Dustin Barnes

The meeting commenced with a workshop focused on modifications to the 2025-2026 revised district calendar. The modifications are required to make up for six missed school days due to inclement weather, necessitating the addition of three instructional days back into the schedule. Proposed changes include converting parent-teacher conference days and professional development days into regular school days, which also impacts the end date of the third nine weeks to meet minimum instructional day requirements. Subsequent discussions centered on the replacement of the district's outdated phone system, which uses an unsupported technology nearing its end of life. The proposed replacement system, Forivvoice, offers features like call recordings, soft phones, follow-me capabilities, and enhanced 911 safety features, aiming for increased reliability and cost savings compared to current services. Finally, a report was presented on wraparound services and student attendance, highlighting intervention strategies used by the RAP team to address chronic absenteeism and low graduation rates, particularly among the lowest quartile of students.

The meeting commenced with a workshop focused on safety updates, presented by the director of safety services. Key discussion points included the organizational structure of the safety services department, which encompasses safety IT, crisis intervention, physical security (armed and unarmed officers), and the school nurse unit, alongside contracted investigation services. The update addressed national trends such as hoax active shooter calls and actual violence incidents, emphasizing the critical importance of rapid law enforcement response. Detailed protocols reviewed included annual security personnel training, weapon detection screening using OpenGate technology for students and visitors, random scans within buildings, and the use of Raptor technology. Training specifics covered stop the bleed, CPR, de-escalation, youth mental health first aid, and extensive firearms training for armed officers, including collaboration with local police SWAT units. The report detailed confiscated items from OpenGate checks, highlighting the effectiveness of random scans. Furthermore, the utilization of the 'Stop It' anonymous reporting app for bullying and tips, and the adoption of standardized language for emergency procedures (lockdown, evacuate) were presented. The status of emergency operation plans, including command staff training, was also covered.

The board meeting commenced with roll call, invocation, and flag salute led by Pike View Early Childhood Center representatives. A significant portion of the meeting involved presentations by staff and students from Pike View Early Childhood Center regarding their integrated learning curriculum centered around a school garden, including activities related to science standards, cognitive development, mathematics (counting, math talk), literacy (story elements), and cooking experiences utilizing chicken eggs and harvested produce. Discussions also touched upon student-led learning regarding the life cycle of a pumpkin and experiments with clay harvesting. The board also moved into the public comment section, where procedures and guidelines under Arkansas Code 6-13-619 and Act 902 of 2025 were reviewed, followed by a presentation from a community member regarding a local initiative.

The special board meeting focused on administrative hearings, specifically two student expulsion hearings and one employee personnel hearing regarding a recommended termination. During the student hearings, the Board voted to approve the expulsion recommendations for two separate students for the remainder of the 2025-2026 school year based on attendance violations. The subsequent employee hearing involved testimony regarding a mandatory random drug testing procedure for an employee who serves as a teacher, coach, and bus driver. The primary discussion centered on the employee's failure to provide a sufficient urine sample (45 milliliters) on December 19, 2025, during a Department of Transportation (DOT) regulated screen, resulting in a finding of insufficient sample despite the temperature being within the acceptable range.

The board meeting commenced with an invocation and flag salute led by a student. Key discussions included a review of the entity's vision, mission, and moral purpose statements. The meeting featured presentations by the director of the North Little Rock Academy regarding its alternative educational program and the Fusion program, which aims to help students who have become disengaged return to their educational track or graduate. Student testimonials highlighted the positive impact of the supportive environment at the academy on their personal growth and academic progress. Additionally, two parents from Meadow Park Elementary, Karen Rounds and Raven Harris, were recognized for their dedicated support and efforts in transforming the school's culture, particularly during the annual Fall Fest.