Eureka Springs School District

The board conducted various business meetings involving financial reviews, academic updates, and personnel actions. Key decisions included the adoption of licensed, classified, and stipend salary schedules, the approval of several new hires and contract agreements, including a superintendent contract, and the acceptance of resignations. The board also addressed operational needs such as approving the purchase of a new school bus, printers, and a facilities master plan. Policy updates regarding cybersecurity, board governance, and student handbooks were enacted, alongside adjustments to health insurance contributions and bonus payments for staff. Additionally, budget approvals, election-related ballot measures, and executive sessions for specific personnel matters were held.

The ENGAGE Arkansas program outlines a statewide partnership dedicated to supporting students, families, and teachers through academic coaching and mentorship. Its core objectives are to increase attendance, improve academic performance, and address barriers within the current learning environment. The plan details a multi-modal outreach strategy to re-engage eligible K-12 students, provides support through dedicated coaches to mitigate obstacles and monitor progress, and offers assistance to teachers. The program specifically targets students disengaged from learning, those at risk of failure, and vulnerable populations, with the overarching goal of ensuring students maintain academic progress, continue their educational journey, and stay on track for graduation.

The January 12, 2026 meeting included the approval of December 2025 financial reports, which covered the check register, board report, and bank reconciliation. Key actions included the approval to purchase twelve printers for $57,485 along with a five-year maintenance agreement. The Board also adopted the Facilities Master Plan as a statement of operation and maintenance for district facilities. Personnel actions involved accepting resignations effective at the end of the 25-26 school year and hiring a new custodian. Separately, the document set includes minutes from prior meetings where topics included adopting a revised classified salary schedule, approving budget expenditures and tax levy for a future fiscal year, updating the student handbook's Personal Electronic Device Policy, approving staff bonuses, and adopting various salary schedules.

The consolidated board meetings covered several key operational and financial actions. Discussions included the adoption of the revised classified salary schedule for 25-26 and the updated Personal Electronic Device Policy for the 25-26 student handbook. Financial matters involved approving October and November 2025 financial reports and adopting the Proposed Budget of Expenditures with Tax Levy for Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2027 to June 30, 2028. Personnel actions included hiring a transportation director, custodians, and a food service worker, as well as hiring an hourly intervention teacher. A motion was also passed to approve payment of a $1,500 staff bonus. The October Report to the Public session included presentations on Gifted & Talented and Advanced Placement, Special Education, Federal Programs, Test Data, Financial Overview, Superintendent's Report, Student Demographic Percentages, Accreditation, and a Bullying Report. The Regular Meeting in October involved approving an amendment to the C-4 Memorandum of Understanding. The September meeting included approving the 24-25 annual financial report and the 25-26 budget, approving an increase to the district's monthly health insurance contribution, and approving the purchase of a 2027 school bus. Academic updates were provided in September and August meetings. Salary schedules for stipend and miscellaneous duties for 25-26 were also adopted in August.

The Eureka Springs Board of Education meetings included discussions and decisions on various topics. Presentations covered Gifted & Talented and Advanced Placement programs, Special Education, Federal Programs, Test Data, Financial Overview, Superintendent's Report, Student Demographic Percentages, Accreditation, and Bullying Report. The board also addressed financial reports, budget matters, health insurance contributions, and the purchase of a school bus. Policy updates, including changes to Student Handbooks, Board Governance, Personnel, and Cybersecurity, were adopted. Personnel matters included the hiring of various staff positions. Additionally, the board approved the Proposed Budget of Expenditures with Tax Levy for Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2027 to and including June 30, 2028 and to approve the related sample ballot and updated Personal Electronic Device Policy in the 25-26 student handbook, and approved payment of a $1,500 bonus to staff.