El Dorado School District

The primary focus of the special called meeting was the presentation of a revised calendar option for the 2026-2027 school year by the Superintendent on behalf of the Personnel Policy Committee. The revised calendar proposes starting school four days earlier (August 6), implementing a full week-long break in October (October 12-16), and ending the school year one day earlier (May 27, 2027). Both the existing and revised calendars require 178 days of student instruction. Discussions addressed concerns regarding staff and student vacation planning due to the earlier start date, and clarified that the current school year would not be extended due to inclement weather days missed. The board ultimately approved the revised 2026-27 calendar on a 4-1 vote. Later, the Superintendent provided an update regarding the current day's operational issues, noting a meeting was set to plan for necessary adjustments following school cancellations.

The meeting commenced with a discussion regarding the Access for Life ½ cent sales tax proposed to benefit the South Arkansas Regional Hospital, noting the early voting and election dates. The Superintendent recognized January as Board Member Recognition month, highlighted the board's significant continuing education hours achieved in 2025, and presented the construction update for the New Intermediate School, projecting completion in June or July 2027 for an August 2027 opening. Recognitions were given for the Student of the Month (Priscilla Martinez), Classified Employee of the Month (Fabiola Rivas), and Teacher of the Month (Amber Welch) from Barton Junior High. The Principal's Report for Barton Junior High reviewed positive results from the ATLAS Fall Interim testing, the use of a new science resource, and recent student activities, including a successful food drive and Winter Dance. Following the approval of monthly bills, the board approved low bids for the purchase of a truck and a trailer for the Agri department. Executive sessions were held to discuss personnel matters and contract adjustments for the Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent. The board ultimately approved the hiring of personnel, finalized the Superintendent's contract with updated salary and duration, and approved the Assistant Superintendent's salary.

The meeting commenced with an update from the FFA and Agriculture Department, detailing class enrollment, student achievements at the Union County Fair, and participation in the National FFA Convention. Recognition was given to the Student, Classified Employee, and Teacher of the Month from Hugh Goodwin Elementary School. The principal of Hugh Goodwin Elementary provided a report highlighting the school's theme, academic data tracking, student intervention programs, and upcoming events. The Board approved the Proposed Budget for the 2027-28 fiscal year. Consideration was given to three student transfer requests between school districts, all of which were approved. Following an executive session to discuss personnel matters, the board approved the superintendent's recommendations regarding resignations and new personnel employment, and subsequently approved the monthly bills for payment.

The meeting commenced with recognition of the Student of the Month (Dulce Baylon), Classified Employee of the Month (Abbigayle Harmon), and Teacher of the Month (Marissa Smith) from Washington Middle School. Principal Bethanie Hale provided an update on Washington Middle School, noting positive community support, student achievements like Ezra Goldemberg's food pantry initiative, high student discipline referral avoidance rates, and positive growth shown in academic screenings. Key actions included the approval of monthly bills and a one-time employee bonus totaling $582,540.71. The board approved the purchase of two new Bluebird school buses based on recommended lower bids. The board also formally adopted the Cyber Security Policy issued by the State of Arkansas. Following an executive session to discuss personnel matters, the board approved the superintendent's recommendations regarding the acceptance of resignations and the employment of new personnel.

The El Dorado School Board convened to discuss several key issues. The Six-Year Master Facilities Plan was presented, outlining major projects such as rooftop HVAC and roof replacements at various schools. The board recognized the Student of the Month and heard reports on student performance, including ATLAS scores and achievements in the Esports program. A report to the public highlighted district-wide achievements, including high ACT scores and growth in ATLAS assessments. The board also approved legal transfer requests for students from another school district and discussed personnel matters in an executive session.