Requests were received from  9  school districts covering a total of 11  waivers. There were also requests for long-term substitutes from 28 school districts requesting a total of 40 waivers for long-term substitutes. These requests have been reviewed, were either approved or denied by Department staff, and are consistent with program guidelines. 

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 Ethics Subcommittee recommends that the State Board order a Permanent Revocation of License; assess a $500.00 fine.

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 3.  An educator honestly fulfills reporting obligations associated with professional practices. The Professional Licensure Standards Board Ethics Subcommittee recommends that the State Board order a Three-Year Probation; assess a $250.00 fine to be paid within ninety (90) days of the State Board Final Order; required to complete training through the ArkansasIDEAS online portal taking Course SPC17008: Foundations in Special Education: Major Components of IDEA; SPC17009: Foundations in Special Education: Legal and Ethical Issues; SPC17010: Foundations in Special Education: Roles and Responsibilities; HWB17118 Act 1236 of 2011: Child Maltreatment (2017); Mandated Reporter:  Requirements in Arkansas: https://ar.mandatedreporter.org/UserAuth/Login!loginPage.action
Title: QBQ! The Question Behind the Question: Practicing Personal Accountability at Work and in Life (160p); Author: John G. Miller; ISBN 10: 0399152334; ISBN 13:  978-0399152337; Preventing Child Abuse and Helping Its Victims (5 Hours Online); https://www.carecourses.com/Ecommerce/CourseDetail.aspx?ItemID=362 ; required written reflections how each training will impact her professional practices; to be completed within (90) days of the State Board Final Order. (All costs paid by Educator Burdick). (Accepted 2/13/19)

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 Ethics Subcommittee recommends that the State Board order a One-Year (1) Probation; assess a $200.00 fine; to be paid within ninety (90) days of the State Board Final Order; required to complete training through the ArkansasIDEAS online portal taking Course ERC18064: Professional Licensure Standards Board (PLSB): The Code of Ethics Training Video (2017); TCC14435: Professional Licensure Standards Board (PLSB): Social Media Guidelines; Title: The Tactful Teacher: Effective Communication with Parents, Colleagues, and Administrators (128p); Author: Yvonne Bender; ISBN-10: 0974934437; ISBN-13: 978-0974934433; The 85% Solution: How Personal Accountability Guarantees Success: No Nonsense, No Excuses (256p); Author: Linda Galindo; ISBN 13: 9780470500163; Don’t Blame the Lettuce Webinar; https://www.solutiontree.com/webinars/dont-blame-the-lettuce-webinar.html; required written reflections how each training will impact her professional practices; to be completed within (90) days of the State Board Final Order. (All costs paid by Educator Qualls). (Accepted 2/12/19)

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 Ethics Subcommittee recommends that the State Board order a Permanent Revocation/Non-Issuance of License with a Level 4 Public Notification of Ethics Violations; assess a $500.00 fine.

Violation of Standard 8. An educator refrains from using, possessing, and/or being under the influence of alcohol or unauthorized drugs/substances and/or possessing items prohibited by law, or possessing or using tobacco or tobacco-related products while on school premises or at school-sponsored activities involving students. The Professional Licensure Standards Board Ethics Subcommittee recommends that the State Board order a One-Year (1) Suspension; assess a $400.00 fine to be paid within ninety (30) days of the suspension end date; required to complete training through reading and monitored progress; Letter from a licensed mental health provider that she is fit to be back in the classroom; Educator to provide quarterly reports from a licensed mental health provider indicating that she is making adequate progress in her treatment plan; Title: Healing the Addicted Brain: The Revolutionary, Science-Based Alcohol and Addiction Recovery Program (288p); Author: Harold C. Urschel III, MD; ISBN 10: 1402218443; ISBN 13: 978-1402218446; Title: Clean: Overcoming Addiction and Ending America’s Greatest Tragedy (400p); Author: David Sheff; ISBN 10: 0544112326; ISBN 13: 978-0544112322; required written reflections how each training will impact her professional practices; to be completed within (30) days of the Suspension end date. (All costs paid by Educator Henderson).

Violation of Standard 1. An educator maintains a professional relationship with each student, both in and outside the classroom. The Professional Licensure Standards Board Ethics Subcommittee recommends that the State Board order a Written Reprimand; assess a $100.00 fine to be paid within ninety (90) days of the State Board Final Order; required to complete training through the ArkansasIDEAS online portal taking Course ERC18064: Professional Licensure Standards Board (PLSB): The Code of Ethics Training Video (2017); SPB14008: Behavior is Communication; required written reflections how each training will impact her actions both in and outside the classroom; to be completed within (90) days of the State Board Final Order. (All costs paid by Educator Spand). (Accepted 1/23/19).

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 3.  An educator honestly fulfills reporting obligations associated with professional practices. The Professional Licensure Standards Board Ethics Subcommittee recommends that the State Board order a One-Year (1) Probation; assess a $200.00 fine; to be paid within ninety (90) days of the State Board Final Order; required to complete training through the ArkansasIDEAS online portal taking Course ERC18064: Professional Licensure Standards Board (PLSB): The Code of Ethics Training Video (2017); Title: QBQ! The Question Behind the Question: Practicing Personal Accountability at Work and in Life (160p); Author: John G. Miller; ISBN 10: 0399152334; ISBN 13:  978-0399152337; The 85% Solution: How Personal Accountability Guarantees Success: No Nonsense, No Excuses (256p); Author: Linda Galindo; ISBN 13: 9780470500163; required written reflections how each training will impact her professional practices; to be completed within (90) days of the State Board Final Order. (All costs paid by Educator Goddard). (Accepted 2/7/19)

Kevin Kyzer is a licensed educator. On September 17, 2018, the Department notified Mr. Kyzer that he was ineligible for licensure and employment in an Arkansas public school based on a disqualifying offense enumerated in Ark. Code Ann. § 6-17-410. Mr. Kyzer did not request a waiver of the disqualifying offense and signed a voluntary surrender of license. The Department recommends that the State Board accept Mr. Kyzer’s voluntary surrender of license and order a Permanent Revocation of License.

Pursuant to Ark. Code Ann. § 6-13-112 & 6-15-2917, a quarterly status report is provided for each school district currently under state authority. 

Pursuant to Ark. Code Ann. § 6-13-112 & 6-15-2917, a quarterly status report is provided for each school district currently under state authority. 

Pursuant to Ark. Code Ann. § 6-13-112 & 6-15-2917, a quarterly status report is provided for each school district currently under state authority. 

Pursuant to Ark. Code Ann. § 6-13-112 & 6-15-2917, a quarterly status report is provided for each school district currently under state authority. 

Christopher Bethel is seeking a teaching license. On December 27, 2018, the Department notified Mr. Bethel that he was ineligible for licensure and employment in an Arkansas public school based on a disqualifying offense enumerated in Ark. Code Ann. § 6-17-410. Mr. Bethel requested a waiver of the disqualifying offense. Mr. Bethel represents himself. 

Mr. Boyd Logan, Superintendent of Future School of Fort Smith, is requesting a waiver for 2018-2019 for Standards for Accreditation 1-A.5.2 Planned Instructional Day.

Ms. Lenisha Roberts, Superintendent of Capital City Lighthouse, is requesting a waiver for 2018-2019 for Standards for Accreditation 4-E.2 District Student / Guidance Counselor Ratio.  The charter already has a waiver of 4-E.1, Guidance Counselor position. 

Ms. Lenisha Roberts, Superintendent of Pine Bluff Lighthouse Charter School, is requesting a waiver for 2018-2019 for Standards of Accreditation 4-E.2, District Student / Guidance Counselor Ratio.  The charter already has a waiver of 4-E.1, Guidance Counselor position.  The charter also has a waiver of 2-C.1, Plan for Student Services and 2-C.2, Guidance Program.

Ms. Lenisha Roberts, Superintendent of Jacksonville Lighthouse Charter, is requesting a waiver for 2018-2019 for Standards of Accreditation 4-C.2, Principal Licensure.

Ms. Katie Hatley, Superintendent of SIATech Charter School, is requesting a waiver for 2018-2019 for Standards of Accreditation 1-A.6, Class Size and Teaching Load.

Mr. Phong Tran, Superintendent of Friendship Aspire Academy Pine Bluff is requesting a waiver for 2018-2019 for Standards of Accreditation 4-E.2, District Student / Guidance Counselor Ratio and 4-F.2, School Student / Library Media Specialist Ratio.  The charter already has waivers of 4-E.1, Guidance Counselor and 4-F.2, Library Media Specialist positions. 

Mr. Martin Schoppmeyer, Superintendent of Haas Hall Academy is requesting a waiver for 2018-2019 for Standards of Accreditation 4-E.2, District Student / Guidance Counselor Ratio and 4-C.2, Principal Licensure Requirements.  The charter already has waivers of 4-E.1, Guidance Counselor and A.C.A. 6-17-302, Principal Licensure. 

Mr. Don Sharp, Superintendent of Highland School District is requesting a waiver for 2018-2019 for Standards of Accreditation 4-F.1, Library Media Specialist certification and 4-F.2, School Student / Library Media Specialist Ratio.  The district already has waivers of Library Media statute §§ 6-25-104(a)(1).

Mr. Matt Wright, Superintendent of Marked Tree School District is requesting a waiver for 2018-2019 for Standards of Accreditation 1-A.1.3.1, English Language Arts (6) Credits

Pursuant to the authority granted to the State Board of Education, the Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education respectfully requests approval of 23,499 Arkansas Better Chance slots as outlined in the Arkansas Better Chance Renewal Grants for the 2019-2020 school year. Totaling $102,376,494.

Act 1240 of 2015 allows a school district to petition the State Board of Education for all or some of the waivers granted to Open-Enrollment Public Charter Schools that serve students who reside in the school district.  Representatives of the Forrest City School District are appearing before the Board with a petition of waivers.

Act 1240 of 2015 allows a school district to petition the State Board of Education for all or some of the waivers granted to Open-Enrollment Public Charter Schools that serve students who reside in the school district.  Representatives of the Heber Springs School District are appearing before the Board with a petition of waivers.

Act 1240 of 2015 allows a school district to petition the State Board of Education for all or dsome of the waivers granted to Open-Enrollment Public Charter Schools that serve students who reside in the school district.  Representatives of the Omaha School District are appearing before the Board with a petition of waivers.

Act 1240 of 2015 allows a school district to petition the State Board of Education for all or some of the waivers granted to Open-Enrollment Public Charter Schools that serve students who reside in the school district.  Representatives of the Kirby School District are appearing before the Board with a petition to extend their current waivers.

Act 1240 of 2015 allows a school district to petition the State Board of Education for all or some of the waivers granted to Open-Enrollment Public Charter Schools that serve students who reside in the school district.  Representatives of the Kirby School District are appearing before the Board with a petition of waivers.

On February 25, 2019, representatives of Southeast Arkansas Preparatory High School appeared before the Charter Authorizing Panel requesting an amendment to their charter.  By a unanimous vote, the Panel approved the request.  On March 14, 2019, the State Board exercised a right of review and decided to conduct a hearing on the Charter Authorizing Panel's determination.

On January 12, 2004, the State Board of Education approved the application for Haas Hall Academy.  On October 15, 2014, the Charter Authorizing Panel approved the application for Haas Hall Academy Bentonville.  Both charters are approved to serve students in grades 7 - 12 with a total maximum enrollment of 2,000. Representatives of Haas Hall Academy are appearing before the State Board of Education to report on the results of its diversity outreach efforts and student enrollment demographics, as requested. On February 14, 2019, Haas Hall Academy staff presented their diversity report, and the State Board rejected the report and requested additional information. 

On January 29, 2019, the ADE notified the Marvell-Elaine School District that the Department had identified the District as being in fiscal distress, and that the Department would recommend that the State Board classify the District as being in fiscal distress.  The District has not appealed the identification.  If the State Board classifies the District as being in fiscal distress, the State Board or Commissioner of Education may take one or more of the actions set forth in the Arkansas Fiscal Assessment and Accountability Program, Ark. Code Ann. § 6-20-1901 et seq.

When charged with the task of revising the previous Health and Physical Education standards, groups of qualified individuals from across the State came together to craft standards that were specific for the schools and students of Arkansas.  The result of this work is the Arkansas Health and Physical Education Standards. Reflecting what Arkansas educators know to be best for students,
these standards have developed a new structure from the previous standards and work together to ensure that students are college and career ready and on track for success. The Arkansas Health and Physical Education Standards are respectfully submitted to the State Board of Education for adoption.