Mindy Lyle, Family and Consumer Science and Career Development Teacher at Acorn High School in the Ouachita River School District was named 2024 National Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) New Teacher of the Year. One of five finalists for 2024, Lyle's national title was announced at the Awards Gala held on November 29 in conjunction with the ACTE's CareerTech VISION 2023. Ms. Lyle is the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) advisor at Acorn High School, the President Elect of the Arkansas Association for Family & Consumer Science Teachers, a member of multiple other professional organizations, and an active participant in many other school activities. 

Decatur Public School District is requesting a one-year Standards for Accreditation waiver of 1-A.5 Class Size for one 2^nd grade class that is one (1) student over the maximum number of students. The district has provided a paraprofessional for this classroom.
 

Pulaski County Public School District is requesting a one-year Standards for Accreditation waiver of 1-A.5 Class Size for one Pre-Calculus class that is one (1) student over the maximum number of students.
 

Warren Middle School rescinded the charter in September of 2023.  All associated waivers were rescinded at that time. The Charter Authorizing Panel unanimously voted (7-0) to support the district in rescinding the charter and all waivers.  

The Warren School District is seeking three-year waivers of the following, for its middle school, to align with waivers granted for other schools in the district:
      Ark. Code Ann. § 6-15-1004, Qualified teachers in every public
          classroom;
     Ark. Code Ann. § 6-17-309, Licensure;
     Ark. Code Ann. § 6-17-401, Teacher's licensure requirement;
     Ark. Code Ann. § 6-17-902, Definition (definition of a teacher as
          licensed);
     Ark. Code Ann. § 6-17-908,Teacher's salary fund;
     Ark. Code Ann. § 6-17-919, Warrants void without valid license and
          contract;
     Standard 4-D.1 Teacher Licensure requirement;
     Standard 4-F.1 Library Media Specialist licensure requirement; and
     Section 7 of DESE Rules Governing Educator Licensure,

Section 10 Mediation and Hearings of the  Rules for Special Education and Related Services is presented for review and final approval.

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 nor renew an existing 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. 
 

State Board of Education Operating Procedures allow for the creation of a committee or task force, established for a specific purpose, by majority vote. 

Ark. Code Ann. § 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 42 school districts for a total of 93 waivers. There were also requests for long-term substitutes from 30 school districts requesting a total of 64 waivers for long-term substitutes. These requests have been reviewed, were either approved or denied by DESE staff, and are consistent with program guidelines.

Standard 1-C.1.1 requires that each public school shall assess at least ninety-five percent of its students on the annual statewide student assessment. The Office of Public School Accountability School Performance Unit has found Graduate Arkansas Charter High to be in violation of this standard for the 2022-2023 school year. The school has been placed on a plan of support, and the Department is requesting Accredited - Cited status for the school. 
 

Standard 1-C.1.1 requires that each public school shall assess at least ninety-five percent of its students on the annual statewide student assessment. The Office of Public School Accountability School Performance Unit has found Little Rock Southwest High School to be in violation of this standard for the 2022-2023 school year. The school has been placed on a plan of support, and the Department is requesting Accredited - Cited status for the school. 
 

Standard 1-C.1.1 requires that each public school shall assess at least ninety-five percent of its students on the annual statewide student assessment. The Office of Public School Accountability School Performance Unit has found Sylvan Hills High School to be in violation of this standard for the 2022-2023 school year. The school has been placed on a plan of support, and the Department is requesting Accredited - Cited status for the school. 
 

Standard 1-C.1.1 requires that each public school shall assess at least ninety-five percent of its students on the annual statewide student assessment. The Office of Public School Accountability School Performance Unit has found Founders Classical Academy High School Online to be in violation of this standard for the 2022-2023 school year. The school has been placed on a plan of support, and the Department is requesting Accredited - Cited status for the school. 
 

Standard 1-C.1.1 requires that each public school shall assess at least ninety-five percent of its students on the annual statewide student assessment. The Office of Public School Accountability School Performance Unit has found Premier High School of Fort Smith to be in violation of this standard for the 2022-2023 school year. The school has been placed on a plan of support, and the Department is requesting Accredited - Cited status for the school. 
 

Standard 1-C.1.1 requires that each public school shall assess at least ninety-five percent of its students on the annual statewide student assessment. The Office of Public School Accountability School Performance Unit has found Premier High School of Texarkana to be in violation of this standard for the 2022-2023 school year. The school has been placed on a plan of support, and the Department is requesting Accredited - Cited status for the school. 
 

Standard 1-C.1.1 requires that each public school shall assess at least ninety-five percent of its students on the annual statewide student assessment. The Office of Public School Accountability School Performance Unit has found Premier High School Online to be in violation of this standard for the 2022-2023 school year. The school has been placed on a plan of support, and the Department is requesting Accredited - Cited status for the school. 

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 6 months followed by a Probation of License for 2 years and assess a $300 fine. Require Educator to complete the following coursework/readings: 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 provide written reflections due to the PLSB for approval within 30 days prior to the end of their suspension for suspension removal. Educator shall provide proof of continued attendance at a drug addiction management, recovery, and support program quarterly to the Ethics Subcommittee during suspension and probation. 30 days prior to the end of suspension, the educator shall provide proof of completion of a drug treatment program and a letter from a licensed medical professional stating the educator is ready to return to the classroom. (All cost paid by Educator Carr)
 

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 7. An educator maintains the confidentiality of information about students and colleagues obtained in the course of the educator's professional services that is protected under state law or regulations, federal law or regulations, or the written policies of the educator's school district, unless disclosure serves a professional purpose as allowed or required by law or regulations. 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 $400 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 ISBN 13: 978-0143110293, Title: THE Classroom Management Book (320p) Author: Harry K. Wong, Rosemary T. Wong, Sarah F. Jondahl, Oretha F. Ferguson ISBN-13: 978-0976423393 ISBN-10: 0976423391, SPC17011 Introduction to Behavior: Supporting Effective Behavior (1 Credit Hour), and SPC17009 Foundations in Special Education: Legal and Ethical Issues (1 Credit Hour). Require educator to provide written reflections on each training/book regarding how the educator will improve her interactions with students in the future. Due to the PLSB for approval 30 days prior to the end of suspension for suspension removal. Quarterly reports during probation from supervisor indicating improvement in the educator’s classroom management and classroom pedagogy. (All cost paid by Educator Cooper)
 

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 Permanent Revocation of License and assess a $500 fine.
 

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 Permanent Revocation of License and assess a $500 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. The Professional Licensure Standards Board requests the State Board of Education order a Probation of License for 2 years and assess a $250 fine. Require Educator to complete the following coursework/readings: Title: Leaders of Learning (248p) Authors: Richard DuFour, Robert J. Marzano ISBN-13: 9781935542667, Title: The Power Paradox: How We Gain and Lose Influence (208p) Author: Dacher Keltner ISBN 10: 0143110292 ISBN 13: 978-0143110293, 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 provide written reflections on each book indicating how this information will have a positive impact on administrator’s interactions with school personnel and the importance of following district policy. Due to the PLSB for approval within 90 days of the State Board Order. (All costs paid by Educator Curtner).
 

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 2 years and assess a $250 fine. Require Educator to complete the following coursework/readings: Title: Leaders of Learning (248p) Authors: Richard DuFour, Robert J. Marzano ISBN-13: 9781935542667, Title: The Power Paradox: How We Gain and Lose Influence (208p) Author: Dacher Keltner ISBN 10: 0143110292 ISBN 13: 978-0143110293, 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 provide written reflections on each book indicating how this information will have a positive impact on administrator’s interactions with school personnel and the importance of following district policy. Due to the PLSB for approval within 90 days of the State Board Order. (All costs paid by Educator Shipman).
 

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 2 years followed by a Probation of License for 1 year and assess a $500 fine. Require Educator to complete the following coursework/readings: Title: The 85% Solution: How Personal Accountability Guarantees Success -- No Nonsense, No Excuses (256p) Author: Linda Galindo ISBN 10: ISBN 13: 9780470500163, Title: Flipping the Switch: Unleash the Power of Personal Accountability Using the QBQ! (144 p) Author: John G. Miller ISBN 10: 0399152334 ISBN 13: 978-0399152337, and Code of Ethics Training Provided by the PLSB (1.5 Hours). Require educator to provide written reflections regarding how each training will influence the educator in her interactions with students in the future. Due to the PLSB for approval 30 days prior to the end of suspension for suspension removal. (All costs paid by Educator Clark).
 

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 2 years and assess a $250 fine. Require Educator to complete the following coursework/readings: ERC23006: Code of Ethics Part Four: Professional Responsibilities (1 Credit Hour) and Code of Ethics Training Provided by the PLSB (1.5 Hours). Written reflection on each training on how they will impact her practices on keeping students safe and supervised. Due to the PLSB for approval within 90 days of the State Board Order. Quarterly reports from the educator signed by the current supervisor on how she is following best practices to keep students safe and supervised. (All cost paid by Educator Haney).
 

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 fine. Require Educator to complete the following coursework/readings: Title: Flipping the Switch: Unleash the Power of Personal Accountability Using the QBQ! (144 p) Author: John G. Miller ISBN 10: 0399152334 ISBN 13: 978-0399152337, Title: The 85% Solution: How Personal Accountability Guarantees Success -- No Nonsense, No Excuses (256p) Author: Linda Galindo ISBN 10: ISBN 13: 9780470500163, and Code of Ethics Training Provided by the PLSB (1.5 Hours). Written reflection on each book/training on the educator’s accountability and the influence it has on the school/classroom environment and working relationships with colleagues. Due to the PLSB for approval within 90 days of the State Board Order. (All cost paid by Educator Welch)
 

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 2 years and assess a $400 fine. Require Educator to complete the following coursework/readings: Code of Ethics Training Provided by the PLSB (1.5 Hours), ERC20080 We Are All in This Together: Building Student Relationships (1 Credit Hour), Title: The Power Paradox: How We Gain and Lose Influence (208p) Author: Dacher Keltner ISBN 10: 0143110292 ISBN 13: 978-0143110293, Title: The 85% Solution: How Personal Accountability Guarantees Success -- No Nonsense, No Excuses (256p) Author: Linda Galindo ISBN 10: ISBN 13: 9780470500163, and Title: Flipping the Switch: Unleash the Power of Personal Accountability Using the QBQ! (144 p) Author: John G. Miller ISBN 10: 0399152334 ISBN 13: 978-0399152337. Due to the PLSB for approval within 30 days prior to the end of their suspension for suspension removal, a written reflection on each training/book on how they will impact the educator’s future interactions with students and acceptance of personal accountability. Report at the end of each semester during probation from her supervisor indicating the educator’s interactions with students are mutually effective and respectful. (All cost paid by Educator Roff)
 

The Charter Authorizing Panel voted unanimously (7-0) to accept the 2024 Proposed Calendar Meeting Dates.  

Mountainburg Public School District submitted an application to convert Mountainburg High School. The school will serve Grades 9-12 with a Career and Technical Focus. The applicant was asked to provide additional information. The Charter Authorizing Panel unanimously voted (7-0) to approve the charter.  

Haas Hall Academy at The Lane submitted an amendment request to relocate the existing campus at 121 West Poplar Street to The Peaks Development at 2807 Ajax Avenue. The Charter Authorizing Panel unanimously voted (7-0) to support the amendment request.  

Academies of West Memphis District Conversion Renewal Application
The district is requesting:

• Renewal of charter for five (5) years.  
• The campus serves Grades 10-12.  
• The current enrollment cap is 1300 students. 
• The charter will follow the traditional educational model. 

The Charter Authorizing Panel unanimously voted (7-0) to approve the district conversion renewal application.  

Pursuant to Ark. Code Ann. § 6-13-112, a quarterly status report is provided for each school district currently under state authority. The attached Earle School District report is presented to the State Board of Education for October-December 2023.

Pursuant to Ark. Code Ann. § 6-13-112, a quarterly status report is provided for each school district currently under state authority. The attached Helena-West Helena School District report is presented to the State Board of Education for October-December 2023.

Pursuant to Ark. Code Ann. § 6-13-112, a quarterly status report is provided for each school district currently under state authority. The attached Lee County School District report is presented to the State Board of Education for October-December 2023.

The October and December monthly reports for the Marvel-Elaine School District, prepared by Superintendent Phong Tran, are combined into one report that is attached.

A quarterly report for the Pine Bluff School District, prepared by Superintendent Jennifer Barbaree, is attached.

The State Board requested monthly updates from the Watson Chapel School District on progress made towards correcting Standards for Accreditation violations and other concerns noted by DESE.