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Meeting Agenda
I. Call to Order
II. Moment of Silence 
III. Recognition 
III.1. Jeanie Wilcoxon, 2025 Arkansas Teacher of the Year
III.2. Proclamation Declaring February Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month in Arkansas
IV. Changes to Agenda
V. Action Agenda 
V.1. Consideration of the Recommendation of the Professional Licensure Standards Board for Case 24-135 - Candace Roberson
V.2. Consideration of the Recommendation of the Professional Licensure Standards Board for Case 24-129 - Evelyn James
V.3. Graduate Arkansas Charter, Cited Recommendation, Standard 1-C.1.1
V.4. Premier High Schools of Arkansas, Cited Recommendation, Standard 1-C.1.1
VI. New Business
VII. Consent Agenda
VII.1. Minutes 
VII.2. Board Member Stipend Amount for 2025
VII.3. Report on Waivers to School Districts for Teachers Teaching Out of Area for Longer than sixty (60) Days, Ark. Code Ann. § 6-17-309
VII.4. Review of Loan and Bond Applications
VII.5. Arkansas Educational Television Commission (AETN) Cash Letter
VII.6. Consideration of the Recommendation of the Professional Licensure Standards Board for Case 25-034 Regan DeBlieux
VII.7. Consideration of the Recommendation of the Professional Licensure Standards Board for Case 24-276 Cary Cossey
VII.8. Consideration of the Recommendation of the Professional Licensure Standards Board for Case 25-049 Clifton Woodley
VII.9. Consideration of the Recommendation of the Professional Licensure Standards Board for Case 24-175 Beth Vaccaro
VII.10. Consideration of the Recommendation of the Professional Licensure Standards Board for Case 24-246 Tyler Bevill
VII.11. Consideration of the Recommendation of the Professional Licensure Standards Board for Case 24-275 Keith Cornett
VII.12. Consideration of the Recommendation of the Professional Licensure Standards Board for Case 25-019 Tyson Davis

VII.13. Consideration of the Recommendation of the Professional Licensure Standards Board for Case 25-045 Kody Williams

VII.14. Consideration of the Recommendation of the Professional Licensure Standards Board for Case 25-055 Bakari Norman

VII.15. Consideration of the Recommendation of the Professional Licensure Standards Board for Cases 25-018 and 25-062 John Cameron 

VII.16. Consideration of the Recommendation of the Professional Licensure Standards Board for Case 25-041 Billy Phelan 
VII.17. Consideration of the Recommendation of the Professional Licensure Standards Board for Case 24-293 Myka Hughes
VII.18. Consideration of the Recommendation of the Professional Licensure Standards Board for Case 24-279 Cynthia Murphy
VII.19. Consideration of Request for Approval of Nominated Member for the Professional Licensure Standards Board to Replace Member Whose Term Expires June 30, 2025 - Dr. Charlotte Wright
VIII. Reports 
VIII.1. Board Liaison Reports 
VIII.1.a. Committee on Early Learning
VIII.2. ATOY Report 
VIII.3. Commissioner's Report 
VIII.3.a. Legislative Report
IX. Public Comments
X. Adjournment
Agenda Item Details Reload Your Meeting
Meeting: February 13, 2025 at 9:00 AM - State Board of Education
Subject:
I. Call to Order
Presenter:
Dr. Sarah Moore
Subject:
II. Moment of Silence 
Presenter:
Dr. Sarah Moore
Subject:
III. Recognition 
Presenter:
Secretary Jacob Oliva
Subject:
III.1. Jeanie Wilcoxon, 2025 Arkansas Teacher of the Year
Presenter:
Karli Saracini, Assistant Commissioner
Description:
During a surprise announcement on October 4, 2024, Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Education Secretary Jacob Oliva, recognized Pulaski County Special School District fourth-grade teacher Jeanie Wilcoxon as the 2025 Arkansas Teacher of the Year (ATOY). Ms. Wilcoxon, who teaches at Chenal Elementary School, will join the State Board of Education as a non-voting member in July 2025.
Subject:
III.2. Proclamation Declaring February Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month in Arkansas
Presenter:
Ross White, Director of Career and Technical Education
Description:
To increase public awareness and appreciation for career and technical education, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) annually recognizes February as CTE Month. Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders also has signed a proclamation declaring February 2025, CTE Month in Arkansas.
Attachments:
Subject:
IV. Changes to Agenda
Presenter:
Dr. Sarah Moore
Subject:
V. Action Agenda 
Subject:
V.1. Consideration of the Recommendation of the Professional Licensure Standards Board for Case 24-135 - Candace Roberson
Presenter:
Whitney James
Description:
The educator objected to the Ethics Hearing Subcommittee's findings and recommendation of July 24, 2024 and requested a review by the State Board. 
 
Subject:
V.2. Consideration of the Recommendation of the Professional Licensure Standards Board for Case 24-129 - Evelyn James
Presenter:
Whitney James
Description:
The educator objected to the Ethics Hearing Subcommittee's evidentiary hearing findings and recommendation of October 30, 2024 and requested a review by the State Board. 
 
Subject:
V.3. Graduate Arkansas Charter, Cited Recommendation, Standard 1-C.1.1
Presenter:
Hope Worsham, Assistant Commissioner
Description:
Graduate Arkansas Charter High School

Public school shall assess at least 95% of its students on the annual statewide student assessment. 
Subject:
V.4. Premier High Schools of Arkansas, Cited Recommendation, Standard 1-C.1.1
Presenter:
Hope Worsham, Assistant Commissioner
Description:
Premier High School Online

Public school shall assess at least 95% of its students on the annual statewide student assessment.
Subject:
VI. New Business
Subject:
VII. Consent Agenda
Presenter:
Dr. Sarah Moore
Subject:
VII.1. Minutes 
Presenter:
Angela Scaife
Attachments:
Subject:
VII.2. Board Member Stipend Amount for 2025
Presenter:
Courtney Salas-Ford, Chief of Staff
Description:
Ark. Code Ann. § 25-19-904 states the State Board of Education "by a majority vote of the total membership of the board cast during its first regularly scheduled meeting of each calendar year, may authorize payment to its members of a stipend not to exceed eighty-five dollars ($85.00) per day for each meeting...."

The State Board will vote on the stipend for 2025.
 
Subject:
VII.3. 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
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 60 days. 
Attachments:
Subject:
VII.4. 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 - 1 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.
Attachments:
Subject:
VII.5. Arkansas Educational Television Commission (AETN) Cash Letter
Presenter:
Courtney Pledger, AETN Director and Jason Kuanu, AETN CFO
Description:
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-3-111 states, "The Director of the Educational Television Division shall submit budget requests of the Educational Television Division to the State Board of Education and the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education for their review and approval before the budget submissions are forwarded to the Governor and the Legislative Council." Attached is the letter requesting "additional cash appropriations for Fiscal Year 2025 totaling $4,649,141.72 in the Operating commitment item." 
Attachments:
Subject:
VII.6. Consideration of the Recommendation of the Professional Licensure Standards Board for Case 25-034 Regan DeBlieux
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 fine of $250. 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 10: ISBN 13: 9780470500163, ERC23007: Code of Ethics Part Four: Professional Responsibilities (1 Credit Hour), and ERC23004: Code of Ethics Part One: Professional Relationships (.5 Credit Hour). Require Educator to prepare written reflections on each training/book indicating how they will impact her future interactions/communications with students. Quarterly reports from the educator’s supervisor regarding whether the educator is meeting professional expectations. (All costs paid by Educator Deblieux)
Subject:
VII.7. Consideration of the Recommendation of the Professional Licensure Standards Board for Case 24-276 Cary Cossey
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 2 years and assess a fine of $250. 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 10: ISBN 13: 9780470500163, and ERC23007: Code of Ethics Part Four: Professional Responsibilities (1 Credit Hour). Require Educator to prepare written reflections on each training/book indicating how they will affect future interactions/communication with students. Quarterly reports from the educator’s current supervisor indicating how the educator’s interactions/communication with students and professionalism have improved. (All costs paid by Educator Cossey)
 
Subject:
VII.8. Consideration of the Recommendation of the Professional Licensure Standards Board for Case 25-049 Clifton Woodley
Presenter:
Whitney James
Description:
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 Probation of License for 1 year and assess a fine of $250. Require Educator to complete the following coursework/readings: ERC23008: Code of Ethics Part Five: Reporting Obligations (.5 Credit Hour) and Mandated Reporter: Requirements in Arkansas (1.5 Credit Hours) https://ar.mandatedreporter.org/UserAuth/Login!loginPage.action. Require Educator to prepare written reflections on each training indicating how they will affect the administrator's future reporting responsibility. (All costs paid by Educator Woodley)
Subject:
VII.9. Consideration of the Recommendation of the Professional Licensure Standards Board for Case 24-175 Beth Vaccaro
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 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 Probation of License for 2 years and assess a $250.00 fine. Require Educator to complete the following coursework/readings: Code of Ethics Training provided by the PLSB (1.5 Hours), Title: I Notice: A Step-by-Step Guide to Transform Student Potential Through Building Intentional Relationships Author: Claire E. Hallinan ISBN-10: 1733035613 ISBN-13: 978-1733035613, Title: The 85% Solution: How Personal Accountability Guarantees Success -- No Nonsense, No Excuses (256p) Author: Linda Galindo ISBN 10: ISBN 13: 9780470500163, Title: The Power Paradox: How We Gain and Lose Influence (208p) Author: Dacher Keltner ISBN 10: 0143110292 ISBN 13: 978-0143110293, and Harvard Implicit Bias Survey. Require educator to submit written reflections on each book/training on how they will impact the educator’s future interactions with students due to the PLSB for approval by May 30, 2025. Quarterly reports from educator’s supervisor while on probation regarding how educator’s interactions with students are progressing. (All costs paid by Educator Vaccaro)
Subject:
VII.10. Consideration of the Recommendation of the Professional Licensure Standards Board for Case 24-246 Tyler Bevill
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 Permanent Revocation of License and assess a $500.00 fine.
Subject:
VII.11. Consideration of the Recommendation of the Professional Licensure Standards Board for Case 24-275 Keith Cornett
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 2 years and assess a fine of $250. 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 10: ISBN 13: 9780470500163, and ERC23007: Code of Ethics Part Four: Professional Responsibilities (1 Credit Hour). Require Educator to prepare written reflections on each training/book indicating how they will affect their future interactions/communication with students. Quarterly reports from the educator’s current supervisor indicating how the educator’s interactions/communication with students and professionalism have improved. (All costs paid by Educator Cornett)
Subject:
VII.12. Consideration of the Recommendation of the Professional Licensure Standards Board for Case 25-019 Tyson Davis
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 fine of $250. Require Educator to complete the following coursework/readings: ERC23007: Code of Ethics Part Four: Professional Responsibilities (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 reflections on each training/book indicating how they will affect the educator’s professional practices in the classroom. Quarterly reports from the educator’s supervisor while on probation regarding the educator’s professional practices. Quarterly reports from counselor that he is making progress in his treatment program. (All costs paid by Educator Tyson)
Subject:

VII.13. Consideration of the Recommendation of the Professional Licensure Standards Board for Case 25-045 Kody Williams
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 2 years and assess a fine of $250. Require Educator to complete the following coursework/readings: ERC20080 We Are All in This Together: Building Student Relationships (1 Credit Hour) and ERC23010: Code of Ethics Part Seven: An Educator’s Influence (1 Credit Hour). Require Educator to prepare written reflections on each training/book regarding how the educator will improve his interactions with students in the future. Quarterly reports while on probation from the educator’s athletic director or building administrator regarding how his interactions and communication with students is progressing.  Quarterly reports from counselor while on probation regarding the educator’s progress in his treatment program. (All costs paid by Educator Williams)
Subject:

VII.14. Consideration of the Recommendation of the Professional Licensure Standards Board for Case 25-055 Bakari Norman
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 Permanent Revocation of License and assess a $500.00 fine.
Subject:

VII.15. Consideration of the Recommendation of the Professional Licensure Standards Board for Cases 25-018 and 25-062 John Cameron 
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 Permanent Revocation of License and assess a $500.00 fine.
Subject:

VII.16. Consideration of the Recommendation of the Professional Licensure Standards Board for Case 25-041 Billy Phelan 
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 Permanent Revocation of License and assess a $500.00 fine.
Subject:
VII.17. Consideration of the Recommendation of the Professional Licensure Standards Board for Case 24-293 Myka Hughes
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 4. An educator entrusted with public funds and property, including school-sponsored activity funds, honors that trust with honest, responsible stewardship. 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 Permanent Revocation of License and assess a $500.00 fine.
Subject:
VII.18. Consideration of the Recommendation of the Professional Licensure Standards Board for Case 24-279 Cynthia Murphy
Presenter:
Whitney James
Description:
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 Probation of License for 1 year and assess a fine of $250. Require Educator to complete the following coursework/readings: ERC23007: Code of Ethics Part Four: Professional Responsibilities (1 Credit Hour), ERC23012: Code of Ethics Part Nine: Professional Responsibilities II (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 reflections on each training/book on how they will impact the educator’s professional practices in the future. Quarterly reports from the educator’s supervisor while on probation regarding the educator’s professional practices. (All costs paid by Educator Murphy)
Subject:
VII.19. Consideration of Request for Approval of Nominated Member for the Professional Licensure Standards Board to Replace Member Whose Term Expires June 30, 2025 - Dr. Charlotte Wright
Presenter:
Karli Saracini
Description:
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 (ArACTE) has nominated Dr. Charlotte Wright to replace Dr. Victoria Groves-Scott.  Dr. Wright, who serves as Dean of Teachers College at Henderson State University, will complete Dr. Groves-Scott's PLSB term which ends on June 30, 2025.
Attachments:
Subject:
VIII. Reports 
Subject:
VIII.1. Board Liaison Reports 
Presenter:
Dr. Sarah Moore
Subject:
VIII.1.a. Committee on Early Learning
Presenter:
Leigh Keener
Description:
The Arkansas 2024 Office of Early Childhood (OEC) Annual report was presented at the Committee on Early Learning subcommittee meeting held on Monday, January 27, 2025.
Attachments:
Subject:
VIII.2. ATOY Report 
Presenter:
Beau McCastlain
Subject:
VIII.3. Commissioner's Report 
Presenter:
Secretary Jacob Oliva
Subject:
VIII.3.a. Legislative Report
Presenter:
Secretary Jacob Oliva
Subject:
IX. Public Comments
Subject:
X. Adjournment

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