School Board Meeting Recap: July 21, 2025

At the July 21, 2025, school board meeting, members addressed officer elections, approved key policy and budget proposals, and received updates on federal funding, student support initiatives, and district-wide programs. The district recognized three new board members: Maria Martinez, Zone IV, Brittany Hall, and Brad Harding, both in At-Large positions.

The board began by electing officers. Dalton Person will continue as president, Phil Whiteaker will be elected vice president, and Susan Krafft will serve as secretary. The board also approved six-year terms for all board members, in alignment with Arkansas Act 503 of 2025. The Act requires staggered four- or six-year terms for school board members and limits elections to even-numbered years to improve election efficiency.

Grace George, Director of Child Nutrition, recommended a student meal price increase based on rising food and labor costs, fund balance, and the Paid Lunch Equity Tool. The board approved raising lunch prices by $0.25, making them $3.00 for grades K–5 and $3.25 for grades 6–12. While breakfasts remain free, the cost of a second breakfast will increase by $0.50 to $2.00.

Caroline Neel, Director of Federal Programs and Strategic Initiatives, provided an update on federal funding. A potential $1.5 million loss may impact staff support, classroom resources, technology, and recruitment efforts. FSPS is reviewing supplement-not-supplant concerns with DESE and will continue using appropriate federal funds to support student needs.

Dr. Amy Manley, Director of Recruitment and Retention, and Dominique Alexander, Director of Special Education, presented a proposal to address recruitment and retention in Special Education (SPED) and Alternative Learning Environments (ALE). Approved by the board, the plan includes monetary incentives: $5,000 for SPED Self-Contained and ALE teachers, and $3,000 for Inclusion/Resource Teachers and eligible paraprofessionals. The incentives will be paid in two installments, including eligibility criteria such as attendance and conduct. The board approved the proposal.

Athletics Director Mr. Beaumont and Assistant Director Jennifer Steele proposed expanding support for non-core sports by funding professional coaching. The board approved $3,000 per sport for certified professionals for high school volleyball, golf, tennis, track, cheer, dance, baseball, softball, bowling, soccer, swimming/diving, and middle school track and cheer/dance. All professionals must meet district compliance standards. Campus equity will be prioritized, and volunteer coaches will continue to be supported. The board approved.

Krystle Smith, Supervisor of Special Programs, presented data from the English Language Proficiency Assessment and outlined the district’s efforts to accelerate English language development. FSPS currently serves 5,044 EL students. The district utilizes strategies like Sheltered Instruction, ESOL certification, and the EL Achieve curriculum, with paraprofessionals supporting Recently Arrived and Emerging students. Growth in English proficiency also contributes significantly to state report card scores.

Dr. Tony Jones, Director of Secondary Education, and Dr. Kim Starr, Director of Elementary Education, updated the board on the district’s Bell to Bell No Cell policy. Per Act 22, personal devices may not be used during the school day, with exceptions for IEPs and 504 Plans. Following a successful pilot at Kimmons and Ramsey Middle schools, the district adopted a policy requiring students to keep devices in their backpacks. At the secondary level, beginning after Labor Day, progressive consequences include:

1st offense – phone held for the day and parent notified

2nd–6th offenses – escalating consequences such as parent pickup, detention, or SDC

7th offense – classified as insubordination and handled at the administrator’s discretion

At the elementary level, policies remain consistent with those of prior years, requiring devices to be removed. The board unanimously approved the policy.