001Zoom. Okay, good morning. It is great to see a full crowd in here. A lot of amazing people in this room. We are going to get started with our April State Board of Education meeting. Thank you all for being here. We will start with a moment of silence. Thank you. This morning, we're going to start with Mr. Deshawn Scarboro, the director of the Arkansas Martin Luther King Commission. and I'm just so excited that you're here and you're gonna introduce us to a host of wonderful people who are getting well-deserved awards. So, thank you so much. It's so good to be here this morning. Really appreciate all of you for showing. Wow, we have a full house this morning. Wow. Give yourselves a round of applause for being here. You look wonderful. You know, good morning,
002esteemed guests, uh, honores, Secretary Oliva, thank you so much. Members of the Arkansas State Board of Education, and distinguished educators, thank you so much for being here. You know, it's truly an honor uh to welcome you all to the 2025 Martin Luther King Jr. Service and Education Awards program. Today, we gather in the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. a man whose vision of equality, justice, and opportunity continues to inspire us all, especially in the field of education. Dr. King believed that education is the most powerful weapon that we can use to change the world. And he championed the idea that the true learning must be paired with a strong moral character and a commitment to serving others. I would also like to acknowledge the following board members behind me. I would like to
003ask them to please stand once I call their name. Dr. Sarah Moore, state board chair. Please give her a round of applause. Mrs. Kathy Rollins, who could not be with here with us today, but I'm sure she's watching. Please say hello. Give her a round of [Applause] applause. Mrs. Adrien Woods, please give her a round of applause. Mr. Randy Henderson, Mrs. Lisa Hunter, Mr. Jeff Wood, former state representative Mr. Ken [Applause] Bragg and Mrs. Mrs. Lee Keenir and the wonderful Dr. Gary Arnold. We would also like to recognize our teacher of the year, Miss Sabbo Mastlin. Ladies and gentlemen, this wonderful Department of Education is led by the exemplary leadership of Secretary Jacob Oliva. Please give him a round of applause. You know, this morning we have the privilege of recognizing outstanding individuals in education
004who embody Dr. King's ideals through their unwavering education and dedication to students, schools, and communities. These educators, staff and leaders have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to service uh to parent engagement and to student success, community building also as well. Through their work, they uplift the next generation and they reinforce King values. As we present these awards, let us not only celebrate today's honores, but also reaffirm our own commitment to ensuring that Dr. King's legacy lives on through transformative power of education. You know, I learned through a good friend of mine, how to turn coal into diamonds. And as I speak around the state of Arkansas, all in four congressional districts, I thought part of my speech saying that would be befitting today. So, I'm going to share a little bit with you. Coal is a
005combustible black brownish black sedimentary rock formed from rock strata called coal seams. Coal is mostly carbon with variable amounts of other elements chiefly hydrogen, sulfur, oxygen and nitrogen. Coal is formed of dead plant matter that decays into a matter called pete over millions of years and pete and pressure of deep burials converts this pete into coal. Coal has the same properties as diamonds. One may ask how coal is turned into diamonds. Through a long and slow process of heat and pressure, it creates clarity and resiliency. Coal burns up. Diamonds do not. Diamonds are forever. Well, I just demonstrated the educational process with our children. That is what our Arkansas teachers do. Mentorship and education shape our youth, creating clarity and resiliency. See, a gemologist is a specialist who specializes by appraising gems and raw diamonds.
006Gems and raw diamonds have value. However, more value can be created when a geologist helps to remove the flaws and creates the facets that make them more appealing. You see those who work with our children are those gemologists for the next generation. Our honores have helped them to overcome their flaws and create facets and help them feel more valuable and more valuable about themselves. Just as people shop for diamonds and gems, we have to see our youth as diamonds and help them shine. We can't be afraid to show them our flaws. We can't be afraid to show them our imperfections. We can't be afraid to show them our battle scars. Our teachers encourage them, telling them that you can make it. You can shine. And let me help you. I would like to take this
007time to acknowledge two special individuals who helped to make this occasion possible. And I would like to ask them to stand and please come to the front. Miss Capri Bell Salam. [Applause] Miss Capri, this is a surprise to her. So, this is a award of appreciation. We're going to ask her to accept this on behalf of the Arkansas Martin Luther King Jr. [Applause] Commission. Another very special person near and dear to our hearts here at the Arkansas Martin Luther King Jr. Commission. We're going to ask her to please come up. And we could not have done this without her. Ms. Miss Mary Perry, please come [Applause] up. Another surprise. We're very thankful for all that you do. And this is a word of appreciation on behalf of the Arkansas Martin Luther King Jr. Commission. All
008right. The following honores were selected through our online nomination process. When we made the announcement that we were taking nominations, names poured in from everywhere. These teachers received the most nominations in their respective categories. I'm going to ask a good friend of mine, the reigning Miss Arkansas, Camille Kate, to give her a round of applause. She will be assisting me in presenting the awards along with Miss Capri Salam, who will be following the honores today for the Arkansas Martin Luther King Jr. Awards. Are you ready? Alrighty. As we begin the presentation, our first presentation, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. commitment to the community service and education award goes to Miss Porsche Arnold. [Applause] That award recognizes a school counselor, social worker, or support staff member whose dedication to community outreach and student welfare mirrors Dr.
009King's belief in serving others and uplifting the marginalized. Our next award for the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parent Engagement and Advocacy Award goes to Miss Tanya Johnson Baker. [Applause] That award honors a parent or guardian who has shown exceptional dedication to advocating for the needs of students and families within the school community. The recipient exemplifies Dr. King's ideals of active participation, leadership, and community service. Working to create a supportive environment for all children to thrive. Through their involvement, they inspire other families to engage in the educational process and contribute to building a better future for students. Thank you so much. Our third award, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Advocate for School Services Award goes to Miss Anithia Harris. [Applause] This award honors an educator who works in roles such as special education, ESL, English
010as a second language or school psychology. Our fourth award. This is a very special award, I understand. And I'm going to ask a good friend of mine, Capri Salam, to assist me with this presentation. Why? It happens to be from Helena West Heler, her eighth grade teacher. So, it would be befitting to allow her to do this present as opposed to myself. The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Champion of Student Support Award goes to Miss Artha Jackson. [Applause] this award very special moment. Thank you so much. Thank you. Congratulations. This award celebrates an educational staff member such as a paraprofessional or teachers aid who has gone above and beyond to provide critical support services that help students succeed academically and emotionally. Our next award, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Builder in Education Award goes
011to Kuronda Lo. [Applause] Thank you so much. The next award, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Spirit of Service Award in school operations goes to Miss Tequila [Applause] Mazique. Awesome. Awesome. Our next award, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Service Leadership and Education Award goes to Dr. Chhatel Richardson. [Applause] This award honors a school administrator or educational leader who demonstrated outstanding service leading initiatives that enhance educational access and community support in alignment with Dr. King's vision. Our next award all the way from Studgard, Arkansas, the Studgard School District. The Martin Luther King Jr. Lifelong Service to Student Success Award goes to none other than Mrs. Ivon K. White. [Applause] That award honors a retiring educator or support staff member who has dedicated their career to serving the needs of students, leaving behind a legacy of
012compassion, dedication, and positive impact in the spirit of Dr. King's lifelong service to others. Now, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy of Service to School and Community Award goes to retired Mr. Nelson White from Studgard School District. Please give him a round of applause. That award is awarded to the retired school nurse, administrator, or resource officer who exemplifies service to the school community, ensuring students have a safe, healthy, and supportive environment in which to learn in line with Dr. King's commitment to public service. And finally, our last award for this morning. It is befitting to close with the many years of retirement. Let me start with that. We're we're going to say 57 years of service and education. All right. 57 years of service and education. Let's just give that a round of applause.
013I would like to close by stating and giving the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award in education to Miss Leetta Lewis retired 57 years service in education. Her education career started in 1963. Guys, this award recognizes schools operations personnel including cafeteria transport. You see she [Applause] walks. Congratulations, Miss Letta Lewis, for all and thank you for the wonderful 57 years of educating our [Applause] youth. I would just like to close by saying congratulations to our honores. Thank you uh to Secretary Oliva. Uh thank you so much Miss Mary Perry. Uh thank you so much Miss Salam. Um, you know, the board of education, thank you for this opportunity. We appreciate you so much, our board chair. I yield the floor back to our board chair, Dr. Moore. Thank you so much. Get everybody.
014Real quick, I am going to kind of remove the kind of move the podium to the side and I ask that our awardees come to the front and in the podium we can take take a picture um real briefly. Thank you so much. That's a good idea. Okay. Yeah. Thank you for your service. Kevin, can you get us ready? Everybody say education. You're beautiful. I got you. I got it. Yes, I believe. [Music] Sorry. I'm not [Music] That's the same. She's She is super [Applause] Okay, we are getting back together. We have a few great things to celebrate and share out today. Miss Sarasini, I'm going to kick it to you to introduce some guests today. department to meet some really great individuals uh that are educators from another country, Taiwan. So, we have some
015really important guests this morning. And the first one I'm going to talk about is Yavon Shao. And of course, I had to really practice last night for this. and uh she is their economic and cultural office in Houston and she is our liaison between the United States and Taiwan. And so it's exciting to have her here. She had she is their deputy director which would be similar to ours. And then our second special guest is Andrea Shu Yang Yang. and we're so excited to have her as well. And again, she's with that ministry of education in Taiwan, but she is at um the council in Houston. And then our last special guest with us today is he this is the easy one, Josh Lynn. That's what I told him that you're the only name I
016didn't really have to practice. And again he is with the ministry of uh foreign affairs and so with and would you guys like to say anything to our again I have explained that you're our state board of education appointed by our governor and secretary leiva is our leader and so would you like to speak? Okay. Uh first of all, thank you so much for giving us such opportunity to be here and as we know um state of Arkansas and Taiwan, we all very emphasize on the importance of education and since 2006 we have aou on the education cooperation so that we can provide your need on the mand learning and also on various kinds and right now we are hoping to see more students from Taiwan coming to Arkansas and also having your students study
017abroad in Taiwan. I think no matter from K24 for the higher education, we open our arms for further cooperation. Thank you again for inviting me here. Thank you. [Applause] And we I would be without remiss to uh Shane Broadway from the Arkansas State University systems are making sure that they made it here and attended and I know they have been visiting across the state. Anything else either one of you like to say? Uh good morning uh Secretary Oliva and the whole board. Uh great pleasure to be here. I believe I'm the very first one to be able to be here since the signing ofou in uh 2006 and for this year we would like to renew the partnership with your great department of education and to further strengthening uh future collaboration and also I would
018like to um uh on behalf of ministry of education to extend our uh warm invitation to secretary Oliva to consider the possibility to visit Taiwan this year. Thank you. [Applause] Yes, we'll be there. I do want to say we did have one someone from my office uh Andy Sullivan, one of my directors went to Taiwan along with one of our superintendent uh and it was the superintendent from um Van Beern coat Harold Jeffcoat. So, we did have two representatives and they came back with just lots of wonderful things to say. And Josh, would you like to say anything? Um, hello everyone. Uh, my name is Josh. So, I'm actually a visa officer from from Tiko. So, you if you are all going to Taiwan, you have to come to me first and I I will
019guarantee you your visa is already passed. Yeah. Thank you. At this time, I would like for our deputy commissioner to come up and we're going to give some gifts to our special special uh guest this morning. That was not that was extra special. You can set the nail. Thank you so much. I had to come back to when I got to it was Thank [Applause] It might be longer. [Music] Okay. I haven't been up here in a while. Are you ready to Sure. We will continue celebrating awesome things this morning. We have Dr. Tiffany Pride to introduce us to two amazing students from here in Arkansas. Well, good morning. Tiffany Pride, assistant commissioner of learning services, and I am here to uh present our delegates for the United States Senate Youth Program. So, Senate Resolution
020324 established the United States Senate Youth Program. Some of us abbreviate that with USSP. It has been sponsored by the Senate and funded by the Hurst Foundation since its inception in 1962. The focus of United States Senate Youth Program is to increase young Americans understanding of the inter relationships among the three branches of government. Learn the qualifications and duties of nationally elected and appointed officials and it emphasizes the vital importance of the democratic decision-making for America and people worldwide. Our two delegates joined Senator John Boseman and Senator Tom Cotton in representing Arkansas in the 63rd annual USSY USSP in Washington week held March 1st through the 8th, 2025. They were selected from among the state's top student leaders to be part of the National Student Delegation. Each delegate will also receive a $10,000 college scholarship
021for undergraduate study. We want to recognize our states 20 uh 24 United States Senate Youth Program delegates, Mr. Landon Corsy of Alma and Miss Pera Kota Condola of Bentonville. Did I get it? All right. I've been back there practicing. All right. All right. And I'm just going to read a little bit about them um so that you know why they were worthy of to be our delegates. So Landon is a senior at Amlma High School. He has achieved numerous honors and positions. He's the student council co-president. Um Senate page for Senator John Boseman. Uh Alma High School National Honor Societ Society member. Um he's a school model UN president. um Alma High School Chamber choir and dance team member. Um he is the is it Jesus United? I don't know if I said that right.
022Well, he he's also in some some clubs and um the College Board. I don't know what the name is. I'm going to move it on. College Board National Rural and Smalltown Recognition Award and our Arkansas Governor Schools nominee Arkansas Governor School and our nominee in social sciences, mathematics, and language arts. Landon intends to pursue college studies in communication, specifically focusing on political communication. He will be attending the honors college at the University of Arkansas. So, let's give him a round of applause. I'm going to read about Prairina and her accomplishments and then I'll give them an opportunity to speak a little bit. She's a senior at Bentonville High School. She's attained numerous honors and positions as well. So um just to name a few people for urban and rural education youth Bentonville the director um
023she Senator John Boseman's congressional youth cabinet district 3A group leader Bentonville school district Ignite law and policy program student and the superintendent student advisory board um Bentonville's high school speech and debate team captain Arkansas girl state delegate and president prompor proempor of the senate Bentonville High School Key Club vice president. Um, she's also Hugh O'Brien Youth Leadership Club Communication Director, Bentonville High School National Honor Society and Spanish National Honors Society member, Bentonville's Mayor's Youth Council Member, Advanced Placement Capstone Diploma candidate, advanced placement scholar and distinct with distinction, the Arkansas Seal of Biiteracy recipient, um, prayer plans to study political science or public policy in college and pursue pursue a career in government, focusing on domestic policy. Having applied and been accepted by multiple prestigious colleges and univers universities, she's considering her options to attend the
024post-secondary institution that best aligns with her career aspirations. She's taking her time. We are delighted to present and honor today our two delegates uh for Arkansas. And they're each going to have a little bit of um they're going to share a little bit of their experience in Washington. [Applause] Hi, thank you for having us. Um, you know, I could go on for probably hours, but I won't. Um, because one thing that just stuck out to me from this week was, um, just kind of the civility and the dynamic between the delegates. Um, you know, we all came from different states. There's 104 of us. So, um, DoD schools abroad and then also Washington DC delegates. And so we all come from different backgrounds, experiences, um definitely different political opinions, and by the end of that
025week, we were able to actually listen to and understand each other's views and actually find common ground to find real solutions, which is what we were there to do. We were there to grow as leaders. And so, um, it really stuck out to me that in a in a time in America when we're so polarized, we're so divided, um, our future leaders were actually very open-minded and actually very, um, able to speak openly with each other and find real solutions to real issues because we were wanting to help the people that we love and the communities that we love. And so, um, that just really stuck out to me. It was really encouraging to me, um, to know that, you know, our future leaders in the medical field and government, senators, cabinet members, maybe a
026future president. We haven't had one yet, but maybe. Um, um, are actually willing to bridge the political divide. Um, and so that was probably the most important thing that I took away from this. I mean, I could talk about speaking with Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, all those things, but I'll let Print go. [Applause] Um, like Landon said, thank you for having us today. Um, it was a great honor for the both of us to be a part of Washington Week. Like Landon said, there's 104 delegates from across the country and the world really. And it was just the most amazing experience because each of us, I want to say each of our journeys were just a culmination of everything that this country was built upon. justice, equality, democracy, freedom, and we took the
027time to listen to each other's stories because we wanted to be a part of the next generation of leaders. And that's what we were. We were change makers. We came from different backgrounds, um, different paths, different walks of life, but reaching across the aisle, like Lynon said, to bridge the political divide was the main goal for us throughout the week. Um, something that really stuck with me personally was what Justice Brett Kavanaaugh told us in the Supreme Court and that was to live on the east side of the mountain. It's the sunrise side, not the sunset side to see the day that is coming and not the day that is gone. And so I think that each of us plan to do that in our future journeys uh political or not. Uh we have 104
028delegates with numerous um things that they are interested in. But I think that each of us are willing to look past um all the things that we've done just maybe wrong or not, but look to the future to um do the things that we want to do for the country and the people we want to help. And that was the greatest thing that I took away from the week. So thank you. [Applause] Yeah, I want to acknowledge also their um school staffs that are here with them. We have the principal from Alma and the middle school principal from Alma. And then we also have um from Bentonville, Dr. Morrow. And then the families are here as well. So if we can take a picture with them and invite the families up also with a picture.
029So real quick, I think before we take the picture, and I don't know if any other board members would like to make a comment, but just first thank you for representing Arkansas the way you've carried yourself and made us all very proud. And um I always say behind wonderful scholars there's a wonderful network. So I'm glad we were able to recognize the schools and the parents that um prioritize making sure they open up all the doors for prosperity for you. But I will tell you your futures are so bright and I love that kind of notion of being on the east side of the mountain. So as you're looking at that sunrise, just know we're always looking for great teachers to fill our classrooms and going into education. It will be a wonderful career path
030for each and every single one of you. Absolutely. Thank you both for taking the time to come in today, too. We have so much to learn from you all. I wish you could speak for hours because it's but it it's just so refreshing to see students like you to see you here and sharing your voice here in Arkansas and in DC as well. So, thank you for doing that. We are going to take a picture with you all if you don't mind. I think the opport Congratulations. Excuse me. One, two, three. The whole network, two, two, and Thank you for being here. [Music] You're good. Let me line it back up just a little bit this way. [Music] That was awesome. It's awesome to hear from students and can't wait to see. I always want
031I wish they could come back in a few years and and tell us what they're up to to follow such amazing people. With that, we have more good news. Um Ross White, glad to see you here today and hear some about Well, good morning. Probably be proud this year. Ross White, director for the division of career and technical education. So, I'm going to share real quickly about draft day and then we have a minute and 40 second video that I'm going to let you all see. Um, let me pull that up. Sorry. So, in partnership with B Pro Be Proud and the Arkansas State Chamber, the department has partnered with um BR Probe Proud for the past four years in what we call draft day. So, we're on our fourth annual draft day event for
032high school students across the state. So, for the 2025 draft day, um we've currently are hosting nine different events across the state with the goal of building tomorrow's workforce and taking students from high school to success ready pathways. Um, Be Pro, Be Proud's draft events match our regional employers with graduating seniors for in-person interviews while providing career exploration for our underclassmen. Um, to date this year, this spring, we have hosted a draft day in Jonesboro, Mountain Home, Monaceel, Fort Smith, Springdale, Russellville, Stutgart, Little Rock today, happening right now, and then El Dredo on April 29th. Um, as of the first eight events that we've hosted so far, we've had 5,345 students participate with 1,044 of those being seniors who completed a face-to-face interview with an employer in the state of Arkansas. Of those, 134 were
033hired on the spot um that day, left with a job offer that day. Um, and then in addition to that, a number we can't even tell you right now. Um, that were offered a second interview, told to go fill out an application. And that's the part I kind of remind you like they haven't applied for a job at this point. They're coming in, the employer knows kind of what they're going to see, but otherwise they haven't actually applied for a job with them. Um, so the Little Rock event is happening today. I know you all have a very full schedule today. However, if you just find some free time, um it's happening at the Arkansas Virtual Academy, um at 717th West 7th Street, right across from Bluec Cross Blue Shield building. Um you are welcome
034to stop by. Also, I will add if April 29th, you're looking for something to do and want to go to El Dredo, you're always welcome to attend that last event we have. Um but we can expect this to continue. Like I said, we are in our um fourth year of doing this. Year one, we started with one in Jonesboro. Um year two, we went to three. Last year, we went to five. This year we went to nine. Um it continues to grow and it's a great opportunity for our seniors and our underassmen to get that exposure and a great partnership. Um so wanted to make sure you're all aware of it, invite you today if you have time or April 29th and we'll make sure you have the details of that in your email. And
035then here's a little promo video they made from last year's draft day for those of you that might not be familiar with it. Um and we just want to celebrate this opportunity um as it goes forward. So thank you [Music] Be proper proud exposes our students to skilled traits that they may not know existed. We are leaving with 60 students who are excited for their next chapter. We invest in BRO be proud because we believe in in in its mission of pushing the trades as a as a true career choice. And so for us, as long as we can see that this mission that Be Pro be proud has to introduce these trades to young people and show them a a pathway that usually doesn't require any debt and that you can earn while you
036learn in many cases with these great companies that are here today. It is so important to expose students to programs like Be Pro, Be Proud because our job market is rapidly changing. By the time you graduate high school, there going to be jobs out there that don't even exist right now. I think that's that important factor of helping students pivot and be mobile in a modern global workforce. It's important to expose organizations like Be Proby Proud to students because it's showcasing trades and amazing opportunities for students while they're in high school and showing across Arkansas how they can make this a reality. What better way to see what the workforce is going to have to offer in the next 3 to 5 years than to interact with these students while they're here. So it gives
037us that facetime with the potential employers so that we know as adults the opportunities that we need to make our students aware of and also opportunities that we can steer them towards. Be proud is an organization that's connecting us with students that are qualified for these roles. We're really excited for the connections that we're making and we can't wait to see where these move forward. Thank you all. Thank you for the support. And if if you have any questions, I'll take it. But I think we're probably awesome. I hope today goes well. Yep. Um for many students out there. Okay. Thank you all. Oh yes, sir. Do these students have any preparation for interviews? Great question. So that is actually the biggest part of our partnership with the department. So we have 128 career coaches
038across the state that are employed. Um and so what we've done the past two years is connect them into the training piece. And so when this first started, uh they were contracting out people to go into the schools and work with students who were preparing for the interviews. Now we are using our career coaches within our districts to train um from the employers what they're looking for, what their needs are, and they train the students into their resume development. Uh they kind of submit a pre-application for just awareness of what they are and then work with the students on interviewing skills, you know, dress for success and the other pieces that go along in that process. Ross, can you speak on a little bit about the uh relationships with the two-year universities and technical facilities.
039Yes. And so, you know, that's been a another really important part is for us, our students to have a full understanding of what's available there. Um so, all of our two-year co um public institutions have all been actively engaged in this. Um they are all there, as you could see, some of the people that were interviewed were from two-year colleges. Um and then all of our secondary career centers um that exists across the state being actively engaged as well to create those partnerships between business employer and the their education entity that exists. And it's really grown that partnership on a grander scale and then somehow the state chamber has that magic when they call employers will show up a lot easier than anybody else calling. And so uh you know the sheer number just of
040engagement that is there has been very impressive um as we continue to grow further and further. Thank you. That's awesome. And thank you for taking the time to share that with us today. Great. Well, we've had a full hour. We've heard a lot of things and honestly, I think that hour could have gone for a long time because we had so much wisdom here in this room, but we do have an agenda item agenda to get to. Are there any I don't believe there's any changes to the agenda. So, let's start on action item one, consideration for the approval of the Office of Early Childhood. Miss Williams, thanks for coming in today. Good morning board members and thank you for allowing us to do this today. Um I want to start with I think last
041time we brought the ABC um slots or seats to you all for approval. This is the contracts. These are professional services that we provide to the field of early care and education. I want to acknowledge I didn't do very well at this last time but I want to acknowledge Lori Bridges and her team uh because they have been in a really heavy lift not just with this work but with class pilot implementation as a part of the learns act. They're looking at high quality instructional materials um and curriculum for early childhood. So there's a lot happening in addition to this. These are the professional services that we provide to really all of our licensed care and education. I think previously you all have seen just Arkansas better chance. So this represents the childcare development block
042grant. So just a couple of comments about these. The ABC side of the house is about 4% of that budget and some of those are legislatively required. There's a requirement for a longitudinal study. There's a requirement for child assessment to be in that. So that in that's included in these for the childcare development block grant. it represents 9% which is the minimum amount that the state can do for quality that's federally required. So there are some federal specific trainings required that are included. What I will say is that the vendors that we use are not required. We can use a variety of vendors. Most of our vendors are institutions of higher ed in our state as well as education co-ops and other partners. Um, this year we have aligned the work with the learns act.
043We have really spent time, Lor's team, with making sure that it aligns with everything that we're trying to do to support quality early learning and education. We've reduced some of the vendors and we're phasing those out over a period of time. For example, as we move into this class full implementation, we will no longer potentially use the environment rating scale. and that contract would go away um and we would move it into the class tool that we're currently piloting. So, we did make some edits. We did reduce our non-renew um we reduced one in ABC because the utilization wasn't there but it was in it for child care. Um this represents about 8 180,000 children that the programs have capacity for. So between ABC and regular child care um and our federal childare programs, these
044support the learning for all the teachers in those programs. So with that, I'll stop. Um I also want to just always acknowledge our our board member, Miss Lee Kener, but the early learning committee reviewed these last month and we had a really great meeting and they were very much in favor I think. So I'll she has any comments on that, I'll let her speak to that, but I just wanted to acknowledge her work. Thank you. So, I'm I'm just gonna add and say thank you to Lori and Tanya, too, because when when we wanted to reimagine educational opportunities in the state with the passage of um the learns bill, organizing and making sure that kids come to school ready for kindergarten was a big priority, which meant we had to reook at how we're supporting
045free school, high quality child care options. This has been a monumental lift to get to this point where we're unified and coordinate coordinated with one vision and the establishment of the local leads and the support and the work they do. So, I I don't I always want to just kind of highlight how big of a deal that is because now we have representation. Um I think in every county, right, with all the three cohorts where we work directly with experts that know their community and they provide direct support with the local providers because some some of these um providers could be schools, but some of them can be small momand pop type opportunities and they they need to make sure that they have access to resources and tools. So this is a big lift. But
046Batana mentioned something about the pilot that Lori was help leading around class observation tool and how we're looking at defining quality. And I I I I don't want to put you on the spot or learn on the spot, but just take like a few minutes to make sure the board understands why is this a gamecher and this a big investment that we've made because um it it's really elevating that expectation and making sure that when students are coming to us in kindergarten, they're ready to learn. And I think we all know there's a pretty strong correlation between kindergarten readiness and third grade reading proficiency. So, the more we can invest in early learning to let lay that foundation, um it it is such it is such worth the investment and we're going to see huge
047huge payoffs with this works. I I don't want to put you on the spot, but I think it's important for everybody to make sure they understand why this is a big deal. Yeah. No, thank you, Secretary Lee. I really appreciate the opportunity. You know, I will use it as someone who's been in this work for over 20 years. I would compare it to the previous tool or the current tool that we use. The environment rating scale really looks at the environment. It looks at a whole list of things that are are important to early learning. They're not unimportant. The class tool really gets focused on what is happening in that classroom with the teacher, the instructional things that are happening, the relationship between that teacher and child. Um it just gets very focused. And when
048you look at all the research about outcomes for children in early childhood, those that the the relationship and the um curriculum are the two the implementation of high quality curriculum are the two most important indicators of quality. And I think we're just shifting from a a really great baseline foundation that we've established to focusing. And I think we're so ready to make that shift in our state. And people have asked me like, what do you think is going to happen? I think our programs are going to do really well because they've been prepared and they're going to get really focused and whenever they are struggling, we're going to be able to see that, oh, they need more support in instructional support, for example, or they may need more support in their classroom um for what's
049happening with the children, like maybe they need a little help on how do you interact with children? What's what do you know about child development and what's happening with children birth to five? So, I think that's sort of in a nutshell. I don't know if Lori wants to talk about she is really really in the works. So I just want to acknowledge her and the team because the lift to train people to shift gears and to train enough people to be observers to be and it and it is a lift because there are people who have worked in early childhood for many years out there who have taken the class the training for class and then taken the test and not passed it. And it's very disruptive when you think you know something. But it's
050that shift in lens in thinking, oh, it's really focused on this. This is what we're focused on. So, I I think it's a big game changer and I would underscore how important it is for our field and its relationship to children going into kindergarten and K12. Thank you. Board members to my left, questions or comments? To my right, you want to speak and I have some questions after you. Oh, go ahead then. You go first. No, I want you to go first. You might answer my question before. Well, um, first of all, thank you for all the work that you do and thank you as well. Um, the and thank you Secretary Lever for taking a minute to just kind of acknowledge the importance of of certainly the area that is of most interest to
051me. Um, one thing that I do want to say about these professional grants is um, they're not going to look this way next year. So, as the secretary says, we're building a house, right? In K12, the foundation of the house is the standards. and early learning, you need the footings before you get the foundation. And the footings are health and safety, minimum health and safety, which we've been working on. From there, um, we are working on the standards. From there, we'll look into where our teachers are and where we want them to be. And then we'll put out for RFP and sort of rework the professional development grants. Um, of course, I want to rework everything yesterday. That's not um, you know, reasonable. So, um I do ask that we approve these this year with
052the understanding that um we're going to dig into it a lot deeper, have a better understanding of our current workforce and a better understanding of where they need to go and use that to put out RFP for very specifically um targeted professional development. So, it'll look different next year. Thank you. Thank you for that work and thank you as well. I think that did answer some of my questions. Um, I think we've had back and forth over the years of are these professional development grants attached to outcomes? Can you measure them? And if and if so, if not, then let's move that way and think about how we get out money and know that the money is being spent effectively. But I don't I don't think we've seen the CCDF money before. That's all federal
053money. Um, but I appreciate you throwing that in here. And I had a few questions if you don't mind. Sure. I was not aware the Early Childhood Association, they give out scholarships. Is that correct? Yes. So before COVID, we worked to carve out a little bit of money about half a million from the childcare development block grant and to create the teach scholarship in Arkansas. Teach is a national tool that's used. It's a national scholarship model. So it is used in states to award scholarships to people in early childhood for credentials and degrees. Very specific early childhood. Is it for those working in that industry already or for those going into school? those who are working in early childhood birth to f like they could be in a school district but an early childhood program
054in the district not a K12 teacher and for their two-year or four-year degree. That's right. Okay. That's right. And we really want to focus on those degrees that are awarding in early childhood education. So they can certainly get lure in an early childhood area, but it's also two-year degrees that are closely associated with early childhood. So um the national program assesses who can be the entity to implement teach and they were designated as the entity. So that's why we work in partnership with the association. Dr. Moore and do you do you have an understanding is all that money going out every year? I mean are they able to award it all? Great. Yes. So we did up that during COVID with onetime money and so we went from 50 scholarships in 2019 20 to we
055have almost 500 that will start to come down because that funding is done but we will continue our investment with the teach and they also have worked to get other funding philanthropically and outside of the uh state government and office of early childhood. That's great. This is a question I probably should have already answered, but local leads, was any funding going out to those entities? Yeah, that funding is with one-time federal dollars that's through a preschool development grant. We did not include that. This is the last year. That grant was written when we were at DHS and so this is our last year. I don't know what federally is going to happen to that funding, but we are as we're making cuts and edits to make sure as secretary Lee, but we are very invested
056in that both as a result of the learns act, but because of the importance, we will be shifting some of savings to fund local leads. Dr. Moore, the childcare aware, are those selected federally for who? It is in the federal block grant that the state has childcare aware or programs that are designated. I think we'll be looking at how those could tie together, how local leads, some of our local leads are childcare wares and so how that funding can be better utilized if that makes sense. So the investment that we're making in childcare may in fact be the local leads funding for some of those entities. But it is sort of as um Lee mentioned our board member Kener mentioned we will be going into a request for proposals for all of our contracts. Um
057and our timeline is to release that in the fall and make recommendations to the board probably in the winter. So maybe by January of next year we'll be back with what's going to happen in 26 27. all of these. There may be some continued work with these folks, but it could look very different um as we go forward. So, we're really excited. I know that will be a lot of work on you all and your team, but I I hope that that you know, I know it will be fruitful in the end, the right work to be doing. My last question was on the Arkansas Research Center. I didn't realize they're getting almost a million dollars. Is that have they always gotten about a million dollars to do that longitudinal study? Uh I believe they
058have a combination. So they do some work for it that that is specifically in the ABC law for the longitudinal, but we also have we want to see how our children in the federal childare development program are doing. To your point about outcomes, it didn't feel right to be looking at one group and not looking. So we added funding from CCDF to look at CCDF children as well to include them in that work to assess how they're doing as they're going. What does that report do? uh we get an annual report so we could bring that back or send it to board members if and have you ever put out for an RFP for the research on we will be that will be a part of this all of these that are on this list
059will be recompeted so we we look forward to entities who are interested in that kind of research in the state really would like for it to stay in our state and build out research in Arkansas but but yeah we will be looking to um rebid that as well or recompete that as well. Okay. Well, thank you for answering my questions. Board members, any other questions? Anything else? Okay. Then the floor will be open for a motion. I'll make a motion that we approve the um Office of Early Childhood Professional Services Grant for uh fiscal year 26. There's a motion by Miss Keener. Is there a second? Second. A second. Um, any questions or comments? Okay. All in favor say I. I. I. Any against? Motion passes. Thank you. Thank you, board members. Okay. Next, before
060item number two, it's come to my attention that we have Senator Alan Clark who would like to receive public comment. It is I have the ability because you are a senator my understanding to give you three minutes now um as you're not able to there is no public comment during this hearing and so your time now I know your time is very busy um and I know you need to get back up the hill. Thank you. Yeah, state agency members are texting me now asking where I'm at. Uh I understand that. Thank you all for your service. Uh being on any uh school board uh whatever the name of it may be is always a thankless job. A lot more criticism than praise. The uh I have and I've said this for 12 years the
061best group of superintendent school superintendents in the state. I did not expect it to be that way. Uh and um I had one uh colleague ask me one time, do you really believe that? And I or you just saying it. I said, 'N no, I really believe that. And they said, 'Well, I have the worst schools of protection in the state. So, uh but I have been blessed and to have that great group. Uh there for the group overall to be great, there have to be individuals that are truly great. And Nancy Anderson, and I get emotional, apologize ahead of time, is one of those. She puts herself out for kids when other superintendent and other people in general would stay back and take a safer position and say, "I just can't." Um, I've watched
062her do it time after time. She's a maverick. Uh, she doesn't mind carving a path to do what's best. I also Joyce Elliott and I, Senator Joyce Elliot and I laid the foundation uh for a lot of the reading programs that we have now. Uh Bruce Westerman was unsuccessful and they asked me to come after him and I said if Bruce couldn't do it, how in the world would I do it? Uh but Johnny Key became uh the secretary of education was didn't have that name now then and uh he put Dr. Ivy Feifer and Stacy Smith together with us because we thought we would be fighting the whole establishment and I appreciate both of them more than I can tell you. But I learned the most unassuming, wise, talented person, one of the most
063that I've ever met. Uh, and whatever, as those that know me know, I have a mind of my own, I'm a skeptic, but whatever she told me if Dr. Anderson was a stranger to me is what I would do. And I know what she's recommended. And I hope you follow what she said. and because she knows her stuff. Thank you. Thank you, Senator. We appreciate you taking the time. Good luck on the Hill this afternoon. Um with that, we will start the hearing and the hearing um does not have public comment during that point in time. Um Miss James, we welcome you to the podium. Good. Good morning, members of the board. My name is Alicia Price. I'm a attorney for the department. I'm going to go over the procedures really quickly for this BLSB
064hearing. The educator or the educator's attorney, if there is one, will have an opportunity to make a statement to the board for up to 10 minutes. The PLSB may also have up to 10 minutes to testify. Additional time may be granted upon the discretion of the board chair. The board members may ask questions of either party at subsequent review. Do we have any non- attorneys that need to be sworn in? Yes, we can swear on it after the conclusion of this. Um, additionally, for any items that are on the consent agenda at the board's discretion, if anyone is here as a character witness, please hold your comments until called upon by the chairman of the board. You will be speaking for public comment only, and the board will not take action on the comments that
065you provide. Go ahead. Okay. So, those non- attorneys, if you would stand, please. Do you swear the testimony you're about to give is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth? Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, members of the board. My name is Cody Keys. I've been before you, I think, several times before. Um, this one probably a little bit more personal because I know Dr. Anderson well and have worked with her. I've been a I'm a school law attorney primarily helping schools. Been doing this 13 years and I've known her all 13 of those years. Um it's kind of a unique position because as a lawyer I feel like this is an appeal but we're not asking for we didn't ask for this to be reviewed. We accepted the decision of the
066professional licensure standards board hearing uh from January the end of January. We accepted that and then I understand that this was pulled for review. I totally respect that. So I want to leave as much time for your questions because I understand this is you having an opportunity to review the decision of the hearing board. You know, I I Senator Clark and I didn't know his comments till he said it, but you know, it we're here because Dr. Anderson at the request of her board was trying to do something unique, invented, and different. In the summer of 21, we're coming out of COVID. There are 60 plus students who were homeschooled at that time and and all good being homeschooled, but we wanted to probably or we wanted to look at an opportunity to bring them
067into the public school system. And so, this was a unique inventive way to do that. and going out on a limb, Dr. Anderson, at the request of her board. Um, that's why we find ourselves here. And we've been looking at this issue and muddying through it, for lack of a better word, since the summer of 2021. So, really glad to have some closure today. And um hopefully it's as exciting as the what we saw earlier with our presentations. Let me say this. On January 29th, there was a a hearing. Okay? Um, and you have that transcript and I hope you had a chance to digest it because everything that I think you would need to to wade through this is in there. At that hearing, there were four individuals on the panel. A superintendent, a
068teacher representing the A.E.A., Arkansas Education Association, a teacher representing the Arkansas State Teachers Association, and a fourth panel member who was representing higher ed. I say that because I'm in business because of the AEA and ATA because they represent generally labor. Dr. Anderson is generally considered to be on the management side. So, I'm just pointing that out that those were two, I think, really critical members who saw this and and were probably skeptical. They waited through 27 exhibits, seven witnesses, and seven full hours of testimony. We I think went through lunch, didn't we, Miss James? So I say all this I I understand your u responsibility to review this but I do ask you to give deference to that panel under the law because they saw the witnesses. They were able to look at their
069credibility. They saw the exhibits. I was able to walk through the exhibits with them. They heard the testimony and they decided um we actually asked for a private letter of caution. They decided on probation and and speaking with Dr. Anderson, we accepted that because we wanted to put this um we wanted to put this behind us. Couple of high points that are already in the the literature that you have. We were here two years ago, the summer of 20123, the district was placed on an accredited probationary status because of this issue with the AL not properly functioning. Actually, if you read the testimony, Miss Attorney Wagner at the time said it wasn't an AL issue, it was an attendance issue. Um, I say all that because they were put on probationary status and um, Stacy
070Smith at the hearing, if you've read her testimony, she said that everything the district had been asked to do from that probationary status had been accomplished. So, they met everything they were required to do as a district. Everything was corrected. Everything that's been asked by the state, by the board, by the department has been done. So, we're here today on this really thin piece of okay, the district has corrected this, but now do we hold the superintendent accountable? And we believe that the the finding or the recommendation from the the panel is is appropriate and we would ask that you I believe the motion would be motion to affirm or motion to accept that panel's recommendation so we can uh put closure behind us. Dr. Anderson's here. She's still employed. She's still on a contract
071with the Cutter Morning Star School District. who I think is worth a lot. Uh Eddie Slick, a representative of the board, is here. If you have any questions, just to show that she continues to have the support of her board and the support of her district. Without further ado, I'd uh be more than happy to take any questions that you might have. Thank you, Miss Price. Do we do questions now or allow PLSB to go and then do questions? Sorry. She will, but I want to take questions and then she can close out. Okay. Go ahead and uh sorry, defer to Whitney and then we'll do questions. Okay. Thank you. Miss James representing PLSB, you have 10 minutes. Uh Whitney James with the PLSB. Um this case, as you know, involves Dr. Nancy Anderson who
072has been an educator for over 25 years. 12 of those years were a super or a superintendent the cutter Morning Star School District. She came before this board as Mr. Key said in July of 2023 on a standards for accreditation matter regarding improperly recording attendance and this board placed the district on probation. Dr. Anderson stated under oath to this board that this was quote all on her and admitted that her errors cost the district $250,000 I believe was the number she gave at the hearing when her own license was at issue. She backtracked and said that she used the wrong pronoun when she said I when she was here for the standards for accreditation matter. The ethics case does involve a lot more than the standards for accreditation matter. The ethics case involves school choice,
073an unapproved AL program operated in all children's academy, which was a private institution, services provided or not provided to students, falsified attendance, dual enrollment of students in a private school and a public school, and also that private school was faith-based. All of the above led to significant issues for the district and most importantly its students at the hands of the district superintendent Dr. Nancy Anderson. As a superintendent, she said herself to the state board that what happened in this case was her responsibility. She does have a high level of responsibility. She is a 25-year educator and a 12-year superintendent. At the hearing, the PLSB argued for the hearing subcommittee to uphold the ethics subcommittee's recommendation. The ethics hearing subcommittee modified the sanction to probation. I'm happy to answer any questions. Thank you. Thank you, Miss
074James. We now will open up the floor for questions. Okay. Okay. So, I'm going to start with my left board members. Questions of either party? Who'd like to start first? Okay. So, as as the board member who requested the review of uh the the final recommendation from the PLSB, I I expressed last month that it was concerning to me that the original recommendation was a permanent revocation of a license and the final result was probation. And there is a significant disparity between those and um I felt it appropriate for the board to look at what factors could have gone into such a reduction in consequences. Um the record is is rather concerning to me about I guess I'll call it just general management of the program and maybe the district more broadly. Um it'll be
075up to this board to decide, you know, the the level of culpability in that mismanagement. But clearly there were problems in the administration of an AL program that had not been approved by the Department of Education. And then we also have to decide motivations for those. Um one one concern I have Uh, first is the fact that this was presented to Miss Anderson as a program that the Lakeside School District had stopped doing. And so I would I would like to hear from Miss Anderson. What did you do to consult with Lakeside or review why Lakeside stopped doing this similar program u when it was presented to you? Nancy Anderson, superintendent at cutter morning star. So what had happened was my board member asked me um to talk to these people because they were dis
076satisfied with the services that they were getting at Lakeside because those kids were enrolled at Lakeside School District. And again, this was a result of COVID. Those students were enrolled as virtual at Lakeside School District, but the people from the organization was displeased because they were not allowed to be on Lakeside campus. They were not allowed to use their playground. Uh they were not allowed to use um a lot of different resources, but they were Lakeside. They were enrolled as Lakeside students. So, they came to me um well, Mr. Slate came to me and because a board member had reached out to him and they were wanting to partner with the school that um would offer a little bit more support to them. Again, this was all out of COVID. These were students that had
077been home for over a year. they were not attending a school. Um, and they were marked virtual at Lakeside, but yet they were receiving their education from this group of teachers. And so I talked to them. Uh, I did not talk to Lakeside because they were just asking me, could I allow the students to use the gym, use the library, could we provide resources for them? Um this is way out of the norm. I understand that we were trying to do something very inventive. My goal was I believe students need to be in school. I believe they need to be uh getting support from highly qualified teachers and that's what was happening. And I was there just to try to because at that point they were disengaging from the program at Lakeside and they were
078going to have no support. those students were have gonna have no support. They were going to be considered homeschool students, okay? And they were going to go home with absolutely no support from any kind of public entity. So, we had the conversation. We talked about what we could offer, what what their part was. And again, it was it was an effort to get kids back in school after being out of school for over a year. These kids had not attended a public school or any school in over a year. They've been home as a result of co it's it's I I guess so. Um, I'm a I guess it I wish there had been more inquiry on your part as to why Lakeside terminated the program and because I I think that some issues that
079we see today in hindsight might could have been learned in conversations with Lakeside. Um, but I I hear your answer. I feel like from the record that you you were aware that there was something questionable about this setup because you had a conversation with Mike Hernandez at AAA. Correct. And he convinced you through his comments that although it looked odd, it was appropriate for you to do. Is that right? Yes. Based on what he knew at the time. Sure. Can you describe for me what your conversation with Mike Hernandez was and and for before you describe your conversation with him, explain why did you reach out to him to begin? Sure. Um I had was at a conference somewhere and Mr. Cook, superintendent at um Lakeside and Mr. Hernandez was having a conversation that I
080happened just to walk up on and I didn't really hear the conversation but it was in regards to to them being a part with ACA being partners with ACA because they're were right in the middle of their campus and so I just knew that there was a conversation and I you know when I realized they were in a conversation I walked away obviously wasn't going to get in the middle of that so I knew Mr. Mr. Hernandez had full knowledge of what was going on over there. And so, and I have a lot of respect for Mr. Hernandez. And so, when it was brought to me, the the flag was the payment from the parents and then and uh Lakeside getting ADM because they were getting ADM while the parents were paying. Uh those kids
081were enrolled as virtual students. like I was collecting ADM and the parents were paying tuition or some fee to the the organization. So immediately yeah that sounded like that that doesn't sound right and I mean I think you would all agree. So I called Mr. Hernandez because he again was very familiar with it. He was also the superintendent at Hot Springs. So we had worked very closely together in Garland County. And I said, "Tell me about that." And he said, "Nancy, there is nothing illegal about that." And the explanation he gave me was it was just like a a parent or any person that if their child goes to public school and they want the math teacher or math teacher that works at that school to tutor their kid, if they want them to do
082band or have singing piano lessons after school, a parent has a right to spend their money any way they choose. Now, they can't give it to the public school, but they can give it to any individual or any organization to provide any services that they choose. That's their money. That's what he explained to me. So, that explanation leaves me frustrated because that's not at all what the program was at Cutter Morning Star and ACA. My understanding from the record is that the ACA teachers provided Maybe not quite 100% but almost all of the education that these kids received. Is that right? They provided some but we provided the resources. Yes. We provided Chromebooks and and different kinds of curriculum program. But yes. Okay. You provided I'll call it ancillary resources. But when it came to
083instruction, when it came to core instruction uh on on core matters and and every everything every subject, it was delivered by teachers paid paid for by ACA. Correct. Right. So this was not an afterchool this was not anywhere close to an afterchool tutoring program where a parent may pay the math teacher to tutor their kid at five o'clock in the evening. you know, this was pay for all day education. Um, it's actually concerning to me that that the leader of the AE aea would give that type of advice to to a superintendent, but that that's not exactly why we're here. Can I speak to that briefly? You know, what what advice she got or what she knew at Lakeside was only based on a relatively small amount of information. So, again, that's not in the
084record. I think the point would be they relied to I think she may have relied on other people to think okay this may be an idea that we can have and move forward but then when they created the plan that's in the record the ACA plan with with Roger Sharp in collaboration with the district and some conversations with the department that was the plan that said hey what we're going to do and I think that's where the break was because that plan was put in place I think would have been a good plan but for that plan was not followed at cutter thereafter for about a here. So, you know, I don't think it's our position to to place responsibility on anybody else from what we we knew that the that we knew a program
085of some sort was operating at another school. But then that's kind of where the conversation stopped. Something like that might be workable. But then Cutter Morning Star took the program and owned it. And you have that application and reading the application, it I think it would it's a good application. It just it didn't get approved and unfortunately mismanagement at the district. It didn't get followed. Did the application and I read the application. Did it mention that parents would pay tuition to another nonprofit organization? No, that was an entire and they the record doesn't even show that they ever knew what the tuition was. And candidly, I asked her again today and they don't. Well, she knew there would be because she asked on the front end. Yeah, there was a tuition component. The Aea president.
086Yeah. You know, but I'd urge you, Mr. Wood, I don't know where the law forbids that. I know that it looks skeptical, so maybe we need to look at it with a little bit more scrutiny, but you know, the district was getting ADM and they were providing these services. The list was much more exhaustive. I know she's nervous. It was a long exhaustive list of services from school resource officer to library to professional development to curriculum access to gifted and talented sped services were provided. Um, uh, the IEPs, if they called for speech or occupational services, those were provided. But yes, the testimony we know that they were there was some tuition, but we weren't aware of what that was. I know how that can look skeptical and that's part of hey, there was mismanagement,
087but I have not been able to find any particular law or rule that forbid that at the time. I think it just goes to your concern. Well, it looks fishy, so we should have paid more attention. And I don't we're not necessarily disagreeing with that. but didn't we weren't a party the district was not a party to any tu tuition agreement that would have been strictly handled by ACA the nonprofit faith-based group and the parent the only thing we were a party to was enrolling these students in the district where we believed that they were our students and then it was on us to provide the services she looked at the curriculum that ACA had it it was not a faith-based curriculum they're a faith-based organization but the curriculum aligned with state standards but through
088the today there was a faith-based component. Again, I don't that's not forbidden in the law. I know that the the panel took issue with that, but we know now with the education freedom accounts, um we promote being able to use these funds and attend a faith-based school. Let's not let's not try to confuse that though, okay? Because my my frustration, my concern about the ethical nature of this is the fact that the school district was claiming ADM for all of these students while the parents were paying tuition to a nonprofit educational group. I'm going to call it a private school um that was operating in a cutter morning star classroom. And so I I have not looked through the Arkansas code for a violation of the law necessarily, but I in a situation where the
089school district was was not providing the teachers for those kids and was not paying those teachers. I cannot believe that they would feel that it was appropriate for them to claim ADM for those kids regardless of whether they knew what the tuition rates were that were being paid to ACA. That that's the part that really smacks as inappropriate is not providing the heavy load of education but claiming from the state the heavy payment of education for for each of those students and the the mismanagement of the the the attendance records. Um, I I I can't I I I don't sit here and and and say that that she knew or uh that it was that there was malicious intent. I just in reviewing whether ethical violations occurred that that warrant a level of discipline, it
090it is concerning to me that that this was able to operate. I feel like there were flags that were overlooked in some degree. Um, Mr. Wood, but we do concede there were services provided. I mean, the record's clear that there were services from the district being provided to ACA and those aren't free, obviously. And so, but the district has already paid back all the funds. Well, I know, but I think it's important to make sure we're clear on that individuals that run an organization to also be accountable for the mismanagement of that organization even when the organization has suffered consequences as well. That's why we're here. Sure. And and and I think it appropriate. In fact, in fact, I'll take just one second to say there was a little bit of criticism in the record
091of the individuals at AD that brought the complaint. And I actually want to push back against that criticism and just say that I think that it was entirely appropriate for uh those individuals to raise concern about whether there should be individual accountability and just say that there should be more of that inspection of the types of programs that are running around the state. But anyway, with that, I think I've spoken long enough and I'll let other people have questions as well. Felt like I was on the eighth circuit just Mr. Woods. fun. We do have attorneys on our board as well. Um let's see next board members to my left. Anyone else? Miss Ker. Yeah. Um one thing I want to push back on too is um that the learns act it funds faith-based schools
092and absolutely doesn't. I didn't mean to misspeak on that. It allows parents to apply. I totally get that. Correct. My point there was only that there is a mechanism that would allow parents to access private parochial faith-based schools through state funding, a mechanism. And I was just trying to make it akin to that. And I know it absolutely doesn't have a direct flow to the private school. So, can you tell me, Miss Anderson, again, about um why the application uh did not include the faith-based component? You neglected to include that piece in your application. Um, Mr. Sharp, my my uh a sorry, AL director did that. I I had not done those programs descriptions and we were under um uh quite the timeline because, you know, that's why I continue to reach out to Jared
093Hogue because we didn't get that until the 15th and so him meeting I don't know why it wasn't put in there. Um when we Sorry, what did you get the 15th? That's when we got the email. July 15th, we got the email that it had been approved or sorry, what was approved? Yes, that the program had been approved. The I'm sorry, the application the Well, it's called a program for Well, it was for Arch Ford. So, you did not receive an email about a No, but on the top of it, and again, that's I owned that. Um I had submitted we had submitted that late uh not late but right at um March 31st and so when we submitted that when Mr. Sharp got that to me and we submitted it together um I called
094Jared and said because I Mr. Sharp had put it on last year's form and so I called Mr. Hogan said, "Do we need to resubmit that program description?" And he said, "No, that for this year's form's identical to last year's form. It's not a problem." And I So, I wanted to clear that up. And so, I had been speaking to Mr. Hogue very regularly. I'd say every couple of weeks, checking on that, make sure that we had done everything because that was the first time I'd been involved in in a program because Mr. Sharp had been, you know, he does all our program descriptions. he had been in involved in a my a for 10 years from a teacher to a director. Um but anyway and that was again I owned not opening the email
095but please understand where I was I had been on constant communication with Mr. Hogue and Mr. Hogue in our training with um Mr. hope when when the district went on accreditation, he even, you know, said that we fell through the cracks. Cutter Morning Star did. And so when I got the email, because I'd been having so many conversations, is everything okay? Are we going to get this approved or whatever? When he sent it, it said cutter Morning Star AL. And that's why I just assumed it was RA, not Arch Ford. Cutter Morning Star. So you agree that you neglected to open? Yes, ma'am. I I have full taken full responsibility for that. Uh but you know, sorry. Can you tell me about Mr. Sharp? Um when he completes those applications and submits them, did you
096sign off on them? Did you hit submit? Does that tell me how the process for going through the superintendent prior to the application? Because if you're in contact with Mr. Hog, I assume you had some approval of that application. Uh yes, he typically wrote wrote the applications. Um and he had written them before and then you know Arch Ford had been writing all of those and then we all superintendents all have to sign off on them. And why is it important that you sign off on that? So we know that you know we're having a program. I mean I think it's I think it's required that we sign off on them. Because do you know why? Well, yeah. Because you want to know what you're doing in your your program. So you agreed that you
097signed something without knowing what was in it? No. No. We I read over it with him. Mr. sharp and I read over it together. Um, there was a piece in here though about the student paperwork, those that did not qualify that you said, "Well, I wasn't involved in those, but you signed off on it." So, I assume you read and knew since you signed it that those students that did not qualify for AL that you were applying to get money for students that did not qualify. No. No. Because once we got the program, then they do the hold the conferences. Okay. you someone saying so I wouldn't have known that prior to the application. Um so there because there were several students that received a or excuse me that cutter Morning Star received daily funding
098for that did not qualify. Correct? No ma'am. So am I confused on that? No. No ma'am. Can I speak to this? care was I mean there was no the the documentation was not available that's in the record that these AL admission programs which she wouldn't have been involved in and I think that's understandable because superintendents wouldn't be in a program to admit a need a student in need that document was housed by ACA this was fleshed out in the in the hearing that those documents when ACA left were not available right and why weren't they available you tell me more about that their director um got terminated on the first day of the second year Um, and then at that point, um, I didn't seek the documentation cuz we were told we were not an
099AL and those students were not ours. So, because of furer reasons, I didn't I I didn't really have any right to those records. So, I guess what I'm the conclusion I'm coming to here is either incompetence or neglect. And I'm struggling with that because you neglected to open the email to affirm that you were not approve or what what was being approved, I suppose. um you neglected to read things that you signed and submitted to AD. You neglected to follow up on your direct reports and if those things how they were going and neglected to protect the federal education right to privacy of those students. those as far as I can understand those records of evaluations of conferences of very sensitive material is still MIA and there in my opinion is a fura violation there
100um or at least it should be looked into. Um, so I struggle a lot to um I guess I I've lost confidence I suppose and um yeah, go ahead. I understand that. Miss Ker, can I make one point on the entity holding the records? That is not uncommon in a public school system for a student for a public school student of that district to be placed in a third party organization such as a day treatment facility or residential facility or maybe an AL and they would house those records. Um, and that would be appropriate. I get the rub here is we never got those back. Um, what she's saying is we lawfully provided the records to that entity that was providing some educational services. we didn't get them back for reasons outside of her control,
101but yet that's an issue and and we accept that accept that as being an issue here today that would maybe fall on the district. So I struggle with that too because there was no AL to give them to. Correct. You didn't give them to an approved AL because there was no approved AL. So ultimately you were responsible your district for those students records and privacy and information. Correct. That would be correct. They were providing some of the therapies related service, occupational therapy speech. So, they would have been entitled to see the records. But yeah, this whole all unravels because of the praise the Lord email. And if we wouldn't have got to that point, this would have never happened. We understand that. Or if she'd read it perhaps before she signed it. Well, I think
102the application she participated in and signed, that's what I was telling with Mr. Wood. It's a good application. It was the failure to follow the application afterwards. So, if we look at the application, okay, it looks good. Now Jared Hog and his department may still not have approved it, but if you look at the application, it looks good. If you would have followed the application under the assumption that it was approved, I think things would have been a lot better. The breakdown was after we started this AL in August of 2021, parts of that were not followed. And she's never she took responsibility, but there is another individual in between here. You know, she's not the AL director. We're not putting shade on still the superintendent's responsibility. The question is does that rise to a
103level where we take action against a license? And that's the that's the the issue we have is we've accepted she's accepted responsibility and that probation is a suitable remedy public probation and not something that would rise to her losing her teach her license which would therefore not allow her to remain employed. And who is Mr. Sharps? Is he your direct report or excuse me, was he your direct report at the time? Uh, at that time? Yes. Okay, I'm gonna go and pass and think a little bit. Board members, Dr. Arnold, question. Well, I'm glad we're all lifelong learners because I'm still learning. Um, this is my fifth meeting and I'm read the testimony and trying to assimilate all that's being talked about now. So, I don't have a specific question. And I do have a
104comment or two, but I think what I would like to do is learn a little bit more from the questions of my colleagues before I make comment. And uh so I yield. Thank you, Dr. Arnold. We'll come back to you. Yeah, I just have a couple of questions. Um one is about that darn email. So it arrived in your mailbox and you forwarded it. Oh, you didn't read it. You saw the subject line or whatever and then you forwarded it. Is that correct? Who did you forward it to? Miss Fab. Okay. Because she Okay. Well, she uh was my assistant. Uh she took care of all my federal programs and she was um helping assist with the AL. And so she she served really like an assistant superintendent, but not with that title. And so
105she had also been involved in from the beginning. and she actually knew that I'd been talking to um Mr. Hogue about that and so yes, I forwarded it to her. Okay. And so then I guess my question might be to you then uh did you open the email? Um I did not open the email and I want to clarify at the time I was the elementary principal not her assistant. That was the year after that. Um, but I did not I knew she was anxiously awaiting for the uh either acceptance or rejection of the AL program from the department. And so when she sent it with praise the Lord, I assumed that she had read it and that we had gotten the approval. Um, and I will say um that we never received a rejection
106or denial of the AL application from the department. And so this was the only one that we received and this is the one that um Dr. Anderson was looking for. And so the assumption was that it was on the AY with um ACA. I just assumed since she that's the one we were looking for when she forwarded it to me. I I assumed that she had read it just said, "Praise the Lord." And I was like, "Yay, great. We're good to move on." But had I mean, was the email in our materials? I looked it all over and did not find it. But it it was very specific to say what was I mean what did it it was about Arch Fort. I mean it was clearly said Archport. My recollection is that it was
107the approval for Arch Ford but it was an attachment. Can I speak to this? I'm reading it. Please. Good afternoon. Please find attach the approval of your submitted alternative education program description. Period. Let us know if you have any if we can assist you in any way. Period. Jared that didn't reference arch. Okay. Now, one other question. Uh, and it is related to the lure of the teachers at ACA. They were licensed or no? Okay. Board members questions. Mr. Henderson. I guess this one is pretty tough for me because obviously uh during the timeline we were at unprecedented times with co um there was several mistakes made. I think it comes down to two things. Um you know were they willful or were they circumstantial? And um looking at the number of mistakes obviously everything
108has check and balances. Um so I guess my question would be how many other employees had the opportunity to c catch or capture some of the mistakes other than you? Well, I guess it would depend on which which ones um that happened. So, we're a very small district, so we're very very limited uh with eyes and hands on that. Um but is we did I did not know about the attendance. I I do nothing with attendance for an example, but um and the attendance was being taken at at the um AL. it had just not made it from there to the person that puts it in um einance or e- school and so that person could have asked for it sooner but so that would been one person I guess um the principal I guess
109could have asked but I think she did ask for it and it was supposed to be coming it just didn't get down before we were monitored but we had all the attendance and it was 100% corrected as soon as it was brought to my attention right that very next day it was corrected because ACA had been taking attendance. They just hadn't gotten it down to the elementary building. So, um but once I was notified of that, it happened the very next day. It was corrected. I don't know if that answered your question, but Okay. In your uh 25 years of employment, um have you ever I don't know if I can ask this question. And have you ever had any instances or cases where you experienced things like this? Never. I have had um wonderful
110evaluations. I've always been renewed. I've received numerous awards and I hate to say that because that was kind of played against me. Um but I, you know, I was a first year COVID superintendent. We were doing everything we could to educate kids, you know. Uh when when COVID started, we were told to send them home with packets and do this and do that. Don't teach them anything new, review. Then we had a bunch of kids that didn't come back to school. And this was again, this was all an effort out of just trying my best to do what's right for kids. That's my heart. I've never been I've never even had a I mean, my audits are good. I've never had anything like this happen. Never been reprimanded, never had a bad evaluation, never had
111to stand in front of the state board, um, never had to go in front of legislative audit. No, sir. I I I am a rule follower. I do what I know is best. I try really I work really hard. I work about 80 hours a week and my board would tell you that. Um, and I've never been in trouble. this was out of my my will my wellbox, you know, and I just did the best I could because my heart's for kids and doing what's best for kids. And I did stand up and take responsibility for it as the superintendent and then that was kind of used against me as well. But as a superintendent, we're taught this. We're taught when something in your district goes bad, it's me. when something in your district goes
112well, it's we. That's the way we're taught. And so I stay up in front of you and say I take responsibility and I did. But then I I I don't even know how to put attendance in. I'm sorry. That's I don't put attend I've never put attendance in a system. Okay. Um I've not ran an L A. I had somebody that did that. He'd been doing it for 10 years. So, I trusted my people were doing what they were supposed to be doing because I've never had an issue before. Mr. Greg, it's more for the department. A question. Um, the first committee did the investigation and came up with a revocation of license. Then the second committee came up with a did an investigation and came up with a probation. Is there a difference in
113the level of investigations between those two committees? There were not two investigations. The evidentiary hearing subcommittee read the investigation and the exhibit submitted by both parties and heard testimony. So there weren't two investigations. So I guess I'm just wondering what the second committee saw or didn't see that the first committee did. So when it comes time if it if you would like I have the rationale from both Carly department I think you need to understand when we have the first committee of subcommittee it is report only they are making their um whatever section they based on a report. The evidentiary hearing I just want to clarify between the two evidentiary hearing is actually when both parties bring in witnesses. So it's more indepth the investigation's one but the first one is made only on the
114report. The evidential hearing is the second one. That's the second they decide not they what the first one says. There is no hearing. The actual educator has to ask for that. And then once it gets to that part, then there is a full hearing for both sides. I just want to make sure that you know the process. Okay. Thank you. And can you speak to I'm just but in because we're talking about that process the the people on those panels. Is is it a different set of individuals each time? Yes, we do it so that it is two different bodies. So we have a subcommittee off out of the full PLSB board. Okay. And in our law and in our rules, it states who so that we have not more teachers than administrators that it's
115just absolutely uh balanced. Thanks. And then we go to that evidentiary hearing and then that's where it opens up and um those evidentiary hearings sometimes it's a lot harder to get people to sit on those because it is a whole day or two days and so that's where it's appointed. Okay. Yes. And those members are either full board members that have volunteered to be on the ethics hearing subcommittee or they are people that work in education in some other capacity. However, the full board appoints those members. Yes. It's just like I was at the department and then I went back to a district and I sit on that. So we make sure that those people are very versed in the process. Oh, actually can I I'm going to take a point of privilege there. So,
116I didn't realize that. So, those people who might hear the evidentary hearing, they're not on the PLSB panel as appointed by us. If they volunteer to be on it and they're approved by the full board, they are, but then the full board can also appoint other people who work in education. It's typically people who work in education in some capacity to be on that in that poll. But so, I mean, we appoint the members of the PLSB. We give them the authority to find other people to come in to do these hearings. I can't believe in seven years I never knew this. This is how it's always been. It's always So could they ask me to do it? I mean could they could who? And that's okay. An educator. It has to be an educator.
117So someone with a how is that defined? Someone with a license. Okay. And it's a group of how many people on the evidentary hearing on the It has to be we four is a quorum. It could be four to six. Yes. So, how many of those people on this evidence you're hearing were actually on the PLSP panel? All four. No, there there were uh Kamika Thompson and Wendy Pier are on the full PLSB, but then um Sunny Styles Foster and um I'm trying to Joe Fischer are not on the full board. Joe Fisher was he's a former full board. Okay. Okay. Sorry. I totally did. I I've never understood this. Okay. Sorry. Continue. Mr. Brag questioning. One thing too that Senator Bragg let you know that in that first recommendation that comes out of the
118report only the educator neither the educator nor the attorney are part of that. Miss James who I highly admire. She did a great job but she is the prosecutor. I believe she is in the room. So just just consider that. I don't know if the most due process is provided to the employee who doesn't even have an opportunity to attend. I think that may be a large the reason why there's a discrepancy. You get in the room, you're not hearing from the educator, you're not hearing from the witnesses. The evidentiary hearing, I think, is a much better litness test or temperature because of the due process that was provided us. I give you a compliment and knock you down. Thank you, Mr. Rag, for letting me jump in. More questions for you. Okay, Miss Woods.
119I don't think I have a question or a comment that hasn't already been asked, but I would ask Dr. Arnold to put you on the spot and you can say no. You're the only one on this board that's been a superintendent granted in a different capacity. On the line between I think we said incompetence and negligence words understanding human nature, understanding this role, what level do you think is is appropriate and then what would you say is sort of just gross? Well, that's certainly the spot. Thank you very much. And I was hoping Mr. would would be able to join us because I wanted to have a comment or two in the presence of all. Um, thank you for your questions so that I could learn from them and for uh the uh annotations that
120you all have provided today. Three words come to mind in in in this case for me accountability uh polarity and complexity. So accountability from the sector that I'm most familiar with in the nonpublic schools. Um this would have we had to refer back to what attorney keys said at the very beginning at the request of the board. That's a powerful statement for me. Uh there's ultimate accountability for each individual along this chain this long chain of people touching the case. But boards have a lot of responsibility and I just wanted to underscore that our concern for their judgment's been muted. Uh perhaps it's out of our purview, but I would think that the the board would have been more alert to the the details of this case. Uh and then in uh again in in
121the world that I'm most familiar with, it probably would have led to a non-renewal of contract, a termination at most, but lens sure would not have been in the crosshairs. Employment would have been in this case. Um and then polarity, as Mr. Wood pointed out, wow, what a what a spectrum, you know, what a pendulum swing, you know, of revocation to probation. And that's elucidated a little bit by this knowledge that the two different hearing uh panels were of different populations. So that that played into that, I'm sure. Um and then that leads to the uh complexity issue of the the sanctioning guidelines that we have from the PLSB of course don't have this specific case in mind. it's not its own line item uh because of the variables and the multiple facets. So you
122have to look at each maybe breakdown of the case versus the sanctioning guidelines that are before us and they they lean into the um lesser of the penalties. They lean into the probation and away from the revocation. H however my fourth comment which doesn't have a special word is um and I don't mean it to be summitative any way but for me in my comments it would be that there would be there should be a a layer of concern or a layer of consequence here that isn't either extreme but that is customized for this very singular custom incident. Yes, Mr. Yeah. One more question for the department. If someone's on probation, what constitutes a violation of the probation? Is it just referred to these specific incidents or is it broader than that? We don't really
123have a violation of probation. if they had another ethics complaint that came in the ethics subcommittee and if they went to a hearing they they would see that they were already on probation. We have had a case that came before you recently where someone was on probation and ended up doing something similar and the sanction was increased. Okay. Thank you. I'm gonna ask Miss Rollins on Zoom questions. Okay, thank you. Are there board members questions? Can you remind us what the current recommendation is like in the full is there the recommendation of the ethics subcommittee was permanent revocation and a $500 fine. The recommendation of the ethics hearing subcommittee was probation and there were a number of trainings that were also recommended and I believe it was a $250. Yes, a $250 fine probation of
124one year. A number of trainings and written reflections. Quarterly I don't see quarterly reports on here. Oh man. So just a one time written reflection. Um written reflections on each training due on each training. Got it? Yes ma'am. Uh for approval one year from the date of the state board order. Thank you. M I don't believe there are closing remarks are there. Okay. So the floor is open for questions, comments or for a motion at whatever point in time we get there. I'll make a comment and this is the part I hate. Um, for some reason I took this gig and we have to do stuff like this. I I think that there was too much there to ignore it. But I will say there is not enough there to justify the permanent revocation that
125the original recommendation was. I believe it should be somewhere in the middle. I as as one of nine up here do do not wish to do your career harm or uh jeopardize the ability of your school district to continue employing you if that is their desire. The local board wants to do that then then so be it. I do think that there should be something more, slightly more than probation that would send a message to clean up the house to have to demonstrate the importance of getting things in order and to send a message to other superintendent around the state that mismanagement, mismanagement to this degree cannot be overlooked and just almost swept under the rug. My position would be a a 30-day suspension of her license so that she can resume her position if
126her school district wishes to do so. And minimal interruption Now, the process to make a motion here. So, that's a good motion because we have a three-fold process to make our motion. Miss James, do you want to walk through or let's do this. Does anyone else want to make a comment on that or another comment at this point in time? Then let's as the former superintendent in case I wasn't understood the first time that that would gel, Mr. Wood's comments would gel with mine. And I'm going to agree with with the earlier comment simply because you know as you go through the u the rubric yeah the sanction I mean there are so many things in play here. I mean it's just they don't stand alone and at some point isn't there some kind of
127compounding situation and aggravating situation and that's where I feel like we are. I like this kind of where at least what you suggested that there is a clear message um to the entire state, you know, that that you know, you've got to not only get your house in order, but you need to be aware. You can't just blindly turn over work and responsibilities to to others. But I think it says a lot that um the tone of efficacy of integrity of due diligence is set by the leader. And it doesn't surprise me that the person she forwarded the email to just made an assumption too. She set that standard. Um and getting the house in order is a great way to put that that um we have to be good stewards of the money given
128to us to take care of the children of Arkansas. Well, and and I'll just add one more thing, you know, because is an ethics conversation and I think we've heard a few times today no one broke the law we don't know what the law says and I mean that's true this isn't that discussion it is kind of that it is truly an ethics question so any board members additional comments Rollins okay Miss James do you want to walk us through what the three motions look Yes, ma'am. And then I have a question. Uh the first motion is whether or not the educator violated the code of ethics. And if so, it would be which standards within that motion. The second motion is whether to uphold a previous recommendation or modify that. The third motion is
129the rationale and you can use the rationale from either of the previous rationale that you have or you can modify or create your own. I do have a question if the motion is for suspension. Typically, a suspension is followed by probation um for a certain length of time. And the typically in order to move from suspension to probation, you would have to have completed paid your fine, completed your written reflections, and um basically done everything else other than let the time run on the probation. I'm not sure if that's where this is going, but I just wanted to mention that. Can I ask a question? Is 30 days enough to complete the tasks that were given in the proation? I'm not sure. That would probably be up to Dr. Anderson. Uh there were a number
130of trainings and written reflections recommended. I believe there were one two perhaps the training and recommended reflections could fall in the probationary period if you would like. Any more questions on the process for the three separate motions? Is anyone ready to make a motion on the first one which is the violation of the code of ethics which standards were violated? And can you can you remind us in the evidentiary hearing what were the three standards that were found? Yes ma'am. The first one was standard two and we would call it 2 A and B that covers the inappropriate disposition inclusive of professional ethical behavior and state federal uh violation of state federal um law or district policies. On standard three it was just 3B, failure to honestly report enrollment. And on standard four, it was
131standards 4 A and B, misuse of public funds, misuse of school property. Thank you. Anyone prepared to make a motion on the violation of the code of ethics or does anyone floor up for more discussion as well? I I I want to make a comment because if I were to vote right now, I think my vote would be no. But I I'm just that's why I want to have this discussion. Jeff, is there is there a rationale in your mind for a longer probationary period like five years? I mean, or do you think that suspension is the only way to get the point across? Um, or anybody I guess my My opinion is that probation is not that big of a deal, but that suspension is a significant statement. I am trying to be measured
132in that statement out of consideration for the fact that there is no evidence of purpose or personal profitering. I mean it it appears to have just been mismanagement and in consideration of that that's why I would do a limited suspension for this for the statement that comes with that I'm just thinking that this hearing has made a statement I'm not like you I'm not what a 30-day suspension would. Yes. In addition, so I sit here and this is going to be an abrasive comment. Should she have been a superintendent if I'm the boss? Maybe not. Probably not. There's a lot of issues that we had here. But at the same time, that's not my decision. That's her board's decision whether to employ her. They have chosen to employ her. And so, how do we help
133her land better off than where she is now? And I feel like a 30-day suspension is a slap on the hand to say we don't like what you did. You did a bad job and then I mean I guess we can choose a longer probationary period after or we can take the next three years and say here's how you become a better superintendent and her board can decide whether to continue to employ her. That's where I'm at right now. So that's why I'm struggling. I don't know. Mr. Rollins, yes, you may weigh in. I can concerned about u that suspension because to me that really punishes the whole district especially at this time of year. We're in the middle of testing and end of school year activities. Um I struggle with struggle with that. Yes,
134I believe that there was wrongdoing and I'm not so sure it was intentional just ne negligence. Um anyways that's my comment. Mr. Herson comment. Yeah for me um you know when I think about uh what Miss Wood said you know I think about those two components that really makes this a struggle for me. Number one being the pandemic. Number two first time superintendent. If there was a track record of being in that leadership spot, you know, I would feel comfortable um with the suspension. Other board members comments. I mean, I'm just going to comment on that first time superintendent. I mean, I think that that's whenever you have a a certain awareness about yourself like this is hard and this is uncharted times. And so I'm really gonna step up and I'm going to make
135sure every eye is dotted and every tea is crossed and you know so that's just kind of my view of that. I respect what you're saying but um you know and here we are manually quarterbacking everything. I recognize that and uh I agree with you, but during the pandemic it was people wondering what the next day was going to be like, what the next hour was going to be like. So focusing on learning was very difficult at that time. Sure. Could I ask Mrs. Woods to restate her personal summary? So my summary is, do I think she was probably incompetent as a first year COVID superintendent? Yes. If this was an employment only decision and we were trying to decide should she keep her job or not, I don't know that she should have kept
136her job. But that's not my call to make. That was her board and her board continues to employ her. The question is if she's she's still employed, how do we help her become better? And I don't know if a 30-day suspension is going to do anything, especially to Miss Rollins's point. It's we're in the middle of April. We're about to enter into testing season. This punishes more than just her. Or do we give a three, five, seven, 10 year, I don't know, probationary period. And if the board continues to employ her, we help her become a better superintendent. And again, I I don't know that suspension is not appropriate. I just I'm conflicted. So, I just wanted to open up that discussion. Thank you to that point. Um, we've talked often about apprenticeship models, mentorships
137with first year teachers. Um, you know, I think principles have to have an a shadow year where they follow before they're ever kind of handed um the reigns on their own. Um, I am concerned that the person that she sought counsel from was not the appropriate person. maybe perhaps assigning her a mentor on a you know someone that um could guide give some guidance on um how to handle direct reports and you know follow the data and things just to keep up with things right because when you are drowning having someone to check in with that knows what they're doing can be very helpful but I don't know the process for Any additional thoughts board members or any lingering questions? Okay. So as a reminder, the first motion is around which of the code of
138ethics were violated. The second will be the sanction and then the third is the rationale for that sanction decision. Yes ma'am. And because at the hearing um they found for parts of I believe three but not all. Um so if you wanted to make a motion that she violated the code of ethics and listed the standards. If you agree with the standards at the hearing you might want to specify that in your motion. Um that's just a suggestion and it just to clarify it was the same standards that were found in violation both for the initial recommendation and the evidentiary subcommittee. It was it's just um there were two at the evidentiary hearing subcommittee two parts of standard three that they did not find that she violated. So I just whenever we're drafting our order
139we have to kind of spell that out. So I wouldn't wanted to make sure we were clear. Okay. Which items did they find that there was no prepundonderance of the evidence? Uh the failure to honestly report attendance under standard three and the failure to honestly report uh cycle reports were the two that they didn't find any evidence of at the hearing. So, I think I'll make a motion that um we find that she did violate and help me if I get the numbers correct. 2 A, 2 B, 3B, 4 A, and 4 B. Yes, ma'am. Okay. Yes, ma'am. As listed on the form. Yes, ma'am. Just Okay. So, there's a motion by Miss Keenir, a second by Mr. Wood. Is that clarifying that? Are those those are the same ones found by the evidentary hearing.
140Yes, ma'am. Okay. So, on the on the floor is a motion for the violations of the code of ethics. Questions before vote. Okay. We will do a vote by member. Um, Miss Kenir. Yes. Sorry, Mr. Wood. Yes. Oh, you made the motion. So I get you still Dr. Arnold. Yes. Okay. Mr. Wood. Yes. Miss Hunter. Yes. Mr. Henderson. Yes. Mr. Bragg. Yes. Miss Woods. Yes. Miss Rollins. Yes. Okay. So the motion passes in regard to the violation of the code of ethics. The second motion is in regard to the sanction. So the floor is open for the next motion. Well, I'll make a motion. Okay. that her license be suspended for a period of 30 days followed by probation until June 30th, 2027. There's a motion by Mr. Wood. Is there a second? Second. A
141second by Miss Hunter. Any questions or comments before we take a vote? Okay. Dr. Arnold, yes. Miss Kener, yes. Mr. Wood, yes. Miss Hunter, yes. Miss Rollins, no. Mr. Henderson, no. Mr. Bragg, no. Miss Woods, no. And I will vote yes. So that would make it five to four. And may I ask with the sanction, uh, there would also need to be if you would address the fine, the trainings, and the written reflections and how you would like for that for that to be listed out for her. Okay. Will we need an additional motion for that? Yes, ma'am. Because it wasn't in the previous Yes, ma'am. Okay. So, the initial motion passed and that was for 30-day suspension followed by a 2year probation without any fines or development attached. Do we do another motion for
142any fines or development? Okay. I think at this point you would do you want to or you would have to if you want to have those additional I care about the reflections and the professional development portion of that. I don't care about the fine. I do care about the fine only because I imagine this was a pretty costly process for the department. Okay. So, does someone want to make a motion? Um, were those uh the recommended sanctions from the hearing committee? Yes, ma'am. The hearing subcommittee recommended a $250 fine. um numerous AEA trainings around revenue and fiscal planning, things of that nature, and then written reflections on each training. They would actually be due back to the state board for approval within one year from the date of the state board order. That that was
143the hearing subcommittee's recommendation. So perhaps um I'll make a motion that we accept the um recommendations for sanctions. However, that they are to be completed in the 2-year probationary period before the end of the two-year probationary period perhaps. And that does that include the fine? What? I'm sorry. And that includes the fine as well. It does include the fine. Correct. Okay. Go ahead. I was going to say I just a point before we use somebody second the motion. I understand the rationale of this was a costly process but $250 doesn't probably compensate back considering we just cut off her income for the next 30 days as well. Did we? I think that's part of suspension is it not? I think I don't know if that would cut off her income. I had Is there any
144flexibility as to when it begins? Because to the point that some members made it, I'm asking they don't even have anybody that has a license that they're sure of and she is the the superintendent today. You know, I believe I guess it starts today, but is there any flexibility for them to get their house in order since they're going to be without a superintendent and you have to have Saras can speak to you have to be licensed to do that position. Mr. Wood, you didn't state in your motion effective date. I I did not. Um, but I think the assumption I suppose I care more about the upcoming testing window than the burden on the district. Um, I care more about the kids process being smooth. And so because of that, I would be open
145to and I would even suggest that it be June 1 to June 30th. I concur. Okay. Do we need to have a motion to specify a date if it's not? Yes, ma'am. I'm so sorry. Okay. So, there actually, let's go back. There's a motion on the floor by Miss Keenir for required written reflections, development, and a fine. There's not been a second for the yet because we opened up comments, discussion. um she could amend that motion to add in a time frame if you'd like or we can that can be done separately by Mr. Wood or someone else. I think if there's if you want to amend your motion to add that the suspension would run from June 1st to June 30th. And I'm not sure that my colleagues on the board agree with my
146motion, the full motion, including the fine. So rather than amend it for just that, I'm going to wait to see if there's not a second, someone else makes a motion without it. So Okay. Is there a second to Miss Kener's motion on development in the fine? Second. Okay. There's a second by Mr. Hunter. Um questions or comments at this point? So this is a motion on the written reflections development and a fine and the timeline for that was stated. And now can it be amended or is it too late? I suppose where's my Robert? Okay's like y'all are hurting cats. That's what we are. Yeah. Okay. So, we're going to take a vote on Miss Keenir's motion on regarding the reflections, the development, and the fine. Dr. Arnold, the motion included a fine. Yes. I
147vote no. Miss Keener, yes. Mr. Wood, no. Miss Hunter, yes. Miss Rollins, yes. Mr. Henderson, no. Mr. Bragg, no. Miss Woods? No. Okay, motion fails. Okay, so now we're back to so far the sanctionings that have been done is the one motion by Mr. Wood. So the floor is open for another motion. If someone wants to make another motion, the floor is open. I'll move I'll move to include as part of the sanction um the readings and personal reflection that were previously recommended and that those be completed by the end of the probationary period. There were not readings recommended by the ethics hearing subcommittee. They were trainings. Trainings. Is that what you would like? Okay. Sorry. I've been using I apologize. I don't have it in front of me. I wish I did but that's
148my fault. My ears. Okay. Trains and then did you want to do timeline in that motion and that the suspension previously approved be served from June 1, 2025 to June 30th, 2025. Okay. So, there's a motion by on the floor by Mr. would in regard to the trainings and written reflections to be completed within the probationary period and the suspension to be specified a certain dates. Any questions on the motion? And is there a second? Okay. A second by Mr. Bragg. We'll take a vote. Dr. Arnold, yes. Miss Kener, yes. Mr. Wood, yes. Miss Hunter, yes. Miss Rollins. Yes. Mr. Henderson, yes. Mr. Bragg, yes. Mr. Woods, just fine. Clarification. So, this is basically a restatement of our previous vote where half of us voted no. No fine. There's no fine in it. The it
149is required trainings within two years and this date specification for the suspension. Right. I think my vote is still no because I don't know that I agree with the suspension. Okay, there we go. Okay. No, but with that, the motion passes. Okay. So, now the floor is open for another motion in regard to the rationale for the decision. Yes, ma'am. And I'm happy to read back the rationale of the ethics hearing subcommittee if you would like. Okay. The rationale there was um statement of factual evidentiary support 2A applied for and did not receive approval for faith-based AL program received approval for separate AL program but failed to open email to confirm administrator or 2B administrator knowingly accepted students under school choice despite a desegregation order. 3B knowingly accepted students under school well school choice despite
150a disegregation order. They have the same rationale those two. Uh 4 A accepted funds for students that were not properly classified as AL students when requested by AD. The funds for the AL students and foundation funding were returned. 4B testimony that resources were used by private institution playground nurse library resource officer. Mitigators were no prior violations of or similar offenses. No testimony supporting the educator was responsible for attendance reporting. No evidence that educator falsified cycle reports. District met responsibility of probation set forth by AD. Aggravators were admitted to knowing that parents falsely reported demographic data. Admitted to not knowing what happened to AL files that were never recovered. High level of negative impact on the district and students being misplaced. District was placed on probationary status from accreditation. Additional rationale. Administrator is a veteran educator
151and should have known her actions violated the code of ethics. Contradicted her state board testimony regarding personal responsibility. So that was the rationale stated. There's the floor. The floor is open for a motion regarding the rationale for the decision made today. I'll move that we accept the rationale as previously set forward. I'll second. There's a motion by Miss Hunter to accept the rationale, a second by Miss Woods. Questions or comments before we take a vote? Okay. Dr. Arnold, agreed. Miss Kener, yes. Mr. Wood, yes. Miss Hunter, yes. Miss Rollins, yes. Mr. Henderson, yes. Mr. Bragg, yes. Miss Woods, yes. Okay. Motion passes. Okay. So, that's it for this case. Yes, ma'am. Thank you. Those here to do that. We have one more item on our action agenda. Let's do that and then we'll take a
152break before consent agenda if that's okay with you all. Um, Mr. Henderson, it's my understanding that you're presenting from the nominating committee. Is that right? Yeah. Okay. Okay. Yeah. Kind of caught me off guard. So, last month we appointed the nominating committee, Mr. Henderson, Miss Hunter, and Miss Woods. So, appreciate you all for doing that. Okay. Um yeah, we uh I was part of a nominating committee u Miss uh Woods and also Miss Hunter. Um we uh it was tough but uh unanimously we agreed and hope the board sees the same for Miss Woods to be our incoming board chair and Miss Hunter being our incoming vice chair. Thank you all. Is it Can you make that a motion? Okay. Here. Here. There's a motion by Mr. Henderson. Is that a second? Yes. By Mr.
153Wood. Um, all in favor say I. I. Any opposed? Motion passes. Congratulations, Miss Wood. I would like to point out that Miss Hunter and I don't know that we were unanimous in our own votes, but I unanimously voted for her. So, I did have a little influence on that. Well, thank you both for stepping up and for your service, and I look forward to watching you. Um, with that, let's take a break before we get to our consent agenda, and we'll knock out the rest. Yeah. Five minutes. Well, let's realistically be back here at 11:40 50. Great. Thank you. Welcome back. We are here with the consent agenda. Board members, do you have any questions or items you'd like pulled from the consent agenda? I do. I would like to pull item 7.4, the PLSB
154against Danny Mars. Okay. It's a pull from the consent agenda that will result in a hearing. Yes. In a future month, Miss Miss James or did you have any comments on that? Okay. My rationale is this was one of the most egregious um allegations that we have seen and it took parents coming all the way to the state board and I was just a little I think probation feels very light so I would like the ability to read the full report if possible. Yes, please. Has that been to an evidentary hearing? It's still confidential at this time, so I can't really answer any specific questions. Okay, board members, are there any other action items that we'd like to be pulled? Consent. Dr. Moira, I also agree with that same um Danny Mars 7.4. I think
155we definitely need to look at that. Thank you. I agree as well. Before I open the floor up to a motion, we do have individuals that signed up to speak on the consent agenda for public comment. If it's okay with the board, we will do that now before we take a vote. Can I ask a question real quickly about what what was just said about the process? Did did you say that you couldn't answer the question whether there had been an evidentiary hearing? That is correct. because this is a public meeting. So, I'm very limited on what I can disclose if we're not having a public hearing. I could tell you the whole thing if we were having a public hearing, but I can't today because we're on consent. We're on consent. Yes, ma'am. It's
156still confidential. Okay. It's notable or any information can come to you until after you vote. Okay. Does that make sense? Fair. Our court reporter is gone, so there's no record. Okay. Okay. So, for if it's okay with the board, we'll proceed with the public comment if those individuals who signed up would still like to speak. First, we have Miss Angie Edwards. Thank you for coming today and speaking and for your patience to get here. You have three minutes. Um, I just thank you all and it's um this my son Cash. I'm Angie. We were I was before you in September. Um and it has been a very long road since then. A lot of things have happened and a lot of things haven't happened. Um since then uh myself and another parent were um sued
157in court for defamation because we came before the state school board. Um this process has been frustrating. We went we tried to go to do the steps. We tried to go to the administrator, our local school board, and you all were so gracious to hear our voices. And I want you to know h what what you put into motion. You gave us a voice that we mattered, that my son mattered, that all of the kids in that school mattered. Unfortunately, the school has failed to move forward in any kind of manner to fix this problem. So, we've went to you. We've also had uh House Representative uh Keith Brooks created a bill for us. Uh it's called Eli's Law and it passed last night in the Senate. We're so proud that it will require um
158audio devices in the locker rooms because at this point our kids are still in a very vulnerable situation. They are in a locker room for long periods of time without supervision. Um and the administrators and the coaches are not taking that in a serious manner. And that has to stop because our kids are being abused and it just isn't fair. It also limits us as parents of what we can do. We have do we pull our kids from school? Do we take them from sports pro programs because their safety is in danger? Their uh dignity has been taken from them. And why I am so proud of a superintendent that I have to just brag on. Um Ferris Smith, is that his name? Who took it upon himself to implement these recorders in his locker
159room. He wasn't told he had to do it. He wasn't mandated he had to do it. He did it on his own doing because he knew that the safety of kids were first and foremost in his school and I'm so proud of him and he has set such a precedence that I hope that other superintendent take and follow him in that and that's what I'm here for. um our coach DJ Mars has been has this come about and I know you've pulled that from to have more um time to look at that but um my worry in that probation is that it is not taken seriously. He also, if I'm understand right, he would have to report to the superintendent who is also under ethics investigations. And so I believe that there has to be
160a bigger accountability here in some form um because the whole system there is under question. So my request that that is taken into account when you look at this case further. Um and I do appreciate you you doing that because our kids matter and um in this case specifically the horrific things that happened at that school. The uh retaliation that we have encountered because we have come before you all isn't isn't how this is supposed to work. And I want to thank you all for for setting that example of how it's supposed to work. We've went to the House, they've showed us how it's supposed to work, and now the Senate has showed us. So, thank you all for being those humans that we can count on and trust in. And thank you for hearing
161us today. Thank you, Miss Edwards, Miss Stephanie White. Good morning everybody. This is my son, Eli White. I'm Stephanie White. He's quite a bit taller than he was a couple years ago. I'm not too happy about that, but he's a good boy. Um, I'd just like to first of all, thank you for hearing us last September, and thank you for hearing us today. and thank you for all the time and effort that has been put into the care of our children and the safety of our children across the state. Uh we chose to homeschool. Um the people that I trusted to take care of Eli absolutely did not. They have no compassion. They have no remorse. Um and so I just feel it's best that he's home with me until we see some some huge
162change or decide to make our own move. Um, thank you for pulling the consent for DJ Mars. Um, I I do feel like it's not enough. I'll tell you that before September, my son would have told you that he loved Coach Mars. He'd do anything for Coach Mars. Um, he played his heart out, but he now sees um he had a hidden agenda and it wasn't for the care or safety of children. It was for a football win. um their policies and procedures specifically state that if you are on any court order probation or any kind of disciplinary that you will not uh participate in extra extracurricular activities. We had a five boys were convicted of several things that they did assault harassment. Um, the next one left me. But now it's time for the
163adults to have their consequences and be held accountable for things that they have allowed to happen over and over again. Our lives changed 11 months ago today. Uh, what should have been a meeting with the administration and then they should have uh to report the abuse happening in the locker room should have followed by their own been followed by their own policies and procedures. um placing consequences on the bullies and those who did wrong, followed by offering counseling uh to the victims and the ones who caused harms um for their well-being in life uh to learn, to grow from their mistakes, to heal. The school um has these resources to offer these things when children are hurt and we were slapped shut literally. um they completely shut us down as parents and targeted the victims
164and spotlighted them as the problem. And I say that because every time we went to court getting convictions for these boys, uh the administration would come in big smiles like he was really somebody high-fiving these kids who hurt our kids, shaking the hands of sitting with the parents of the abusers. Not one time since I left his office has he ever called to check on my child. Has he ever offered any services, any anything, not one ounce of compassion has came from that school. Um, I was sent an email that a title N investigation was underway. Then we received phone calls and letters from a Mitchell Williams associates. So, we all set appointments, talked to this lady, uh, only to find out later when we were waiting on the results that this was a private
165investigation done by the school. None of us would have ever talked to this lady if we knew it wasn't a title n investigation. So, I felt like we were frauded again only to get all of the information for the school. Um, Miss Edwards uh mentioned that her and I have been sued for defamation of character threatening and harassment. Uh, we feel like this was a slap lawsuit. The judge fin it finally came to court last Wednesday. The judge threw out three charges and then gave them 24 hours to certify the statements that they created a case against us on. They came in the next day and voluntarily withdrew the case without prejudice to still keep a scare tactus on it on us to keep our mouth shut. Um, that's just the kind of power that
166this administration thinks that they have and it is only you that can change that. The coach and the administration have failed the people who harmed our kids, the kids that were hurt, and that the kids that are still there today. If they don't have the compassion to care about the safety or to make our kids prove the hurt that happened to them and still do nothing about it. So, I thank you for standing up for Eli. I thank you for standing up for cash. I thank you for standing up for their other friends who can't be here today. And most of all, I thank you for holding those accountable who could care less to our situation. There have been some great things come out of this. Um, but with integrity, we always teach our kids
167to do the right thing. Um, we think it's time that these adults do the right thing or are put in their place. Thank you. Thank you, Miss White. And I believe that was all I had signed up for public comment. Okay. Thank you all. So, with that, any questions or comments on the consent agenda items? Okay. the floor can be open for a motion on the consent agenda. I'll move to approve with uh with the exception of the one that we pulled. Okay. So, can you restate? Um I'll motion to accept the consent agenda with the exception of item 7.4. Okay. With move to next month. There's a motion by Miss Woods to accept the consent agenda except for item 7.4. Is there a second? Second. A second by Mr. Henderson. All in favor say
168I. Any opposed? Motion passes. Thank you. And Miss James, you'll be in touch with us with the information for that. Thank you. With that, let's go on to the report section. Do any board members before we get to Mr. McAlin have any things they want to report this month? Mr. Mass would love to hear. I guess I'm up. How you are? Um, how many how many more meetings you have? Only two more after today. Yeah, it's we want exceptional reports. Okay. Speedy exceptional reports. Correct. Um well, April is a busy month um because you have a lot of our CTSOs uh starting with their or holding their state conventions and state competitions. We'll get I'll show you here in just a second. Kim's got my back. Thank you. But uh I started uh last week
169I made it I spent a day up in Rogers um I visited Rogers New Technology High School. uh one really I encourage everybody to stop by there and just see how that culture takes part. What what struck me was uh they gave us a really good um presentation that day and and a lot of the things that were expressed a lot of the comments were the same comments I used on a classroom basis. Um my experience with a classroom bas is 100% studentledd in the classroom. they're taking that same approach throughout a building and uh it was really neat to to watch those students lead the presentation, lead the tours that day and how they've really taken ownership of their learning. But uh shout out to them. The culture is is awesome and I've always
170been one that to to state that it starts with your culture and and they've really got a neat thing going on there at Rogers New Tech. Um that afternoon went across uh town and spent the day at Rogers Heritage High School with uh Tanya who's the CTE director there and uh gave us a tour of the new launch facility, the new uh they expanded their CTE facility last fall. Um it's grand opening there. They offer a variety of hands-on experiences for a variety of pathways for their uh for their students. Um then uh the day before spent in Favville at the University of Arkansas with the FFA career development event. Um there were hundreds of kids there uh competing in dozens and dozens of different categories as far as uh career pathways. Now they will
171celebrate and honor those winners at the end of this month at the FFA state convention which will be the last week in April. and uh sped down that Friday, sped down I40, dodging storms and wall clouds like everybody else in the state. Uh got to Bryant just in time for the Arkansas Scholastic Press Association. Uh within about 30 minutes of me getting there, we had to send all the kids home to dodge the storms that were coming through Bryant at that time. Um the only thing they really missed out on that day was me speaking. So it was a benefit for them. They they got to go the next day. They picked back up, but uh unfortunately once again, Saturday, as you all recall, if you're in central Arkansas, was just as nasty as that
172Friday, so they had to cut the convention short. But uh they got all their competitions in as well as announcing their winners. And uh I just want to update you on Cattle Hills, a special student there, Levi. Um you know, two years ago, Cattle Hills became Cattle Academy. Their second, I believe, in their second year of becoming an academy. And so a lot of their programs are just getting going. They did reach a milestone with their uh machinery um let me say that correctly. Manufacturing program, sorry. Um they started an internship with Mount Ida Machinery which is 20 minutes down the road. Now we we've spoken about rural challenges and one of the challenges for rural schools and rural communities is your geography and your transportation. But here's an example of it's that's just a
173challenge. It's not a barrier. So Levi this spring started their first internship with their manufacturing program at Mount of Machinery which is 20 miles away and on Monday after graduation Levi will start his career with Mount Adam Machinery as well. So just a great example of the way they're doing things there at Cattle. And then just an update on my PLS journey with Presidential Leadership Scholars Program. We uh this past month we had module three which was here in Little Rock at the Clinton Library. uh Clinton Presidential Center and uh there's I am one of three with Arkansas ties in in in a cohort of 56. So a little bit of pressure on me to and the two of us to make Little Rock entertaining for that weekend because a lot of our cohort was
174making their first trip ever to to Little Rock. And a shout out to everybody in Little Rock. They knew who they are that were involved in making that a great weekend left. The entire cohort left talking about what a great time they had. One of our first stops was uh the Thursday morning before the module started and we visited Little Rock Central High School and uh shout out to Jasmine there who was was our our tour guide. Just went over above and beyond as far as making that a very emotional and very educational experience for everybody. It was the first time I had actually gone through the through the tour as well. But u really uh emotional moment for a lot of our cohort and we were we were glad that we could uh give
175them that opportunity. And then u special night on Thursday night was uh Secretary Clinton and President Clinton both visit us. Uh we had Q&A sessions with them. Uh Congressman Hill uh spoke with us on the last day of the module um and just teaching us a lot of of the lessons they learned when it comes to leadership in their administrations. and Congressman Hill in his current uh role there in Washington DC. On that Thursday night, I had the special uh special gift of u being able to be seated with President Clinton there during dinner. Uh also had the the special role of being able to deliver a prayer in front of everyone everyone before dinner. And u and just to kind of wrap this up, we all have a a PLS project. we're all working
176on something to bring back to our communities. This entire module was focused on vision and mission for your project. Um on the following Tuesday after this module, I I went in had a meeting with the administrators at Severe County Medical Center, just a brainstorming mission. uh ended up with a vision and a mission and it ended up with an agreement that uh next fall 10 the Queen High School seniors will spend their afternoons as interns in in an in a work-based learning environment at the hospital working alongside medical professionals and um just a really proud moment for me and our community to be able to come together and come come up with that. That's my report. That's awesome. Thank you. On many fronts. That's amazing. questions or comments. Awesome. Okay, last we have the commissioners
177report. So, I'm going to keep my comments brief because I just want to remind everybody that after we take a little bit of a recess here, we're going to reconfigure the room to gauge in a board workshop to talk about where we are with accountability and some recommendations that'll be coming towards the boards and there's a standard setting process. I'm going to reserve my comments for them. I if you want to establish a time to reconvene. We lunch is here. So, is it too ambitious to be back here at 1, do we think? What do y'all think? Is that okay with you all? Yeah, that's good. Okay, let's do that. So, let's end this now. We are on this side of the building, second floor, and then we'll be back in here at 1 if
178that's enough time for the team to get ready. Okay, before we adjourn, one second. Could I say one thing? something that I touched on in the hearing that we had earlier, a frustration that I have that was exposed to me in that uh hearing was the AEA's conversation with the superintendent that in one shape or another, whatever level of endorsement or approval or whatever they gave to her or suggested to her that she could run that program. It ultimately led to her suspension and a recommendation prior to that of a permanent revocation of her license. And it gave me significant pause about the advice I guess that the Aea often gives to superintendent. And um it caused me to question a little bit this this department's relationship with the AAA and the extensive uh marriage
179between those two groups often with regard to the outsourcing of training that we do and the funding of training that we give them for the training they're providing to superintendent. Um and it also reaffirmed my concern that I brought up several months ago and not followed up on it, but with regard to the fact that the AAEA has employees working for them that are also employees of the Arch Ford co-op. And I think that that is becoming even more to me a conflict of interest there that that people can be employed as educators, I guess, educational administrators in a co-op that is state funded. um and also employees of a lobbying organization that lobbies to affect state policy on education. And I am going to renew my request for an explanation as to how those
180employees can be employees of both. And um I'll be a little more persistent. Um I'm not saying that I know whether it's right or wrong. I'm just saying I would like someone to think about it and explain to me how it's right. And um anyway, sorry to end on a downer. Well, I could have opened the floor up again. Any other comments or questions, board members? I I to just add to that. I was I feel like there were no winners from the hearing today. It didn't feel great except that maybe the Aea is our winner because they um will get funding for training and contining. It felt like regardless of how that went, they came out ahead. And so that was an interesting tidbit. But okay, board members. Okay. Well, with that, we'll end
181our formal board meeting. We'll be back here at one o'clock for a work session.