Andrew Harrison, Mayflower School District
Ashley Anderson Post, Greenbrier School District
Michael Tapee, Springdale School District 

In April, the U.S. Department of Education honored Batesville School District as a Green Ribbon School District Sustainability Awardee. Batesville was one of 10 school districts across the country to be honored for efforts to reduce environmental impact, improve health and wellness, and offer effective sustainability education. 

Three school districts are requesting a waiver of the uniform school start date under Arkansas Code 6-10-106. 

Due to inclement weather in the state, two school districts are requesting waivers of Arkansas Code 6-106(g)(3) pertaining to school calendars.

Huntsville Public School District is requesting a one-year Standards for Accreditation waiver of 1-A.5 Class Size for one art instructor.  There will be a paraprofessional employed to assist the classroom teacher. 
 

On March 25, 2019, Lee County School District was classified in Fiscal Distress by the Arkansas State Board of Education. Since the district has met the requirements of the fiscal distress plan, it is recommended that Lee County School District be released from Fiscal Distress. If released from Fiscal Distress, Lee County School District will be monitored and provided support by staff in the Fiscal Services and Support Unit for three years.
 

The following administrative rules are being presented for final approval following a 30-day public comment period.

The DESE Rule Governing the Student Protection Act 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.  

The DESE Rule Governing Student Transfers 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. No public comments were received. The Division requests the State Board of Education's final approval of the rule.  

The DESE Rules Governing Educator Performance were 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 subject rules.  

The DESE Rule Governing Governing the Right to Read Act 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 considered, and no substantive changes were made. The Division requests the State Board of Education's final approval of the rule.

Pursuant to the Administrative Procedures Act, Arkansas Code 25-15-201 et. seq, the following 11 rules are presented for approval to be released for public comment.

The DESE Rule Governing Arkansas Governor's School is presented for approval to be released for public comment.

The DESE Rule Governing Background Checks is presented for approval to be released for public comment.

The DESE Rule Governing the Code of Ethics for Arkansas Educators is presented for approval to be released for public comment.

The DESE Rule Governing Better Beginnings is being presented for release for public comment. 

The DESE Rule Governing the Requirements and Procedures for Obtaining an Arkansas Birth through Prekindergarten Teaching Credential is presented for approval to be released for public comment.

The DESE Rule Governing Dyslexia Screenings and Interventions is presented for release for public comment.

The DESE Rule Governing Educator Licensure is presented for approval to be released for public comment.

The DESE Rule Governing Emergency Response Equipment and Training in Arkansas Public Schools is presented for approval to be released for public comment.

The DESE Rule Governing the Fiscal Assessment and Accountability Program is presented for approval to be released for public comment.

The DESE Rule Governing the Maternity Leave Cost Sharing Program is presented for approval to be released for public comment.

The DESE Rule Governing Water Safety Information Provided by Public Schools is presented for approval to be released for public comment.

Pursuant to the Administrative Procedures Act, Arkansas Code 25-15-201 et. seq, the following eight (8) rules are presented for approval to be released for public comment.

The DESE Rule Governing the Educator Compensation Reform Program repeal is being presented for release for public comment. 

The DESE Rule Governing Eligibility of Participating School Districts in the Traveling Teacher Program repeal is being presented for release for public comment. 

The DESE Rule Governing Incentives for Teacher Recruitment and Retention in High-Priority Districts repeal is being presented for release for public comment. 

The DESE Rule Governing Reimbursement by School Districts for Election Expenses repeal is being presented for release for public comment. 

The DESE Rule Governing School Board Zones and Rezoning repeal is being presented for release for public comment. 

The DESE Rule Governing School District Duty to Report Student Criminal Acts repeal is being presented for release for public comment. 

The DESE Rule Governing the Succeed Scholarship Program repeal is being presented for release for public comment. 

The DCTE Rule Governing Methods of Administration of Career and Technical Education Programs repeal is being presented for release for public comment. 

Per Ark. Code Ann. § 6-17-422, members of the PLSB serve rotating terms and are appointed by the State Board following nominations made by professional education associations.  The Arkansas Association of Colleges for Teacher Education nominated Dr. Kimberley Davis, Dean of the School of Education, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, to fill the position being vacated by Dr. Mary Jane Bradley, whose term expires on June 30, 2024.  Dr. Davis' term will begin June 30, 2024, and end on June 30, 2027.

Per Ark. Code Ann. § 6-17-422, members of the PLSB serve rotating terms and are appointed by the State Board following nominations made by professional education associations. The Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators (AAEA) has nominated Dr. Harold Jeffcoat, Superintendent of the Van Buren School District, to continue his service on the Board. His term will begin June 30, 2024, and end on June 30, 2027.

Ark. Code Ann. § 6-17-309 requires local school districts to secure a waiver when classrooms are staffed with unlicensed teachers for longer than 60 days. 

The members of the Arkansas State Board of Education are requested to review the following:
Commercial Bond Applications - 7 SECOND LIEN
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.  

VIII.4.  Pursuant to the authority granted to the State Board of Education, the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) - Office of Early Childhood (OEC) - Arkansas Better Chance (ABC) respectfully requests approval of the Arkansas Better Chance Program Renewal Grants for the 2024-2025 school year in the total amount of $106,072,095.

The requested funds for the ABC renewal grants will provide early childhood services for children birth to 5 years old through 227 Agencies that oversee 525 Sites, serving 23,228 children in both center-based and home visiting settings.  These programs employ 3,509 early childhood teachers, paraprofessionals, and program coordinators.

ABC is also requesting to support foster children as well as homeless/displaced children as the need arises. ABC provides waivers for the identified children to receive immediate services.  The placement of a foster child and/or displaced child in an ABC program would add a per child award above the total awarded number of slots for that program during the 2024-2025 year.

A request for the Board to approve the Arkansas Better Chance Program Renewal Grants for 2024-25 program year in the total amount of $106,072,095.    
 

VIII.5.  Pursuant to the authority granted to the State Board of Education, the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) - Office of Early Childhood (OEC) - Arkansas Better Chance (ABC) respectfully requests approval of the Arkansas Better Chance Professional Service Grants for the 2024-2025 school year in the total amount of $5,983,230.

These ABC Professional Service Grants support quality programming for children by providing 3,529 ABC Early Childhood teachers, paraprofessionals, coordinators, and school administrators with training, coaching, technical assistance, and services to ensure high quality early learning environments and positive outcomes for children.  ABC EC staff are required to complete 30 hours annually of Early Childhood Professional Development in the areas of Arkansas Child Development and Early Learning Standards: Birth Through 60 months, Family Engagement, Trauma Informed Care, Child Growth and Development, Health and Wellness, Domain Specific Content in the areas of Emergent and Foundational Language and Literacy based on the Science of Reading, Numeracy, Promoting Social and Emotional Health and Executive Function Skills, Use of Child Assessment to gauge Kindergarten Readiness, Using Data to guide EC development, and the Continuous Quality Improvement System.

A request for the Board to approve the Arkansas Better Chance Professional Service Grants for 2024-25 program year in the total amount of $5,983,230.

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/Probation of License for 2 years and assess a $150 fine. Require Educator to complete the following coursework/readings: Code of Ethics Training provided by the PLSB (1.5 Hours), Child Maltreatment Training, 10 hours above licensure requirement, and Parental Involvement Training up to 10 hours.  Require educator to provide written reflection on each training/book, due to the PLSB for approval to be completed by June 30, 2025. (All costs paid by Educator Shook)
 

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 6 months followed by a Probation of License for 2 years. Require Educator to complete the following coursework/readings: Code of Ethics Training Provided by the PLSB (1.5 Hours). Require Educator to prepare written reflection on training on how it will impact the educator in the future. Submit quarterly reports during suspension on continued counseling and participation at AA meetings as well as a letter from a medical professional prior to the end of suspension stating that the educator is ready to return to the classroom. During the probation, quarterly reports from the educator’s supervisor on the educator’s progress in the classroom, and quarterly reports during probation of continued treatment. (All costs paid by Educator Moffitt)
 

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: Code of Ethics Training Provided by the PLSB (1.5 Hours), SPC17013 Introduction to Behavior: Behavior Intervention Plans (1 Credit Hour), SPC17011 Introduction to Behavior: Supporting Effective Behavior (1 Credit Hour), 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 training/book on how they impact the educator’s future interactions with students. (Due to the PLSB for approval within 90 days of the State Board Order.) Quarterly reports during the probation from the educator’s supervisor on how the educator’s interactions with students are progressing. (All costs paid by Educator Weliver)
 

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: Code of Ethics Training provided by the PLSB (1.5 Hours); SPC17008 Foundations in Special Education: Major Components of IDEA (1 Credit Hour);
SPC17009 Foundations in Special Education: Legal and Ethical Issues (1 Credit Hour); SPC17010 Foundations in Special Education: Roles and Responsibilities (1 Credit Hour); and ERC23007: Code of Ethics Part Four: Professional Responsibilities (1 Credit Hour). Require Educator to prepare written reflections on how each training will impact educator's future practices. (Due to the PLSB for approval within 90 days of the State Board Order). Quarterly reports during probation from the educator’s supervisor on how the educator is handling her roles and responsibilities. (All costs paid by Educator Drake)
 

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 $200 fine. Require Educator to complete the following coursework/readings: Code of Ethics Training Provided by the PLSB (1.5 Hours), Title: The Power Paradox: How We Gain and Lose Influence (208p) Author: Dacher Keltner ISBN 10: 0143110292 ISBN 13: 978-0143110293, and Title: Positive Discipline: The Classic Guide to Helping Children Develop Self-Discipline, Responsibility, Cooperation, and Problem-Solving Skills (384p) Author: Jane Nelsen Ed. D. ISBN 10: 0345487672 ISBN 13: 978-0345487674. Require Educator to prepare written reflection on each training/book on how they will impact the educator’s future interaction with students. (Due to the PLSB for approval within 90 days of the State Board Order.) Anger Management course (as evidenced by completion certificate). Quarterly reports from educator’s supervisor on how her interactions with students are progressing. (All costs paid by Educator Davis)
 

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 Probation of License for 1 year and assess a fine of $100. Require Educator to complete the following coursework/readings: Code of Ethics Training Provided by the PLSB (1.5 Hours), Title: The 85% Solution: How Personal Accountability Guarantees Success -- No Nonsense, No Excuses (256p) Author: Linda Galindo ISBN 10: ISBN 13: 780470500163, Title: The Power Paradox: How We Gain and Lose Influence (208p) Author: Dacher Keltner ISBN 10: 0143110292 ISBN 13: 978-0143110293, and Title: You’ve Gotta Connect: Building Relationships that Lead to Engaged Students, Productive Classrooms, and Higher Achievement (280 Pages) Author: James Alan Sturtevant ISBN-10: 1629500046 ISBN-13: 978-1629500046. Require educator to provide written reflection on how each training/book will impact the educator’s future interactions with students and quarterly reports from the educator’s supervisor during probation indicating how the educator’s interactions with students are progressing. (All costs paid by Educator Maples)
 

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 $500 fine. Require Educator to complete the following coursework/readings: Code of Ethics Training Provided by the PLSB (1.5 Hours), 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, SPC17013 Introduction to Behavior: Behavior Intervention Plans (1 Credit Hour), and SPC17011 Introduction to Behavior: Supporting Effective Behavior (1 Credit Hour). Written reflections on each training/book on how they will impact the educator’s future interactions with students. (Due to the PLSB for approval within 30 days prior to the end of the suspension for suspension removal.) Quarterly reports from the educator’s supervisor during probation regarding how her interactions with students are progressing. (All costs paid by Educator Oltmann)
 

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 requests the State Board of Education order a Written Reprimand and assess a $100 fine. Require Educator to complete the following coursework/readings: Code of Ethics Training Provided by the PLSB (1.5 Hours). Written reflections on training on how he will be more aware of professional decision making in the future. Due to the PLSB for approval within 90 days of the State Board Order. (All costs paid by Educator Livingston)
 

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 4 Public Notification of Ethics Violation or Permanent Non-Renewal 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 Written Reprimand and assess a $100 fine. Require Educator to complete the following coursework/readings: Code of Ethics Training Provided by the PLSB (1.5 Hours), SPC17013 Introduction to Behavior: Behavior Intervention Plans (1 Credit Hour), and SPC17011 Introduction to Behavior: Supporting Effective Behavior (1 Credit Hour). Require Educator to prepare written reflections on how each training will impact the educator’s future interactions with students. (All costs paid by Educator Stanfield)
 

The Charter Authorizing Panel approved the School for Advanced Studies-Northwest Arkansas to change the grade levels to be served in 2024-2025 from grades 5-9 to grades 5-10; and waived Fine Arts Standard 1-A.1.3.6; Ark. Code Ann. 6-16-1204(c)(d), Standard 1-A.1.3-10; DESE Rules Governing Grading and Course Credit-Section 6; and Foreign Language Standard 1-A.1.3.5.  

The Charter Authorizing Panel approved the request from Arkansas Lighthouse Charter Schools to waive Ark. Code Ann. 6-10-106(a) in order to begin the 2024-2025 school year on August 8, 2024. 

The Charter Authorizing Panel approved the request of Founders Classical Academies of Arkansas to waive Ark. Code Ann. 6-10-106(g)(3). 

The Charter Authorizing Panel approved Premier High Schools of Arkansas to merge Premier High School of North Little Rock with the Premier High Schools of Arkansas Charter; to waive Ark. Code Ann. 6-17-2403(f)(2)(A)(i).  The waiver currently exists in Premier High School of North Little Rock.  

Premier High Schools of Arkansas has identified a location for Premier High School of Russellville at 620 South Arkansas Avenue, Russellville, AR 72801; and a location for Premier High School of Fayetteville at 2853 North College Avenue, Fayetteville, AR 72703.

The Charter Authorizing Panel approved LISA Academy to waive Ark. Code Ann. 6-18-213(b) for all LISA Academy schools.  

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 January-March 2024.

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 January-March 2024.

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 January-March 2024.

A quarterly report for the Marvell-Elaine School District, prepared by Superintendent Phong Tran, is attached.

The DESE Rules Governing the Arkansas Educational Support and Accountability Act (AESAA) requires Pine Bluff School District to provide quarterly reporting to the State Board of Education for a period of one year after exiting Level 5 classification. The attached quarterly report, prepared by Pine Bluff School District Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Barbaree, is submitted to the State Board of Education for the purposes of monitoring the district’s continued stability and sustainability of previously identified exit criteria.

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.

Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) Arkansas State Plan 2025-2027