001How you doing? >> All right. Good evening. I hate how loud this thing is. Let's go ahead and get started. So, here we are, Thursday, November 20th, right before Thanksgiving. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. Enjoy your break. All right, we'll go ahead and get started where we do have a quorum and welcome and greetings and we're calling the meeting to order and district celebrations. >> Come on up, Miss Block for uh our VIPs report first. >> I love it. Thank you. Thank you. >> Well, good evening Dr. Wright and directors. It's a pleasure for VIPs to share with you some several significant um celebrations this month. You know, I just can't ever say enough about how wonderful our Little Rock community is. And we want to first recognize our reading day readers. Thank you, Bips Reading
002Day. Three over 340. Yes. Over groups and individuals went into our schools. They hugged on our children and read them great stories. And you know, I just want you to appreciate the fact that so many people support our literacy endeavors in this district and they uh just have a great time. Here's I mean just a very few of our pictures, not many at all. I wish we could show you all of them, but uh you know it you can see the magnitude, the gratitude, the attitudes, can't you? And see the the word read right above that is a reader had me totally intrigued. I had to zoom in on the book. It's the book was smelly socks. Now if I as an adult got that picture and said I need to know what they were
003reading. I bet those children did the exact same thing. Don't you? So that's the wonderful thing about this program. So yes, thank you to all of our readers. You know, I I even want to acknowledge our media specialists who work so hard. I mean, thank y'all for doing that. I want Yeah. [applause] And I want to acknowledge the um principles who get their schools ready. Thank y'all for doing that. And I I I just it's it takes a village to make it work. So, we appreciate and I know at least three of our directors read, right? How was your experience? >> Great. Love you. Beautiful. >> Thank you. Thank you for doing it. So, we can't we just can't say enough about that. And and of course, our communications department, we had roaming recorders, so
004we appreciate that. Uh it just takes us all to do it. But, um yeah, it was like the 28th 29th year we've done reading day and the great thing is when you post it, people come and [clears throat] they love they love the event and we love them. So, that's great. Okay. So the the the issue at hand of course tonight is always partners and Watson Elementary has three partnerships tonight. So you know the routine Dr. Wright who's the director for Watson. >> Is it is it Michael Mason? I bet he is. >> Michael >> Oh, he's going to miss president. Would you like to stand? >> So the two of you please come in and any school rep from uh Watson, please join me up front. Any anybody from Watson? You want to come
005up? >> What school is he doing? >> You want to come up and be a part of the group? >> Yeah. Get get up here with your group up here. Jackson, take your picture. Hit the first part. No. [laughter] >> Did they get a bus? >> You look great. >> We have our CIS. >> Oh, she Okay. and Miss Neil's the community school coordinator is going to join us. So we're great we're grateful for this group. We're recognizing three partners and this one is the University of Arkansas Little Rock Community Programs which is formerly known as Children's International and so we want to give them a shout out. Is anybody here from >> the university? >> Well I I appreciate them being a part of the group. Right. And at the end, Lily, I'll say
006a few words about all of the partners. Okay? So, we're going to take that frame and we're going to swap it out and we're going to acknowledge um Good Fellow Barber College. And if y'all have been paying attention, you're going to notice that a lot of these um barbers and beauty shops and salons have really stepped up to the plate the last couple of years, trying to help our community, support them any way they can. they are working with students and their uh families making sure they look good ready for school and so forth. So we appreciate them as well. And then Jackie, we're also going to now I know this group's in the house. Come on. Absolutely. Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority. Kita is on our Bibs board and this is a group that
007has supported several Little Rock schools and uh when she called and said we're going to go to Watson this year and I was like I know they're going to be thrilled. I know they're going to be thrilled. They and they they filled the school on reading day. >> Ain't that cool? So yeah. And I So I know y'all want to bask in it. Would you like to say something like and y'all in in any of the schoolable reps can say just a word or two about the partnership? Give yourself some credit. [laughter] Um Canita Rel with Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority and we are so excited to be partnering with Watson Elementary School this year. Um they have great staff, great leadership there and we're just looking forward to a great year. We love those
008babies. So we're excited. >> Well, thank you. And we would just like to express our appreciation. >> Yes. Go to your mic. They won't hear you. >> All right. Christopher Jackson, the proud principal of Watson Elementary. We would like to express our appreciation for all that our partners do. Uh the Reclamation Authority has been a wonderful partner through this [clears throat] year. Every time we have an event, uh they make sure that their presence is known. Um the Barber College, uh they get our kids ready for the start of school. We took pictures a few weeks ago on picture day. They had our kids picture ready. And uh we're really excited about the University of Little Rock partnership because they are bringing in some SEO learning that we have this year as well as sponsoring
009our attendance challenge. And that's one of the things we've been able to reduce um our tardies as well as um our student absences uh because of the support that the University of Little Rock is doing. And so thank you to our partners and the wonderful work that you do. >> Well, thank you for being so appreciative of them. THANK MUTUAL >> [applause] >> AND I'M GOING TO LET MY colleague Oh, not Dr. R. You don't go. Don't go away. We still have We still have a couple. Yeah, you guys. I'm going to let my colleague Jackie Harold. >> Okay. Well, I appreciate all your attention and um we're going to make this short but sweet and effective. Um, I would like to introduce a new partnership with Little Rock Southwest High School and that is
010Frequency Youth Leadership and Empowerment. Miss Vicky Hider, would you come down? >> You want me to bring >> you bring your frame? Yes, ma'am. >> Um, Miss Hider's organization is fostering empowerment and leadership skills and building that in students at Little Rock Southwest High School as well as um with the at the Juvenile Detention Center and our students that are there. So would you like to take a minute just to explain your program more? >> Yeah. So all right hello board and little rock and beyond. Um so uh with fre with frequency uh leadership uh youth leadership and empowerment. We uh look to empower our our youth and then we make sure that like they understand their overall citizenship as as far as civic engagement. uh we look at uh speaking engagements as well as
011how do you navigate through education regardless of what is going on but yet preparing them for life. there is um also a component with the juvenile uh justice and so for the last I don't know sever several years then we've been going in and into the juvenile uh uh detention center and we have held youth symposium um youth summits uh we have brought in speakers and different things and so yeah so we just wanted to make it more official and yeah so we look forward to continuing to doing the great work that we have um been doing for years. So yeah, that's it. Well, we appreciate you and certainly those skills we know all know are needed to get anybody to the next phase. And a lot of those times those are not something that
012somebody says, "Oh, here. How do you do this?" They're a little bit more of a softer skill sometimes and that's a little bit more difficult. So, but let's get your picture. >> Is anyone here from Southwest? >> [applause] >> Okay. You may like >> or you may stand whichever you prefer. Um, one in addition we um are going to I think start doing uh it's been clearly demonstrated tonight individuals, community groups, partners, business support our district in a variety of ways and their contributions through time, service, resources and monetary donations are invaluable and each of us help and each help us ensure liter school districts and schools thrive. So you will see there the uh most current donations. We would like to acknowledge these generous contributors. Gen Holding LLC 478 to Central High School football
013team. Sarah Keith Balden 800 to Central High West wrestling team. Nancy Keith and Sarah Keith Balden. $50 to Central High wrestling team. Kona Ice of Little Rock. $25 gift back proceeds to Gibbs Magnet Elementary. Timothy and Mallerie Oner 200 to Gibbs Elementary family night curriculum. I apologize to you guys if I wrecked your last name. Um John Speed JBS Speed Express 500 to Lacy Academy girls basketball. Nelson's Tire and Automotive 250 to Lacy Academy girls basketball. Arkansas Conference Women's Missionary Society 500 donation to Lacy Academy. Be more Management LLC a thousand to Hall High's girls basketball team. Snowy of Central Arkansas 150 to Southwest High Junior class. Anthony Smith Agency LLC 350 to Southwest Girls Basketball. Super Maccato Sin Frontier, which is Supermarket Without Borders. 1,000 to Southwest High School Soccer. Li Toria Petron $80
014to Southwest High Junior Class and KJ KJ's Treats and More 100 to Southwest High Junior Class. So, um we can tell that women's basketball season is about is is upon us. Correct. So, we have gotten a lot of support for that and a lot of great support for other organizations and parts of our district. So, one thing, you know, we all know that it's going to come up after Thanksgiving and then Giving Tuesday you have Black Friday, but then there's also Giving Tuesday. So, we encourage you to look for ways that you can support Little Rock students, be that with your time, money, resources. Um, all those things are invaluable to us here at the district and to our help our students and staff. So, thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you. All right. So,
015I guess we'll continue on with our celebrations. Uh we've already acknowledged all of our volunteers who uh came out and made uh the Jane Menel reading day another success. And so, we are just going to uh move right along. We are also proud. Oh, if I would just do as I was told to by my boss Pam Smith, then I would stay out of trouble. We also want to give a special shout out to BIPS and our Jane Men readers. Uh the reader you see on the right in the Scooby-Doo costume is Miss Kathy who attended Bale Elementary where she served as a volunteer reader. Miss Kathy doesn't mind us sharing her age. She says she is 67 and loves giving back to her school community. Thank you again, Miss Kathy, and all of the
016readers. [applause] All right, we're also proud to celebrate Jefferson Elementary, Forest Park, and Roberts for earning top honors from the Arkansas Department of Education for outstanding academic performance and growth. These schools receive a combined $179,937.72 in recognition funds for their achievements. Congratulations to those two schools. had a great turnout. Uh was this yesterday? Yeah, yesterday at Carver Washington Steam Magnet. [laughter] This was Tuesday night or yesterday. >> This week, um [laughter] staff hosted a fun-filled steam literacy night complete with book giveaways, tasty barbecue, board games, and school family fellowship. Appreciate all the hard work by the coordinator, Angelia Johnson, principal Michelle Moore, volunteers, and community partners to make this event a success. And this is part of our community schools uh cafe efforts. [applause] Shout out to the Forest Park Rangers who wanted to make
017a difference in the community by collecting non-p perishable food items for the district stock the rock drive. Students hosted fun contests which resulted in the collection of thousands of items to support families in need. Way to go, Rangers. [applause] At Forest Heights STEM Academy, school families donated to the school's food pantry. Because of their kindness and generosity, students were able to prepare multiple food bags for families. And I know we'll have some more rolling in probably next month, but many of our schools have um stepped up to the plate uh to host food drives. Um um it's just generous to see um all of our schools and the communities come together to make sure that the citizens of Little Rock are supported. And so we are definitely thankful to all of our students and staff
018for all of your efforts. All right, you're looking at another representation of more leadership and action. This is the Hamilton Learning Academy faculty and staff. They teamed up with the city of Little Rock and City Connections to give back together preparing Thanksgiving meal boxes for students. [applause] At Maple Middle School, 8th grade AVID students are getting some real world and relevant learning. They recently received lessons on budgeting, bill paying, and big decision-making at their financial literacy fair. Thanks to our amazing partners from Up Federal Credit Union, other community partners, local professionals, and the Southwest High National Honor Society also join students for addict mock interviews, giving them valuable practice and a confidence boost as they prepare for future careers. [applause] Congrats to Harris Man Multimedia Arts and Digital Innovations Magnet Middle School. That is a
019long name. Uh they are the 2025 LRSD middle school football champions following an 8 and1 season. Congratulations to the Bearcats of Horses Man. Congratulations to our LRSD Ken Hart Hatfield Sportsmanship Award recipients. These outstanding student athletes were recognized for their integrity, leadership, and character. True role models on and off the field. Uh there are several students there representing schools from across central ar Arkansas, but we have four of our own represented here. Uh Tiana Herd from Little Rock Central High School, Zen Carrian from Hall West High School of Innovation, Jaden Mayweather from Parkview Arts and Science Magnet High School, and Matthew Ron Young from Little Rock Southwest High School. All right, >> very excited about this. Every year we uh have more and more students who are earning the seal for uh biiteracy and so
020these numbers have drastically increased for this year. A proud moment for our school district as we celebrate 46 talented students who earned the Arkansas seal of biiteracy. Students from whole west central and southwest demonstrated proficiency in English and another language. Congratulations on this incredible accomplishment. [applause] All right. Congratulations to Micah, a student at Hall West High School of Innovation. Yesterday, the Warriors celebrated a major m milestone as Michael Moore officially signed to continue his basketball journey with the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Way to go, Micah. [applause] An impressive showing on the national stage for Central's journalism students at the National High School Journalism Conference in Nashville. The Labyrinth Literacy Magazine and The Tiger News Magazine both earned seven place best of show. Students also brought home multiple national awards in writing, design, and
021illustration. Proud of these Tigers. And if you guys have never seen their uh school newspaper, it literally looks like I almost want to say it's better than the Democrat cuz that um but it is it's definitely a a piece of quality work. So, congratulations to uh the journalism students at Central. [applause] Also from Central, congratulations to the robotics team for earning the excellence award at the Bears fall blowout, securing their spot in the state tournament that is coming up. So, congratulations to those students. [applause] We have a little more to go, which is a good sign. Uh, lots of great things happening in our school district. Last weekend, the Little Rock Southwest High School band took the national stage at the US Band Stacks Grand Championship in Memphis and came home with major hardware. In
022the prelims, the band earned first place in the group two division, first place in music, first place in color guard. They kept the momentum going with a second place finish in the group two division finals. Congratulations to these talented students. We are so very proud of you. >> [applause] >> Several weeks ago, we enjoyed celebrating with seniors during our annual scholars reception. We honored National Merit semi-finalists, commended scholars, and principal scholars. A special thank you to Cow's for allowing us to host the event at the newly renovated main library, and to Stevens, Inc., Jack Trumper, and the Friday Firm for sponsoring the event. [applause] You never know who will drop by one of our schools. And we are grateful to the amazing partners from the Arkansas Martin Luther King Commission and First Missionary Baptist Church
023who treated the Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership and Language Magnet Academy staff to a heartwarming lunch full of love, hugs, and encouraging words. You see Senator Chesterfield and Palaski County Judge Barry Hyde there in the mix. So, thank you again to um the MLK Commission and First Missionary Baptist Church. THE city of Little Rock have kicked off a new partnership through their career climb program, giving students access to job shadowing, internships, mentorships, and department tours. Students heard from Mayor Frank Scott and other city leaders about careers and public service, then connected with departments across the city. >> [applause] >> And one of the highlights of the month for me a few weeks ago, um we featured the members of St. Peter Missionary Baptist Church and Pastor Billy Burrus who took it upon themselves uh to
024give out $1,000 grants to several of our schools. Um actually six of our elementary schools. The schools receive each $1,000 grant to support their students. Thank you to all of our community members who continue to provide resources for our schools. and it was quite a treat to walk around and surprise um each of those schools with this particular donation. So, thank you to the members of St. Peter Missionary Baptist Church. [applause] I wouldn't name the schools, but I Gibbs, Western Hills, Stevens, Chico, Otter Creek, McDermott. There we go. >> Good. >> All right. Right. And earlier this week, uh, we got a sneak peek inside the latest phase of construction at Pinnacle View High School as we made a special announcement more about which we will have a follow-up discussion later on as part of
025our agenda today. But the facility is quite impressive and we and we believe it will be a gamecher creating direct feeder pattern in West Little Rock. [applause] Right. We had some great coverage this past month, also highlighting the awesome things happening uh at LRSD. On the left, you see a photo of a photo in the DIM Democrat Gazette featuring the Spookbot tournament hosted by LRSD's advanced academics department. The other photo features a cover on the Arkansas Times featuring the band at Park View. And to that, add to that, not and add to that, uh, a great pics of our metro students supporting Reading in the Rock. They redesigned, painted, and delivered bookshelves, a few to elementary schools they attended to emphasize the importance of reading. Meanwhile, our faith-based partners will soon be receiving a video
026featuring our students encouraging families to read at least 20 minutes a day. [applause] Right, almost done. We are wrapping up phase two of enrollment for LRSD. After the Thanksgiving break, we will roll right into open enrollment for the entire Little Rock community, those who are new to the district. Next week, information has already gone out and will continue to be pushed out over the span of enrollment. A comprehensive message about the process is shared on the district's website under news articles. Right. and uh another successful Java with Jamal, although Jamal was not there due to um Delta and these horrific airline flying experiences the past couple of weeks. Um but another successful Java with everybody else who was there uh hosted at Terry Elementary. Community members are expressing that they genuinely enjoy the opportunity to
027chat with LRC staff and fellowship over coffee and pastries. Great job to Miss K. Brainy and Miss Beatatric Varela who work tirelessly to ensure that these events are meaningful. A special thanks to Pedaway Coffee for donating the coffee and to our talented culinary program at Metro for providing the pastries made in-house that I was not able to consume. >> Edge to edge beautiful pastry. >> Thank Thank you, Mr. Rose. Appreciate that. >> They didn't have any. [laughter] [gasps] >> All right. And you can skip over that. All right, [applause] >> we've celebrated enough about this award. So, thank you. >> I will say congratulations 2025. Let's celebrate Dr. Jamal uh Dwight Jones Courageous Leadership Award, Dr. Rice. >> Yep, that's it. >> All right. Okay. So, we'll go ahead and move forward. Public comment. This
028is the place in the agenda when we hear from the public, parents, stakeholders, and friends of LRSD. We like to hear public comment regarding LRD issues. We allow three minutes for public comment. Our responsibility is to listen to your comment. We're not allowed to respond or to have discussion. Okay. I think we have four signed up. If I am uh wrong, just let me know. Okay. So I believe that I see I see Miss Gordon first. Is that correct? >> Mr. Okay. >> Yeah. You were just That's what I was thinking, but that's okay. Miss >> That's okay. That's all right, Miss Morgan. [snorts] Right. No problem. It's all good. >> Hello. >> Good evening, Re. >> Good evening. Um, as you all know, I am Latoya Morgan and I placed a uh email as
029well as a police report on your desk or in your area when you So, you should have all received that and I will email that to you as well tomorrow. Um, but I am requesting assistance in resolving an important concern regarding the theft of my personal property from Carver Elementary. It has come to my attention that individuals were allowed to enter the library and remove several of my belongings, many of which had or hold significant sentiment sentimental value to me. I would greatly appreciate prompt support in identifying what happened, locating my items, and ensuring this matter is addressed appropriately. Um, 5 months ago, I submitted an email to the board and I think maybe two or three people replied, but no one followed up. And so, I would like to resolve this issue before the
030closing of this year. And also, as an employee recently affected by a school closure, I would like to see this board require thorough and adequate planning when restructuring our schools. Having only an idea or a skeleton framework is not sufficient. Our student, staff, and families deserve well-developed, transparent plans that address both logistics and long-term impact. Luckily, I landed on my feet because I landed at Watson Elementary um with an awesome principal and awesome leadership team and awesome staff. And so, that's all I have to say. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> All right. All right. So, we're moving on. Uh, Miss Dawson. Miss Dawson. And then, do we have Miss Jones that would come up next? Okay. >> Hi. >> My name is Nikki and I'm the parent of a child at Hall High School.
031Um, and we recently went to uh the parent meeting and heard all about the, you know, conversion that's being considered. Um and and this is, you know, obviously been thought about for a long time. Um been going on for a long time. Um I like some of the things that are uh part of this concept, but I don't like other uh parts of it. I think that there are some things that really could work, but I also think that the same things that are um kind of touted as, oh, look, this is really great um could already be integrated into what we have. I don't think that we have to completely change the way that we are doing things as far as just having um the way the the classrooms are structured which which the
032way it was described to us. Um and I think u there's been a a bigger problem I think with the involvement of um parents and getting information out about all of this. I think um maybe from you know y'all's point of view is probably you guys have seen a lot of like had this has been going on for a while but from a parent's point of view um I I've seen more notifications probably about yonder pouches because I went through my emails last night to see and I I had seen more than it was about this closure of this school or you know the future. Um, and I think that sometimes the warning that we have as far as being able to respond, um, there's not a long time or the meetings sometimes are very
033close to the time of the announcement, which means that if you have small children and you can't make, you know, arrangements, if you're out of town, whatever, you've just missed out. Um, so, uh, also, um, I kind of questioning about what have we done to get to where we are? Um, have we researched maybe what's happening with other schools across the country? How are they succeeding? We're not the only ones that are facing school closures. There are many people in c um out in the states that are are facing the same thing. What are they doing? Is there anything better? Have we reached out to um you know, universities like that? We have U of A and other um uh I'm just trying to think facilities that would have maybe um ideas or you know
034partnerships that we could have that would give us more ideas about this instead of just saying okay you know I I think parents are um cuz I heard it at the meeting feeling a little bit hurtded in one direction where it's more of hey look this is the direction that we're going in um if you've got something better let us No, not hey, we're in trouble. What do you want? What can you know what do you want to do? How do you want to face this together? Um, and I think it doesn't matter really um what we do, whether this is a success or not, whether we go through with this or not. If we can't figure out what um the incoming, you know, what what eighth graders and their parents are wanting, it really
035doesn't matter because I don't care if it's hall. I don't care if it's Central. I don't care what school it is, they're going to go, they're going to leave. And so that's really important. I It's less about um what >> that was the bail dear for your >> Sure. Okay. >> for your wrap up. I just wanted to verify that you were well. >> Um the last thing I just wanted to say is that um I asked my child, I gave him the link to email the form that says, you know, send it to you guys. Um and I said, "This is really important. Do this. Do this." and he said it doesn't matter. They probably won't listen because adults have power and kids don't. >> The problem with that and >> thank you for
036saying thanks. >> Thank you. >> Okay, I hear that. Okay, Miss Jones. >> Good evening everyone. Uh [singing] my name is Angela Frankens Jones. I have a 10th grader at uh Hall High School. And um the reason I'm coming this evening is just to speak to each one of you uh regarding um just about the uh enrollment projection concern that I have for Hall High School. Um I do understand that the board is going to be voting for having Hall to be converted as a charter school, which I think is um a a great idea to keep the school open. Um but in order for the school to remain open uh and to ensure students uh attend the school, I'm encouraging the board to um think about uh ability to have more uh communication and
037uh information that goes out to the families, the parents, uh more marketing to those students either in the eighth grade, 9th grade uh levels. Um so that way they can have understanding of what is being offered at the school. Uh also getting parents involvement. Um I can certainly help volunteer for that. Um, as well as getting students involved as well for information sessions uh that the that we that you can go to to the schools, not just putting the burden on the teachers um and as well as the other uh faculty there at the school to help promote Hall High School, but also just sharing that story of what can be offered. Um, and I think that will help to help increase the numbers and projection. uh there are students who may be looking for
038a smaller school size versus the larger schools and so um that is one um uh hall is one school that my son uh really enjoyed as smaller school size and looking for those opportunities. So that is what my concern is this evening and I just want the board to consider that um as you're looking at the enrollment projections doing more to promote um what the opportunities are there available. >> Thank you so much. Thank you. Okay. And I don't think Miss Mills wanted to speak. Is that correct? No. Okay. And anyone else that we're over I'm overlooking anyone else? Okay. Thank you. All right. So, we're going to go to district committee report. Superintendent Student Advisory Board. Is a young man here? Yeah. Tony. >> Oh, there he is. So glad to have you back.
039I'm >> glad to be here. >> Indeed. [laughter] >> Good evening board members. I'm Tony Hayard representing our student superintendent student advisory board within our district. Our latest meeting was held on November the 11th. Our next meeting, if any of you do wish to attend, will be the week before holiday break. If you have any questions about when our ne we will next meet, please contact Miss Stephanie Vestal. Stephanie at stephanie.vestylrc.org. We started off our meeting with a discussion of the issues described in our previous meeting such as grading, locker accessibility, and support in our fine arts program and clubs. A major part of our meeting started off with formalizing our board to where we can make it more recognizable. We created a draft mission and vision statement which states our purpose for elevating the
040student voice partnering with district leadership and advocating for more equitable and supportive learning environments. We then created our board's logo, created a web page, and started on on a decision on whether we should have a Instagram page, allowing us for us to be more communive with our student peers. Then we shifted our focus onto the LRC Student Leadership Institute, which we have been granted approval to move forward. We created a logo, flyer, and started the application process for future attendance. We were then joined by district member Osiris Bali. He spoke to us how he believed that student leadership and community engagement is extremely important emphasizing that the student voice should serve the broader community and not just us particular students. Finally, we close our meetings on good terms accomplishing multiple of our goals that we
041had set for agenda for our agenda. If any of you wish to find our website, you can find it at httpsw.lrc.org/page/ org/page/ student-advisory-board. Thank you for your time and support to LRC and its students. >> Any questions? Any questions for our gentlemen? Thank you so much for the work you do. Thank you. [snorts] >> All right. So, we'll move forward to certify BPC. >> Good evening. board members. Um, so first of all, I did want to just take one maybe two points of personal privilege. My book fair um, which was going on when Java with Jamal um, came um, was the largest ever at Terry >> and we had some great donations. Pam Smith came and took some kids shopping >> and Dr. Wright made a donation since he couldn't make Java with your mom.
042Um, so several of my kids got to buy books that would not have been able to buy books. And anybody that knows me knows I will beg, borrow, and steal to get my kids books. Um, BIPS reading day was an awesome event. We had great readers in every classroom in our school. Um, I always love BIPS reading day. I love BIPS. They're dear to my heart. But I love BIPS reading day. I don't even know how many this is for me because I was a teacher first and then a library media specialist. So, I've always been part of VIP's reading day, but I just love when the volunteers come in. The kids love to be read aloud to and unfortunately due to scheduling that doesn't happen as much as it used to. Um, and even
043my big kids love to hear picture books read aloud. So, um, so that's great. First of all, um stipens, the stipen proposal is on the agenda. You have that tonight to um vote on and so um of course we recommend approval of that. We worked hard as a committee on those um additional stipens and um hopefully you will vote to approve that tonight, but I will answer any questions if you have questions. Um tuition reimbursement is also on the agenda tonight. that was overlooked when we did certified policy. It's always been a policy in Little Rock School District and it just helps encourage our teachers and staff to um pursue additional education. Um that helps them be better teachers and leaders and and district employees. Um so that is also on the agenda for approval
044tonight. Um the compensation committee met this week um yesterday as a matter of fact and um we continue to to discuss and debate trying to find some way to help our employees with um additional compensation be that a raise or a bonus or um any other way we can figure it out. Um Mr. Bailey did attend that meeting and um explained the financial situation to us and um we we talked with him about some options and hopefully um we will meet again and hopefully come up with something that will help our employees. everybody's suffering from the economy and um everything that's going on and so um we just feel like our employees because they work so hard and so much additional work has been put on them. Um and quite frankly they're the ones who
045cause the student growth in our district. They are the ones who do the work that make that happen and they deserve to be rewarded with that and every school is not receiving a huge amount of money because of test scores. Um but every every school employee deserves something for the work that they do every day. The policies committee also met classified policies committee. Um and I don't know if if she's here tonight. She is here. So, I won't steal her thunder. I just want to say that we met and worked through quite a bit on the policies yesterday. Um, got quite a bit accomplished and look forward to meeting again soon um to continue that work. My daughter, who is an astate dancer, has a big game this evening at 6:30 and so I will
046be leaving you. If you have any questions, now is the time. >> Where's it at? >> It's 6:12. >> It's at Jonesboro. I'm not going there. I'm going home to watch it. Oh, Elsa [laughter] going to make it to >> I was going there, but [snorts] >> it was supposed to be pouring down rain, so I decided not to go. And Lita needed me to do this, so here I am. >> Any questions about any of the >> No. Y'all have a great night. >> You and you, too. >> Enjoy. >> Question. >> I don't have any uh any questions. Um No, I don't. >> All right. Okay. Class 5 PPC. >> Enjoy. Indeed. [snorts] >> Good evening everyone. >> My name is Tangela Jacobs on behalf of classified PPC and uh we are continuing
047um our work on board approved policies. We met as uh Teresa just stated yesterday and we got through quite a bit and uh we're chugging right along and we're hoping to be completed with those policies December. That's what we're pushing for and after that we'll start our uh procedures. We're also preparing proposals for the board to uh regarding salary reviews for our nurses and our safety and security staff. In addition, we discussed bilingual stipens and are developing a proposal for staff eligible for this support. We have also uploaded our agenda along with our meeting minutes to the LRSD website for uh public viewing [snorts] and we will continue to work uh each month to get those uploaded in a timely manner so if there's any questions or concerns we can get those um answered for
048anyone. Um, and our next meeting is scheduled for December the 12th. >> So, and that's all I have. >> Yes. Any questions? Thank you so much. We appreciate you. >> I just like to say y'all done a great job on the policy work on the prep that you're coming in ready and it's been super awesome. Thank you. >> Well, we appreciate you as well, Miss Strong. >> Everyone have a good evening and happy. Thank you so much. >> All right. We'll go to the consent agenda. [snorts] >> Um the consent agenda, if we could pull out the principal and director um position to be voted on. uh in separately uh one by one >> 5.1 >> personnel recommendation recommendations >> the recommendations >> 5.1 so we want to just pull out just so I'm sorry
049let me yeah so the uh personnel recommendations >> not the changes just the recommendations >> right >> let me look again >> those are the two positions you referenced the recommendations >> yes that's it please >> okay all All right. >> I move that the LRSD board of education approve the consent agenda items as follows. 5.1 Personnel changes but only the personnel recommend no personnel changes component. >> 5.2 approval of schoolboard meeting minutes. 5.3 community service learning applications. 5.4 purchasing reports. 5.5 donation of property. >> Second. It's been moved and properly second that the LRD Board of Education approve the consent agenda items as follows. 5.1 Personnel changes. 5.2 approval of schoolboard minute meetings minutes sorry. [music] 5.3 community service learning applications. 5.4 purchasing reports. And 5.5 donation of property. All in favor say I.
050I. Any oppose? Motion carries. All right. And 5.1 personnel recommendations. >> [snorts and cough] >> Okay. [clears throat] Oh, >> yeah. Okay. Um, you're going to make the Okay. Discussion. >> There haven't been a rec uh um sorry, a motion, but I I just have a quick question on this. So with the principal position, I just have a question on whether or not that was a applicant uh process or else if we are appointing the the pos the uh principal for Pinnacle View High School. I I know the uh press release have already been done and it has already been announced but it but for process it seemed like it's skipping process and someone asked uh whether or not it was a um hiring process or is this an appointment and then I didn't have
051a answer and I know um some others didn't have an answer to give on that. So uh that is my question for the principal position. So, um I think that um >> it's for Dr. Ray. >> Yes, Dr. Right. You can respond to that. >> Yeah, sure. Yeah, it um as I explained to the board, this is an appointed position. [snorts] >> It's appointment. >> Okay. Um Okay. So, so it's appointed and this is more so for um those that are listening that had the questions. Uh and so like this is a appointed permanent uh principal position and not an interim um position. >> Correct. >> Okay. >> I move. >> Any other questions? >> Okay. Entertain a motion. >> I move that the LRSD board of education approve uh 5.1 personnel recommendations. >> Is
052there a second? >> Second. It's been moved and properly second that the LSD board of education approves consent agenda item 5.1 personnel recommendations as um outlined. All in favor say I. >> I. Any oppose? >> Yeah. >> Oppos. >> Just ask for process. Okay. >> It's more it's not about um the principal or anything. I think he's he's a great >> We have one oppose. >> Yeah. Elementary principal, but it's more about the process. Okay, motion cares. [snorts] All right, so we're going to move forward to six. Okay. Okay. Um, how high school conversion charter is that? >> Yeah, >> I don't have anything else to add. Just uh uh wanted to clarify uh one thing that came up in the parent meeting. Um, and also for anybody else who may be wondering, of course
053we all know that a district conversion charter is still a district school that's governed by the board, but charter, we're not changing the school name. Charter will not be in the name. It'll still be Hall High School just as it just as it is. There were some folks thinking that the word charter was going to be in the name of the school. >> Okay. Thank you for the clarification. Any other questions? I know we've discussed it, but any questions that we have >> for me? Um, it's not really a question. Someone someone can make the motion and I could say it within the discussion cuz it's not going to change the vote. Um well either way for for for me uh it will be a no vote for me uh for a couple of reasons.
054One of them is uh a although a conversion charter I think we we talked about this some some some time ago some years ago about converter conversion charters um and even though neighboring districts have them because they did away with the school of innovation and um grandfathered others into a conversion charter when the state did away with those um with with that desk with with that um titling. Uh for me I just think that it is a um then it opens the door and I also had some um concerns around like the um I I don't know if it's branding or the reasons on why to go to the school for like the early gra uh uh graduation because um students are able to graduate early at all campuses as long as as long as
055they meet their graduation requirements but uh for me uh and then it will be a no vote on the charter conversion. >> Okay, other questions yesterday. >> Okay, any other questions or comments? Okay, >> I'd like to make a motion. Okay, >> I move the LRSD board of education authorize the district to submit an application for a districtrun conversion charter for Hall High School for the 2627 school year. Is there a second? >> Second. >> It's been moved and properly second that the LRSD Board of Education authorize the district to submit an application for a districtrun conversion charter for Hall High School for the 2627 school year. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Any oppose? >> Two. >> Oppose. You have those. Bali and Hatter. The motion carries. Okay. So, we're going to
056go ahead and move forward to let's see 6.2mmies of Central Arkansas Foundation proposal. And who's our point person? Um Dr. >> Um I don't really have anything else to add. Um I sent or copied uh the board on the letter that I sent to um the board of the foundation. Um so I don't have anything else to add. [snorts] >> Okay. Questions that we have uh going to come down here. Okay. Miss Strong and Hatter. Did Matter did you have one as well? >> Yeah. >> Okay. M Strong. >> Um [snorts] would it be okay if I go ahead and make a motion and then speak to that? >> Sure. >> Okay. Um, I'd like to move that we pause the formal partnership with themies of Central Arkansas for the 2526 school year and report
057back to the board quarterly on efforts to formally partner in 26 and in the 2627 school year and beyond in a capacity that meets the needs of both the district and themmies of central Arkansas. Um, I don't know if we want to wait on a second at this point and speak to things or if there's maybe not a second. >> Well, I guess we need a second to be able to move forward. >> Yeah, I I'll second that motion. >> Okay. So, um, if we're going to second that motion, let me just make sure that I know >> um, specifically what we're what that motion is for. Let me just make sure. So, we're going with option four. Is that what I hear you saying? >> No. Well, it was modified. It is a modified.
058I mean, yeah, >> it's a modified version of what >> a four um and I said I move that we pause the formal partnership with themies of central Arkansas. >> I have it written down if you need it. >> You do? Okay. >> Um for the 2526 school year >> and that we report to the board quarterly on efforts to >> Who is we? >> Yeah. >> Sorry. And the district, sorry, reports to the board quarterly. >> Okay. on efforts to partner formally in the 2627 school year and beyond in a way that meets the needs of both themies of central Arkansas in the district. >> So report the district reports to the board efforts to partner with the district >> uh to partner formal to partner formally in 26 27 and beyond. >> Okay.
059in a way that meets the needs of >> how often are we asking for this? >> Quarterly. Okay. >> Why not? >> That meets the needs of themies of central Arkansas and the district. >> So, is this a new motion you're just now making? Sounds like this is the same one. It's exactly the same, >> but it's modified, right? because it's still unclear cuz we >> it's exact it I mean we >> so we're going option for little rock pause partnership with foundation until >> I mean we don't have to pick an option from the list of options but it is it's essentially an option for >> it's just an option >> it's an option for with an expectation >> we'll make it and we'll vote >> it's not okay not exactly >> so so
060we we made the motion and and you said you have discussion >> I have it written down if that's needed >> okay so it's moved that we pause theirmies for the 2526 school year and report to the board quarterly on efforts to partner formally in 26 through 2 uh 27 and beyond in a way that is meaning that meets the needs of >> themies and the district. >> Do we have a second? We did have a second >> Adams. Okay. >> And [snorts] then and then I wanted to speak if that's possible. >> Indeed. So, it's been moved and properly second. >> Something that I did wrong. >> Is it just on standby? You're on standby. >> I'm here. It's a pleasure. >> Very good. Thank you. Okay. So, uh it's been moved and properly
061second. Question. >> Okay. Um our district does not have the funding to support them of central Arkansas partnership um in this school year in a way that I feel um makes a lot of sense. Um, I also really appreciated the district providing a clear recommendation for us based on some conversations. Um, I did have a one-on-one with Dr. Wright this week. I also met with one of the partners in one of ourmies this week and feel that there are there are a lot of positives out there in in this relationship and I think we have some work to do in figuring out whether the Ford NGL models model ofmies is really what works within the district and if that is not the case is there something else that we can work around that that can
062work for us to continue these partnerships um and I know I said this at our at our last meeting but it really does weigh heavily on me that many of the amazing partners we have invested in this. I don't I don't know what will happen next. Um and and if they will continue to partner us with us without themies piece of this work. Um, I see the value and I see the work that the team at themies of central Arkansas do to help our students see beyond graduation and I really appreciate that and I just I want to make sure that um that we acknowledge and say aloud how much we are grateful for our business partners that are partnering within our district to help reach our students. I think there is a great benefit
063to the businesses who get their employees out in our schools, see what it is like in our schools and see what it is like for the um families who work for them and the individuals who work for them and what their kids are doing every day. Um and I also think that it brings value to our students. So, I really hope that we can get to a place where a formal partnership that involves an exchange of money makes sense, but I think that right now the fiscally responsible um approach to them of central Arkansas is is to pause for the school year questions, head. >> Yeah. So, um, essentially what I'm hearing is that it's a no vote and I have concerns about wasting time if and and I use that word intentionally about having
064these continual meetings particularly because we've been in this for years already and the superintendent already said that he is not willing or want to proceed with with this and that he doesn't see a return on investment and that it doesn't align with it and it's not because of themies or the work that have been done and so I wonder just by just quoting um his reasons as well as as he emailed to us about the budget um it wasn't put in the budget and it's not because the amount wasn't known it just wasn't um programmed to go into the budget and I appreciate um the damage control that is happening to say hey let's continue these talks um I I just um just as we spoke last meeting I then then I just can't see
065a path forward no matter if administr if if the current administration isn't willing or see the um value of themies right as he stated multiple times and if um the board like he said wants um the district to go forth. I have serious concerns about the fidelity and about the gridlock and um just how truthful and um authentic that would um those conversations would would be or as well as the implementation of it. Um so those are my concerns and my last thing would be um right when we even up if I just isolate to the last three years right um creating a talent pool for our students. We have students in neighboring districts that um are receiving very lucrative job offers just out of high school by going through thesemies. And um I'm I'm
066I'm just concerned that one uh especially we are the ones who started it and convince the other districts to get on board. it creates a open space for partnerships to go elsewhere and then I will be interested as well to see what does next semester look like um right as thosemies I guess are phased out there's staff that is associated with it like the academy coaches like what actually happens um with that but those are those are some of my um uh chief chief concerns is if if district administration clearly stated that there isn't a willingness to go forth um the board is saying hey come back with quarter quarterly reports from a conversations what is what is going to be the fidelity and how authentic is it going to be to right to benefit
067um the students after taking away the benefit >> I did you see I personally have a great deal of faith in the superintendent. If we vote to do it, he'll do it. Um, but I don't want to vote to do it. Um, we can afford it, which we've made very clear. I don't think there's going to be magic money appearing next year. I appreciate the partnerships with businesses in central central Arkansas. They they provide our kids with something they wouldn't get otherwise unless we hired a bunch of votech instructors. I hope that they don't see that those businesses, the chamber of commerce doesn't see our rejection of themies of central Arkansas forward model as our rejection of the idea of uh cooperation between the district and businesses. With that said, I move to amend the
068motion to read LRSD will pause partnership with the AOCA A of CA Foundation until a time in the future to be determined doing away with the quarterly reporting. >> Motion, it's just the statement. It's four way it reads in the second. It's been moved and properly second that the LD will pause partnership with the AOCA Foundation until a time to be determined in the future. >> This is an amendment on the motion. You're only voting the amendment on the underlying motion. >> So, it's been moved and probably second on the amendment, correct? And so, we need to vote whether we're going to accept that amendment. Okay. So all in favor >> is there >> to vote on amendment. >> Is there any discussion on the amendment? Yes. >> Yes. >> Ju just on the amendment
069then we'll I'll I'll comment then we'll come back to whatever and I'd like to make I'll make a broader I'll make correct. Yeah. Then I'll make a broader comment. But >> um I think that I I find myself wanting um more leaning toward the original amendment of original motion. >> Um just because I appreciate that the idea that um >> we'll keep an open >> Well, yeah. I I think I think that it leave leaving it open with with no response of coming back. I think um doesn't have as as much expectation of hoping that there may be some space for negotiation. I think that there it's clear that and from the very product for me at least the productive discussion we had at our work session that that the district is really interested in
070much in the philosophy of partnering with community organizations and which which is also what the Ford NGL model is is interested in but we have not been able to find common ground on the how but because we have an impass now doesn't mean that we would always have an impass past. Sometimes groups that find themselves locked in and and without um any without the ability to find common ground when the situations change and time goes on are willing to to to rethink things or to reconsider some positions that before that didn't feel like they could compromise on and that. So we might be in a year from now if we try or keep the door open, we may still be where we are today. But I think that history shows that that doesn't always happen
071that way. That sometimes though as you continue to talk and continue to touch base and explore, you find ways that there's common ground. So I I find myself more leaning toward um that expectation of keeping the channels open and even if we with the idea [snorts] that it may not produce anything but it that it's possible. >> Oh, go ahead. >> Another comment. I'm sorry. Yes, sir. >> Yes. >> I don't think by not meeting quarterly means that we're closing any doors. Like I said uh at the last meeting, I can't support that because we heard we heard from our district if you decided to implement it would be devastating to what we already have going and what we already have going is working. So I don't think >> what did you say? You said
072if what about quarterly [clears throat] if you say >> if we don't meet quarterly >> she didn't say meeting >> I just said somebody >> a report. Well, you have to meet to have a report, right? >> Somebody left me. No, >> not us. >> What? That's I understand that part. [laughter] That's I understand that part. Uhuh. No, no, no. I understand that part. >> But anyway, so what I'm saying is what we have is already working. And so if we want to implement that means that we have to shift a little bit and so we're going to pay to devastate something that's already going on. So I can't see trying to what the district is saying. The time is not now. And so we have to respect that. We can't continue to just keep
073beating on it and beating on it and beating on it. Miss Montgomery sat right there and told you what we have is working. Dr. Wright have told you that there's more than one way. There's more than one way to accomplish the the better outcome for students. So I can't um support a quarterly report at this moment until the district comes back and say hey you know what we need to reach out we're having problems they may have a solution then then but to just have a report for what what is going to be in the report because what we're doing is working so okay >> what will the report say that I met with Dr. the right met with themies and they still can't come up with a resolution. I think until it's time for
074somebody in the district to reach out, I think we ought to just go ahead and do what we're doing and be okay with that. >> Other comments, other questions? More >> um I I really appreciate your thoughts on that. I think I think what I was thinking about the quarterly report is that perhaps since we are a bit at an impass on the Ford NGL model what could come back in the report would be perhaps the idea that a different model other than the Ford NGL model such as the model ofmies that we that maybe are working you know at the last meeting I asked for the teams to come back and say show me how you can not how you can get a better score on this scorecard or tell me you can't And
075it sounds like we're at a place where maybe we can't right now, but maybe there is a different scorecard that is not the Ford NGL model that that that themies could come around to. Or maybe there is um a way that we could buy into specific services that themies of Central Arkansas provide such as the expo or other other things that are of benefit to our students. And that is what I'm hoping that maybe that agreement could look a little different than what is being proposed now. And that was my hope with the quarterly report that we could find a way to find some shared value in some sort of agreement that might or might not look like what we have been talking about in this specific board agenda item. So >> just you just
076said what I just said that if we have a issue and we can't see a resolut then we'll reach out. Well, that but what but what I think is that if we don't put it in here that we we want those conversations to happen, they may not happen. And so that's why that for me is why I put that I added that additional piece on was that that we continue to think about a way that this partnership could could work out in in some way, shape, or form. >> Miss Hatter. >> Okay. So, as our board is leaving from nine members to seven members, four of you guys are coming back cuz you're running unopposed. So, uh then and then as a board, you make it your business to be a part of ensuring that
077those conversations happen. To me, it sounds like damage control because um we have been in this work for a number of years. are districts that we talked and led the way for them to be involved. They have went ahead and they um uh have done their financial part of it as all districts was told a year ago about this. And so there was plenty of time to put it in the budget and it just wasn't done. And so, um, and so to kick the can down the road and to, uh, do, uh, window dressing for damage control, that's not helping the situation either because, um, this is a bad look right on Little Rock. This is a bad look on our district because, as our superintendent said, for the last 5 years, they was paying
078for it. And now that we have to pay 117 um $117,000 central was never a part of it um included in it initially on purpose. Um uh now it's a problem and so that makes us bad partners um to say it's cool when you pay for it but it's a problem when we have to give to it. And and again I'm just repeating what our superintendent said that he doesn't see a return on investment. He he is the work that's being done is not because of themies and that he just doesn't you know it's just not working or whatever. But I do want to mention um our our metro and this is just for you know I'm not going to be here in March you know and so um I'll be hopefully a justice of
079the peace. So, but either way, it is important to make sure that we understand right now we only have 800 students attending Metro. Only a fraction of those students are getting certifications. So, what happened to the other 5,000 students? The um Palaski County Special, North Little Rock, Jacksonville, all those other school um schools districts are not sending their kids to Metro because they have themies on campus. >> I'd like to a point of order. Vicki, could you speak to the amendment? >> It is to the amendment. The the point is it doesn't make sense to kick the can down the wall the road to try to say face and I am speaking directly to the amendment. As I said, I am leaning back on what our superintendent said on why he is recommending us not
080move forward as well as he did in the email and then as well as he did multiple times >> [snorts] >> um on Zoom and in the other meeting. So I then I agree. I don't understand what the quarterly reports are going to do then in the right when there there have already been a hard stance by administration to not move forward and that this is just a small attempt to um do a little bit of damage control. So it's either we're in or else we're out. and number four, which is where we're at on option four with with the amendment of the with the amendment of the amendment. Um, we are out is is is right where we're at. So, um and and we're out because administration have told us to be out because
081of um having grave concerns. And so, that's kind of right that is where we're at. And so if if we can just get to the vote and get over this and the four members coming back, it is on you guys to make sure that like you guys are providing uh CTE, which is where the world is right now. Um opportunities to employment cuz that's what themies do um for our other 5,000 students that are not um going to Metro. >> Okay. So, let's go ahead and vote then on the >> I need I need to speak >> amendment. Oh, you have another comment. I'm sorry. Hold on. I'm sorry. I forgot to respond to some things. >> Okay, hold on. Hold on one second. Um, Dr. Wright, >> I may not have to. >> There's
082been quite a bit that has been said that, you know, I don't want to take up any more time trying to clarify every little point. What I do want to make sure that everyone is aware of and what I may do is just um in addition to all the other emails that I've sent about uh our position and let me clarify this is not Dr. Wright's position alone like I have um worked to try to find some type of way uh to make this work. Um, I have involved our principles, our academy coaches, and other folks in the conversation after a long period of time of talking and realizing that we're not uh going to be able to get anywhere. Um, yes, I am in favor of the recommendations that I made, but it didn't
083start out that way. Number one. Number two, themies in our district is they're not going away. The pathways are not going away. The staff that we have dedicated to those particular programs are not going away. The only thing that is going away is our partnership with themies of Central Arkansas Foundation for all of the reasons that I listed in the letter. It's not just about money because if it was just about money, we could go back and reallocate and find money in our budget to move forward with this. So, this is much bigger than money. There are many different reasons that I stated um why I feel that is not in our best interest to move forward. So, I'll just stop and clarify those things. Our academy programs not going away. We're not shutting them
084down. We're not shutting up down our pathways. And for us to have been at stage one implementation since we started, you know, in that final letter, I provided data to you all like our completion rates, our CTE pathway completion rates, our other college and career readiness uh data. You can see that we are well beyond um if you look at the the Ford NGO model, yes, because of various reasons. There's many things that don't align with the way that we operate as a district, but we are still getting outcomes and are improving our student outcomes and we can continue to do that and we will continue to do that. >> Thank you. >> To speak to my motion, which nobody else seems to want to do except Mr. Adams, >> leaving off the requirement that
085they have a timeline for coming back, somebody meets and then somebody comes back with a report on some timeline. If Academymies of Central Arkansas doesn't like the outcome of this vote, they can come back to the superintendent anytime they want to and say, "Can we resume negotiations?" My understanding is that the last two or three sessions they've had went nowhere and it was intrigence on the part of the parties couldn't find common ground. If that's the case, they're not going to find common ground in three months just waiting, looking at each other for three months. Well, yeah, maybe they will, but maybe they won't. And I don't like the maybe putting a timeline on something. Like I said, we don't require anybody to report back. That doesn't keep anybody from coming back. >> Okay. Okay.
086So, we're going to go ahead. Any other questions or comments? Go ahead and move on the amendment. Is that correct? Okay. So we move on the amendment to amend the initial motion to pause in the partnership which is option four uh with AOCA foundation to a time to be determined from the original um motion. All in favor say I to amend the motion. I can I have a um >> let's have a roll call. Roll call. Yes, I have a roll call. >> No, no. No. What? Wait, what? >> We're voting on the amendment. We're voting to >> You want the amendment? >> You want his amendment or you want her? Amen. If you want hers, you say yes. >> I'm saying no cuz I want hers. So, if you want his, you say yes.
087>> Okay. Um, come come back to me. I got to think about it because it's still a no, right? >> Yes. If you wanted >> Adams, >> no. >> Abstain. >> Can't do that. That's a no. >> I don't care. No. >> Yes. [laughter] >> I needed that. I muted that laugh. >> No. >> Okay. So, what do we have? >> I'm sorry. >> Okay, the motion failed. So, we go back to the original motion. Okay. So, go back to the original motion. So, okay. So, going back to the original motion, it's been moved and probably second that. Let me have the >> Yeah, there you go. >> Yeah. Okay. that we pause ac uhmies for 2526 year and report to the board quarterly on efforts to partner formally in 2627 and beyond in a
088way that is meeting the needs of the district and themies. It's been moved and probably second. All in favor say I. >> Mr. Adams Mr. Adams I'm sorry we have to speak >> well yes I'd asked to speak to the I'd asked to speak to the main motion and I'll be brief. I I I do think I don't see this as as a superficial damage control thing. I I think this is a description of the impass that we're in. I think that parties have worked very hard and the fact that we have four to five options presented tells me that that the district has worked very hard to try to find multiple paths forward and and and I don't I wasn't a part of those. So I don't know where the inflexibility came in the
089end where both both sides felt like they could not you know cross that but but that's where we we have been but I don't think that necessarily means that we will ever be and and I hope there there might be some something else that could happen but I think it's important to know that uh recognize that we have invested a great deal of time and resources you in the past 5 years, including staff positions and salaries and all kinds of efforts. And so, it's not as if we have not been working at this on our end, but we have not been able to find a way forward together that satisfies the vision of of both parties. Okay, >> it's been moved and properly second. Any other comments or questions? All in favor say I. >>
090I. Um, let's do a roll call on [laughter] this, please, just for clarity. Director Strong, >> yes. >> Director Wesley, >> yes. >> Director, >> no. >> Director Johnson, >> no. >> Director Adams, >> yes. >> Director, >> no. >> Director Rose, >> no. >> Which puts us exactly where we were 45 minutes ago. Okay. The um chair will entertain a motion. >> Well, if I No, I can't restate my original. It lost and I was on the losing side. One of the winners could put my original motion. >> So, I will make that motion. I will make that motion that we accept option four and we pause uh our relationship with themies of central Arkansas um at this time. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> Okay. So, it's been moved and properly
091second that the LD will pause partnership with the AOCA Foundation until a time to be determined in the future's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor say I. >> I. >> All opposed. The motion carries. >> We did that sort of smooth, didn't we, Mr. Kaz? >> Second. >> We did that smoothly, didn't we? >> Thanks for your [laughter] assistance. I appreciate you. 7.1 Solar Energy Project Update. You carry us through. Let's see, >> Mr. Bailey. 10.1 point 2.3. >> I'm going do You don't You don't want me to combine them all together, do you? >> No, I just I mean, I don't need to >> I'm going to be up for >> and point four. Is that right? 1 2 3 and four. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Okay. I mean, I don't need
092to stop you in the middle of your >> Well, I'm I'm going to be bringing somebody up from Integrity as well, Mr. Parky Hick. So, we're going to hit the 7.1 solar energy project update. Uh, this project I believe started in 20 the fall of 23. Uh, so I'm going to pull I think I can pull it up for my Miss Smith. >> 24. >> It might have been 24. I got When did it was it? >> Depends how much. >> Yeah, I think the board voted. I think the board voted. Yeah. 23. So >> I think September 24. >> 24. Was it 24? >> Yeah. >> I don't know. We started talking about it looked like a while back, but but I I believe we had at least one or two board members ask
093for update. So, this is probably just time for us to do update anyway. So, >> okay. I'm gonna give me control up here. Let's see. Well, I'm gonna bring you up if you want to >> start. Yeah. >> Okay. Thanks. Thanks for having me, Parker Hicks with Integrity Partners. Um, good good to see you again. I think it's been about a year since since I came and talked to you. So, >> you're a part dad, right? >> That's right. I have a Miss Ross happy camper. Uh, and, uh, maybe next year prek3 to add to that. So, uh, it's been an exciting year for in in our household. [laughter] Um so the project like we said we got a formal approval to move forward about September 24th. That was right before the state policy deadline
094completed. Uh since then uh a few things have been completed. So utility studies that had to be uh done. Uh that took until about February to finish. Uh and and so we were able to start on some things before then but we needed that information before we could procure some of our equipment. um engineering design, site grading, structure construction, the modules, and a lot of the gear. I'll show you some photos here in just a minute as well. Um current timeline. So, if you remember from a year ago, this is later than what I expected. Uh then that additional equipment, this medium voltage switch gear, uh that was determined was needed after that study in February, it has about a year um um delivery. >> Wow. Yes. So, um the utility energy right now is
095telling us that they will be done in December. >> That was pretty close last time. [laughter] >> That's what they said last time, but they made a different December, >> but they should be done then, but there will still be waiting on that equipment. Uh which right now is expected in February. And then at that point it's just uh various testing and startup with everyone uh to get the go-ahhead to turn it on and start generating. So right now we're saying March of 26 expected place in service. Um you know there there's not a lot other than that equipment delivery is really the the big thing that's out there. Uh and then you just need enough sunlight to do the test to to get approval to turn it on. You know one here's some photos
096as well. So you can see we really started on the site in about December uh with with grading and then the panels actually delivered in December. So this this is in Marll, Arkansas. So a little bit before Helena if you're going down that way quite quite a ways from here. >> Um April of 25 we started working on the actual structure. It's a little you can see it better on some of the screens. By May of 25 we started putting on some of the the panels. Uh and then late summer and through just in the past couple of months, we've been finishing those panels and running a lot of the electrical. Uh so a lot that August picture is still a little out of date. That last section is finished. Um [snorts] and and most
097of the work is done there. Just waiting on the utility to finish and then our last piece of equipment to come in. Um so bear with us a little bit longer. We'll get there. Again, this is a what's called a solar service agreement. So the school has not paid any money for this construction. There's no capital commitment upfront. You're agreeing to buy the power for 5.5 cents roughly and then Energy will credit your accounts. Depends on the account, but on average, you know, a few cents higher than that. So net you will save uh at least in the first few years uh about $400,000 a year. Those are our initial calculations. If you saw the paper today, Energy, just like pretty much every utility, uh is asking for substantial increases to their rates. Um you
098know, it's hard to say exactly what that'll be. Maybe 7 8% in this next year. That's I mean that's nationwide going on. So um you know that that to say that the solar is going to hopefully provide even more benefit uh than what we originally expected because of that. Now, since I came to the board, I thought I would spend one slide talking about another project that we did that does have significant completion. Uh I know some of y'all were there at the ribbon cutting as well, but the electric school bus project as of the start of this year, uh all 25 buses are in operation. They don't all run routes the same day. I think they are still gradually working up to get uh to where they're comfortable running all 25 at on the
099at the same time. Uh but we've ran over 60,000 mi uh since the start of the school year. And our original estimation, the savings is basically instead of paying for diesel fuel for these buses, the electricity to charge the buses is is quite a bit lower. So 130,000ish annual full fuel savings. So far, that looks like it's on track, if not slightly better. Um, the one piece that we're still trying to wrap up is the backup generator. So, um, Summit Utilities, the gas company, needs to expand the size of their main coming into the site so that it's large enough to provide gas to the generator. Uh, we are we are waiting, they tell us as soon as the order is in, it'll be two weeks. and and we're just waiting on them to tell
100us when that is. But every everything else is ready for that upgrade and then the generator will be >> they've had my yard torn up for 2 months when they told me it'd be 3 weeks. So I don't know. >> Yeah, I the Yeah, we um we're we're close. We're close. And we there was, you know, I'll be honest, there was an outage. Uh but we were able to help the district through that. There was no um routes missed during that time. Um it was I don't know a three or four hour outage in the middle of the day >> of what >> um of electricity. So the chargers weren't able to charge the buses during that time. The generator is not in place yet cuz the gas isn't upgraded. Um but but we survived
101unscathed. So as long as we get that done I think uh you know this this fall or early winter before the spring storms uh you should should feel pretty good about it. >> Questions? Can you remind me of the dollar amount on the um the savings from the power grid, the the solar grid? >> So, uh yeah, we estimated a little over $400,000 a year. Now, >> we there is a a chance that some of the rates will change over time. >> And so, if that happens, that's going to drop down to in the $150,000 range. Oh, >> okay. So, we did when we put together our proforma, we showed that it dropped down to that amount um around year four or five, something like that. Um it's possible that'll never happen and you'll stay
102up at that higher level and the savings will be even better. Um but we'll keep an eye on that for you. Um as soon as the as soon as the rates or as soon as the array gets turned on, we'll do a little bit of training so uh Mr. Bailey's team knows how to review the bills and make sure that you're getting the credits that you're supposed to. But I thought you said if the rates go up we'll save more. Is that right? You said yes more. >> Sorry. Yes. Sorry for the confusion. So rates generally are going up, right? So 10 cents a KW is going to be 11 cents a KWH, something like that. >> But there are different rate classes >> and so some accounts are on what's called a small general
103service and those may be 10 cents a KW. >> Other accounts are on large general service those may be six cents a KWH. So some of those small general could get reclassified to large general. >> Even though they're going up, they're going to drop from on those specific cases. >> Thank you, Red Dali. >> Yeah. Uh thank you for being here today. Um I'm glad to hear about this solar project. I really don't have any questions, just mainly a couple comments. one, I know uh the students were a big part of promoting the district going solar. And so I hope it just at some point during this school year just like the update that we're getting uh maybe this update could be given to the to the different youth groups that help uh advocate for
104this or even just the student advisory I mean the superintendent student advisory board in one of their meetings that they hold monthly because I know they were a big reason why uh well a big influence on this. Um, but I'm glad you brought up also this formula rate plan increase that might be that's looking like it's going to be in place because everybody's utility bills are going up. Uh, and uh I don't know what kind of rate plan the district at cuz I haven't got that far into it. But um I I feel like a special rate should be available for the district too to energy if they're going to offer it to other corporations who are trillion dollar corporations as compared to what the budget is here. Um but like I said, I'm glad
105that this is happening and I would like to just hear more updates in the future about like how much electricity is being generated from this these solar uh the solar project. >> I I know uh in the past it was mentioned like it could possibly be uh 25% of electricity come from these solar projects. Y >> and so I I I just would like to say more updated in the future, especially after everything's been implemented, but I appreciate you being here. >> Thank you. Thank if I could speak to to that briefly. Um we we would be happy certainly happy to to give updates whenever needed. Again, I'm right here in Little Rock. Happy to do that. We also would love to do education, you know, free of cost when it makes sense. We now
106this array is close to two hours away. You're probably not going to bust students over there. But we have arrays here in Little Rock that we could take students to and and show them hands-on. We also have built these things we call solar suitcases uh which is just a small solar array and you can um plug in like light bulbs and phone chargers. It's really good for like the middle school level >> to get hands-on and and just to see how the technology works. So >> keep that in mind. We'd love to do that. >> Yeah. And I really I really would like to see that because this is promoting STEM and the reason that we need to be doing some of this stuff. >> Absolutely. >> Yeah. Um I just >> Yeah. I just
107have one. Um I don't know. It's I I guess it could be a collaborative effort. Um we then we adopted this I think maybe in 22 or 23 in the um um for this to go forth. However, as a district, we and we haven't put together a solar plan like what like we are doing it for like what do we want to see um our district re re reduce do we want to just reduce the cost? Do we want to reduce our carbon footprint in in the world? And so I think um just to bring it back up um for new ears is um for know for the board to get together and create a sustainability um plan. What does like what what is is the LRSD goal for 2030, you know, um to where
108the work that is already being done, it is paired and anchored to um something. I know we do our lights, we do our filters, we do all those things, but it will but it will mean a great deal no matter if we had some type of green um um initiative written right by the board, no matter uh collaboration. >> Yep. >> Yeah. Be be happy to to discuss that. >> Good. >> Thank you. >> Indeed. And we're maxing on solar now, right? Well, >> you want to talk about >> Sure. Yeah. I mean, so state policy has changed. So, I mean, you can still build solar, but you're not going to get the same level of savings, >> right? Um, so your opportunity financially is certainly limited. And, you know, um, >> but you can
109go beyond five megawatts. No, >> you can go beyond the five megawatts. What you probably would have to do is actually locate it on your actual schools and get it what's called behind the meter. So, that's the solar going directly to the school. Um whereas this is obviously way off site and Energies is metering it and then crediting it to you. >> Go ahead. >> How do we know that we're being credited like correctly? Like what? >> That's a great question. That's that's what I mean. We're going to need some training as soon as that thing uh gets started because uh you're literally going to have a hundred different utility bills that are getting credits. Um now Energy can provide like a report that shows, hey, here's the account. here's how much credit was or
110credits were applied to it. So, some tools like that that'll be helpful. Um, and and I'll show you u if you look at an actual bill, you'll be able to see where they show the credit amount and then un some every utility is different. So, some utilities will show you like a negative charge on there. Energy just doesn't have the charge on there. Um, so you have to kind of know what you're looking for. Um, but like an energy charge that would normally be there will just disappear because it's fully credited. Um, yeah, I I've got documentation. I can sit down with whoever needs to uh explain it, but it is different. Um, so so I know it'll take a little bit of getting used to >> and we have integrity partners here too as
111well, so help us. >> That's right. >> Yep. Anytime. >> Thank you very much. >> I think any action needed on that. That's just an update, but I will hit 7.2 if you're ready to roll. >> Indeed. >> So, one of the things we have on here is attached resolution. This is prepared by um Jack Trumper and his team there. What we have was called a post compliance. So, meaning we're going to abide by all the the compliance in here with our bunds we actually issued. Uh and we just closed those fund buns funded on the 18th. So, we got about $74.5 million in. We had a good faith deposit. So it was over 75 million that we got for our capital improvement fund. So much needed money there. But you have a for your
112resolution and basically it's a compliance book. We had I think the last up it was updated a while back. We just needed to have a new one on file. This is filed with the district file with Steven as well. So it goes through the different posts compliance things saying uh we can't go out and use tax exempt funds to build something that we're planning on just like a for profit into this for our school buildings and things like that. So, we have to be can't go build a gym that's going to be out for private rental all the time, something like that. So, uh but it's just making sure that we have something in place for audit purposes. So, [clears throat] if you have any questions on it, pretty standard language and they work with
113the Friday firm typically on these as well. So, >> okay. Any questions? >> I'm sorry. I'm sorry. >> What? Where are we at? >> We're on 7.2.2. >> Okay. I was distracted. My apologies. Okay. >> [snorts] >> So within that you have your written procedures and guidelines and you have record keeping retention policies what's [snorts] called arbitrage that's basically making interest on the actual tax exempt deposits we have as well. So yeah >> sure will entertain a motion. >> I move the LSD board of education approve the attached resolution and post insurance compliance policy manual. >> Second. It's been moved and probably seconded that the LRSD board of education approve the attached resolution and post issuance compliance policy manual. Any other questions, comments? Been moved and probably second. All in favor say I. >> I.
114Any oppose? Motion carries. >> Thank you, sir. >> Three. >> The next one is our proposed budget of expenditures for fiscal year 28. We just uh had one of these a few months ago for November election. This is for the March election. So, this is why it's back to back. We kind of talked about this based on state law. So, you won't have one know of them approved till a year year later. So, uh but we have to put out there based on these are based on current fund expenditures we've had and just a projected. It's two years out. So, a lot of things can change over that. So it's our best estimate just based on on these guidelines but has to be pub published in the paper at least I think 60 days before
115or maybe 90 days I have to look back on here what I put on here on the thing this is prepared by Stevens as well uh so we have to get this published in December so before you as well you have the proposed budget along with the millage rate which is not changing at all 46.4 four meals. Uh if y'all adopt it, we'll get this uploaded along with I think I have attached a summary of items that he gave me as well. Here, let me pull it up. >> 60 days. Yeah, it used to be 90 days at one time. It's 60 now. U >> but typically they they help us with the ballot and everything and make sure we get everything to the election commission. Uh and I attached some of those things. You'll
116see a letter here that came to I think it updated Dr. Wright at this time. So, uh, you'll see the significant dates in here. This is some backup for you all as well for the 2026 annual school election and different posting requirements that we have. Uh, the proposed budget. You'll see a sample ballot here as well that's attached a little bit later down. So, this just kind of keeps us in compliance. Typically, we wouldn't have these in two the same two calendar or fiscal years. So, this is the last of them. Um, so for the listening public that may be interested, this is this is just a formality that we have to do. It's about it it's initiative that's on the ballot. It doesn't increase. It doesn't do anything. Just as long as one person
117vote, >> then we're good. >> So, and in November, I guess you can. >> Yeah. It was you. So, on this one, this this one is for the March. >> Oh, I forgot. >> Yeah. >> So, the mill rate not changing at all on this. So this is a formality. We have to have it if we have an election. So I think y'all want to don't have a choice. We got election in March. So yeah. >> Uh we have question. >> Yeah. Yeah. I just said it's not about this. Of course we need to do this. Glad to vote to do this but I as I was reading over that I don't know if this is for you Mr. Bailey or you Mr. cuz they but I want to did I read this correctly that
118if in ma in March if if we don't have any multi- um member um candidate races coming up but it but it said that if you had a multi-race you know like three or more people running and nobody got a majority or if you had a tie with two people that the runoff would be in November. That's correct. >> That's true. I think that's correct. I'm not >> That's the way it works now that we're in the person. >> And so in between >> in between March and November, what where does that leave you? If if you don't have let's say it's an open seat, >> does that leave you just with with one less board member >> during that time? >> Yeah. An open seat, you'd have a vacancy >> or you car or
119people could carry >> well. I think I think there's a Yeah. >> Like if if nobody if you had not filed to run for your seat and nobody filed, you could you would stay over until >> the end of your term and then the board the board could appoint or you could stay over another until the next election cycle I believe. I don't know there it's all in the law. >> But if I chose but if but taking that example if I chose not to and said my term is over and I'm you know and I'm not willing or able to do that then the board would just a regular >> we could appoint we would appoint we would appoint somebody temporarily for that >> before the next election I believe that's what we do
120>> just a comment I mean March March to November seems a crazy amount of time >> you know to have for a runoff that to be in an ambiguous situation for a district I think that's really a poor decision >> will entertain A motion. >> I move the LRSD board of education adopt the attached proposed budget of expenditures with tax le levy for fiscal year beginning July 1, 2027 and including June 30th, 2028 and to approve all related election documents. >> Is there a second? >> Second. It's been moved and properly second that the LRCD Board of Education adopt the attached proposed budget of expenditures with tax le levy for fiscal year beginning July 1, 2027 to and including June 30, 2028 and to approve all related election documents. Moved and properly second. Any question
121other comments? All in favor say I. >> I. Any oppose? Motion carries. 7.4 before. >> All right, moving right along. Seemed like I almost gave this presentation last week. >> I didn't really >> was that I think so. Okay, >> because it's the Thanksgiving. >> So, it's it's pretty similar here. It's going to the fund balance is probably going to be the most dramatic part of this, but this is October 25 ending uh financials here of course presented today, but same kind of the summaries here. Um very lackluster. We're just starting the tax collection part. So, this is through October. We did get a major >> [clears throat] >> uh collection in November. So, we'll have a few more a little bit more in in, you know, the rest of this month along with December.
122Uh but these are kind of the the revenues we've gotten in so far. You see a lot of zeros on several of those cuz they won't come into the the next part and after January 1st of 26. Uh so, collections for the regular property tax were 36.7 million just about at that point. Uh we did get a collection of 79 million in uh I think last week it was. So that was a major deposit. So as far as this and you look I look at these presentation 100 times and I I see a typo on here. This shouldn't be PS uh professional architect. This should be security services. So one of the things we had with our so contract over the past few years was a u it was a mixup really a mixup but
123we were asking for bills for the last like two years. We finally got that through the accounting department and with their SO. So that's one of the parts here that we paying that you're going to see a negative there. Uh I hope is that we have enough savings in our ESA that typically we pay out of ESA funds for those. So about $1.6 million. Gasoline and diesel U is going to show on this being over about 137. I think we're going to be able to just shut that down based on you saw some of those savings there uh based on the EV buses there that are running. So they're getting more comfortable those but driving those buses. We did have that one day scale. That was a day when we had electricity off at Horus
124man and a couple other schools there in that area cuz the bus depot for right there for the special needs. So they were down about three or four hours. So we we're hopeful to get this generator back going, but we didn't have any hiccups that day on on getting students picked up. So these are really the only ones here. U we going through our personnel now trying to make sure we can reduce any vacancy we have out there. uh we came in with aboutund I think 130 some vacancies when we submitted the budget. So we still have quite a few out there. We still have nurses and security office and custodial pieces. We have some uh teacher positions and some parapros that we contacted the schools this week to reduce those that the ones that
125aren't needed. So hopefully that that'll help out a little bit as far as our fund balances. Uh and and this one is getting low here. So operating fund balance was currently at the end of October about $6.8 million. You can see the capital improvement fund balance and we passed a resolution that that month in October the actual reimburse fund balance for our capital improvement we could use out of operating. So that deficit was covered out of operating fund balance along with our federal fund balance that was just based on time and waiting on some reimbursement and child nutrition about 1.8. So we had two negative fund balance to end that month. Uh but the operating actually covered that. But when you looked at and Dr. Wright told me he the other day said I didn't
126know we that low. We look at here. This is the >> pictorial >> uh >> negative. >> Well, the orange is negative there. That's the one I just showed you for the the capital improvement. So, we have money in now that you know to fund that up. But it was a pretty, you know, decent decline on your operating. It gets stretched pretty thin. And you saw September. I got to I'm getting older. You can't even see September on there, can you? The little gray part >> over there. We did move it up a little bit in October. September was 1 million, I believe, for our operating uh fund balance. So that was a situation where had to make sure we made payroll. We did talk to vendors. There was a little delay on, you know,
127paying vendors, but all those vendors are caught up this point. So we have all our money in. So it was plan on having that actual capital improvement funds come in in October, but due to some legislation and different things that delayed at least 30 days out there. So we we do have all that money in place now. Still, you know, we still got the rest of the fiscal year. Hopefully we can meet all the projections we got on our actual tax revenue. We'll be good to go. If we can maintain we'll maintain the expenditure side if not try to reduce those. So and this of course is the detail behind the kind of the pictorial and the kind of the summary of that. So when I go back I I'll make sure I update this
128one here. It should say security services. The count is right but the title is wrong on that. So >> can can you tell us if you know last year we had a big jump on the operating in November. Is that has that happened yet this month? >> So if you look at this graph, >> it will be. Yes, ma'am. >> Okay. But it's not in yet. >> So So I We did We just received it on >> Oh, good. >> I need to look at my calendar here. I think we received it on today on last Thursday. >> I know this is through the end of October, but I just It would make me feel better if you could say out loud that that gray bar is going up. >> The gray bar. Yeah, we
129received 79 million. So if we were to do it at that point, it would be about 85 million as far as fund balance. But I mean, Some of it is going to offset some of the, you know, the negative we have to, you know, refund on the the capital improvement, but that 79 million is going to take us throughout the spring because it won't be additional, you know, larger deposits until we get to the April May side. So, it you'll see that large fund balance and then it'll continue to drop down as we spend. So, each payroll costs about $6 million with uh salaries and benefits. So, >> okay. >> We have two a month. >> Okay. Um I have a question. overall budget, not necessarily for October. Uh, two questions. With the upcoming year
130coming, uh, budget cuts, what does, what does that amount look like? >> I had looked at all of it, but we're down about 600 students as of October 1st, enrollment, K12. I think we're a little bit less than if you add preK on there. So, you're going to have to take in consideration those 600 students if it keeps on all three quarters. Think we may get some students back. I don't know if it's going to be a significant gain in students back. U take that consideration along with additional debt service payment for the 75 million. U I don't have I have the numbers. I run them but I don't have them in front of me. I give them to you. So you don't recall do you Dr. Right. >> No but December work session. Um
131prior to that's going to be the topic of December work session. Even prior to that, this is kind of premature, but prior to the December work section session, I will be asking uh board members to come to that particular meeting with um ideas or areas that you want to see us take a deeper look at in terms of reductions across the district because we're going to start that process um going to start that process in December. Mhm. >> What I would say to that is I would prefer the administration to bring those things because we are at a disadvantage and if we say we want to cut this, we don't know what that impacts and that's the role of the superintendent really to bring those deductions and how um beneficial they they are they have
132been. Um so if if the board take any action around finances it would be for an uh it for me I would make um a motion to do a external forensic audit around the operation finances um procurement and um hiring practices no right of right of the last three years. And so like we can get a clear picture of where are we truly financially. Um especially since we have been operating in the red for the last 3 years right as it has been reported >> um two and two to three years two years. So um with that I I think that right as we are under a reconstitution of a district again going from 9 to 7 um it is going to be important for us to have a clear understanding of where are we
133financially instead of doing this like hey give ideas on where you want because that's that is not I don't think a proper way of doing it. So, um, and then two, this district's going to be in transition for a few years cuz after the seven board members come back, you guys are going to have to pull pull again. And so, you're going to be like changing for a few years. So, anyways, um, so if we do have a budget session, I would like to see where administration is proposing those cuts instead of us randomly saying so. Other questions or comments were you? >> Yeah, I was going to pull the spreadsheet up. Y'all kind of ask on that. So, so of course we always working budget never stops for us cuz I mean you have
134to look look, you know, out in the future, but this is basically what we looking at right now. We were looking at 26 27 school year or assessment year. We don't have the assessment now, but just looking at maybe a modest 2% growth. Uh this is kind of what the assess value may be looking at. Uh based on a 601 reduction or change in ADM if that you know it's true for all three quarters you're looking at about a $9 million you know change in foundation funding uh based on that. So you're looking at a loss of funding and some of that's based on this foundation amount going down a little bit from8162 out down to 837 but you're going to have some reduction in actual expenditure because the state's taking over all insurance payments.
135So we no longer have to pay insurance for an employees. All that money is going to go directly from the foundations to EBD. So >> And what type of insurance are you speaking of? Health. >> Health insurance. Only health. Yeah. >> Uh so minimum on foundation funding revenue, you're going to be looking at at least a $9 million, you know, reduction as far as revenue coming in. But you will have some offset of expenditures. And this doesn't take in consideration any U decline in enrollment funding. This is just pure. So some of that will be offset a little bit. So >> Okay. And my other question um what I would like to see a projection of is once because we know Hall and West is going to take a a lot of resources and the
136and the return on investment for those two campuses are is going to take a while if if if it you know it's going to be what it is. Um and so that's going to have a direct impact right on the rest of our district and the rest of our district is going to pay for that. So, I would like to see a projection um with the operating cost of the new Pinnacle High School projections, right? And I know it's based on student enrollment, right? We got to find 1,200 students from somewhere with the hope they'll come there. Um and then we have hall. uh there's you know automatically with it being such a low student that's already already a negative on the operation of that building. So how does that impact the rest of the
137district cuz we know um the rest of the district is going to have to supplement somewhere um for those two campuses. So I then I would like to see um what all that financial impact could potentially be to where planning can can begin. And then lastly, what and if um school closures or or consolidations that will take place. >> I think that's part of that discussion that he's talking about as well. But school profile of things I look at as well. So we'll look at I'm trying to finish this out. So we just got we'll be waiting on sped numbers. So, we'll go through and actually look at budgeted and we have positions built in here. We can look I can look at ratios and you have a per pupil cost here. I've deleted all
138that out to make sure I have the most recent. But, of course, it's going to have 101 enrollment, regular enrollment this year, LEP along with free and reduced along with sped out there. So, when you're looking at ratios, if you see a school that's $5,000 more than another school that maybe they have a high population of L students or sped students out there, uh you're never going to get efficient with a low population high school. it. There's no way. So, it's always going to cost you three times as much as any other school out there. And all the new schools, we hadn't built a new school that didn't fill up. It doesn't matter where you you buy or build or anything new, it gets attention and typically fills up. So, I don't think you'll have
139a problem with the West Lorac school, but we may have some issues some other schools around the district, which we currently do. So, >> but we definitely would be prepared to have that discussion. But that's it for me. >> Yes. >> Oh, you can wait till December. >> Okay. All right. >> Okay. >> Sorry. Go ahead. >> I have an email that I'm about to send to y'all, but I I think if we're going to have a discussion in December at the work session about this, then we need some documents ahead of time. And I don't know, I am asking you for a few things, Mr. Bailey. The spreadsheet, um, our budget to actual reports for the last couple years, um, cost per student at every school. I mean, I don't Are there other things
140you would recommend? I mean, I think the I think the biggest blind spot for some of us is, you know, the schools are running and I feel like they're running fairly efficiently, but like are there are there energy costs that are above what we would think with a partially full school? Are there um what's happening in in levels of administration? Do we feel that those dollars are being used efficiently? What departments are coming in way under budget or way over budget every year? I mean, are or are we hitting those marks pretty well? I think these are some of the questions that if we're going to have a deep session on asking us to bring this forth, I think it would be really helpful if we got some finan some deep some deeper financial information
141ahead of time. >> So, I don't know what that looks like for you. >> A lot of that stuff is actually in in our annual audit as well. So, we can pull it out. So, those summary pages in the back when we kind of go there. So, it's probably 20 years. >> Yeah. budget to actual. So we don't typically have departments that go over. So the things you typically going to be looking at, you may have utility cost is over maybe some gasoline, but that's typically not the norm for any department. So we watch that and they know we don't typically allow for overages, >> right? I mean, I'm just I'm just throwing ideas out there just because I I don't I don't know every, you know, every single aspect of what makes up a
142budget in an individual school or an individual building or department or how we um >> I think we just have a lot to still learn on that and dig into if you really want us to make thoughtful recommendations. >> And may I just add to to that? Thank you. Thank that. Great. Thank you. um for a budget session, and I know I've been saying this for a long time now, for us to have a true budget session, we can't have other things on the agenda. It it it it needs >> No, I I watched it. I mean, uh >> I watched that, but but two, what I'm But it didn't cover some of the operational things that we're talking about. it was more tree treetop and and we need to be down in the operations.
143uh because I believe if we have if if we had better knowledge and was told better and a clear concise picture instead of piece millilling it together like a quilt then the board would have had more substantial questions around budget and we wouldn't have been operating in the red for the last two years because when you know because at the end of the day the board is going to be the one that the legislature and the state's asking Well, why didn't y'all ask these questions or or else um require this and that? So, for the work session, I would appreciate um it to be a substantial work session. >> I will just also say that I would like to bring forth a recommendation that we back out of the lawsuit that we voted seven of
144our nine members voted for that we can't afford. >> Uh since you're you on the losing side, you can't make a motion. So, Only someone on the winning side can make the motion. >> Um the chair will entertain a motion >> to accept the report. >> 7.4. >> I move to accept the financial report. >> Second. >> I It's been moved properly second >> that the LRSD uh accept the board financial report as submitted. >> All in favor say I. >> I. Any opposed? Motion carries. Thank you so much. >> All right. Nothing communication policy personnel and legal.1 revise tuition reimbursement program certified purchase. >> I'll make a motion. Oh, okay. I was right. Do you want me to make the motion and you get into it? >> Certainly. >> Um, sorry about that. I
145move. >> Thank you. Um, okay. Uh, 9.1 revise tuition uh reimbursement program for certified staff. I move that the board that the board of education approve the revision of the tuition reimbursement program. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> It's been moved and properly second that the board of education approve the revision of the tuition reimbursement program. All in favor say I. >> I. Any oppose? Motion carries. 9.2 two. >> Uh I I'm ready to make a motion. >> Entertain a motion. >> Okay. Um 9.2 updated stipen schedule and manual 2526 school year. And Okay. I I move that that the board of education approve the proposed stipens for the 2526 school year. And if there's a second then we could I could provide or you can provide a quick clarity for those watching.
146Okay. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> Okay. >> Has been moved and properly second that the board of education approve the proposed new stipens for the 2526 school year. Is that >> Madam Chair? >> Yes. >> Um and >> comments. Yes. >> This is for the certified staff. >> Yes. Only for certified at this time. And we did change the language uh from the morally we updated that as well as the board requested >> uh and changed it to uh good character. >> Thank you. >> Very good. Thank you. >> Any other questions, comments? >> It's been moved moved and properly second that the board of education approve the proposed new stipens for 2526 school year. All in favor say I. >> I. Any opposed? The motion carries. >> The next one >>
147and 9.4 Four, new position proposal. >> It's 9.3. >> I'm sorry. >> 9.3. >> It's actually 9.3. >> Okay. >> And that's not a motion. >> New uh position proposal. >> All right. >> No, it's it's going to require a motion. >> 9 9.3 >> that it's wrong on the sheet. >> Okay. >> It's right on the agenda. >> What is this for? I'm sorry. Is this is this the PR? >> The PR. >> Yes. Yes. >> Okay. >> I move. >> Will you entertain a motion? >> I will entertain a motion. >> I move that the board of education approve the creation of a principal and residents position for the 2627 school year. >> Second. >> It's been moved and properly second that the board of education approve the creation of a principal in
148residence position for 2627 school year. Are there questions or comments? >> Yes. Uh where is the funding coming from? And um why are we why are we doing that? So where is the um funding coming from is the question, right? Since we just had a discussion about not having money, but yet we're creating a position that will be what $50,000. How long how much is this position going to cost us? >> So it's coming from general operating. And as a reminder, um, this position was requested from not the principal and residents position, but the additional administrative position was requested from Miss Russo, uh, to, uh, accommodate the additional supervision duties needed in the science building. Um and so this is a regular the position cost is between uh AP and the range is the range
149is AP and an elementary principal depending upon who the candidate is. Um so but the answer to the question is coming from general operating. >> Okay. And she already she already have hired a person for that wing from what I understand from >> that was just for this school year. That's just an interrupt. Yes. I think that was on tonight's thing, wasn't it? >> I think that >> I think so. Yes. >> It was on tonight's report. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Other comments or questions? Other comments or questions? >> It's been moved and properly second that the board of education approve the creation of the president residence position for 26 27. All in favor say I. I. >> Any opposed? One opposed. Hatter. Motion carries. >> Thank you board indeed. >> Board comments. >> Thanksgiving
150session. >> Oh, board comments. Happy Thanksgiving. >> Happy happy Thanksgiving. >> Anything to write up, Mr. Ber? Did you have anything, Mr. I? I saw you there. >> Yeah. Yeah, I do. Uh, two things. Like I say, want to give condolences to uh Mr. Lee Anthony and his family. Uh, he longtime art teacher with Central High who passed away last week. So, I want to send love to the Anthony family, friends in the community, uh, impacted by that loss. And I would just like also like to say that um uh just a little concerned about the decision to turn Hall into a charter school on that vote today. I feel like, you know, it it um could be risky. Um, and so I I think just moving forward, you know, with having full transparency with
151our community, with our parents and our students, I was uh I was very concerned to hear uh someone say that well a student in our community say that they felt like their voice didn't matter. So what's the point of reaching out to the board? And I think a lot of times even if we don't we don't personally feel that way, we might give that off sometimes when we make decisions that we make decisions and we don't listen. We don't want emails and all those type of things. And I particularly don't like our students to feel that way. I feel like we should always try our best to respond and be open with uh with them and be open to dialogue to have with them. So, I just feel like just moving forward, I've received a
152lot of calls from parents u who were just concerned about the future of hall. So, moving forward, I hope we can uh be transparent um be open up dialogue even when it's um not in favor of what we think and at the same time um just work to be better stewards in our community. uh to make decisions that our parents and our students agree with and uh look at every possible option so that we can uh serve them to our to our best abilities. That's all [snorts] >> the comments other board comments. >> Just happy holidays. Uh really uh for those that uh celebrate Thanksgiving and those who do not um just happy fall, happy holiday um happy Thanksgiving and uh that's that's all I have. >> Absolutely. Um just um in the spirit of
153thankfulness, just really appreciate the board for all that we've done um this evening and beyond. Um and kind of in line with what Mr. Bali is saying, I think it's always so important to make sure we're mindful of each other and um those things that we can and cannot control. Um what we how we behave, we can control what we believe. We can control what others believe and think and feel. We cannot. So we just want to maintain mindfulness of how we operate, our ideas, our perceptions and our experiences and those of others because they're also very great. So just being mindful of that and we appreciate you so much in what you do. >> I just want to say yes. >> You finished? >> I am. I just want to encourage my board members
154to get involved in tutoring a small group of third graders or just one third grader. Since I've been doing it has really been eyeopening. I love it. The third graders, they are so lovable kids. They will love you to death. But it has really been um inspiring. I have one that's really has challenged me, but I hang in there anyway. [laughter] a little rough. I like you going to turn a cartwheel again, you know. >> So, let me just encourage you to go to a school and just do what you can to help it. It is so rewarding. It is so joyful and I do understand that you guys have jobs and you work and I'm retired and I can do what I want to do. I do get that far. >> Don't rub it
155[laughter] in. But it is real. I just want to encourage you just to get really down in the ditches and just see what our staff and our teachers are dealing with. And so I like I said again, please give the teachers whatever they want because since I've been involved, I I see it from a different angle now. And so just get involved. Help a student out. My group is so they so I don't know how to explain them, but they're different. and I love them. Yeah. And I love them. They're just >> a bunch of third graders that want to thrive and I'm trying everything in my power to make sure that happen. So, let me encourage my board members. It's really crucial that you get involved somewhere. >> Mr. Adam, >> yeah. I just
156want to acknowledge that uh today nationwide it is national children's grief awareness day and um the estimates are that nationally that by the time children in the United States reach age 18 one in 11 will experience the death of a parent or a sibling. But in Arkansas it's bigger. It's one in nine and we're ranked number 10 in the country >> for um for that. But and today at at Arkansas Children's Hospital where I work in our program, we had a panel of two students. Uh one at Little Rock LRSD student and one one of our charter school students in our community to talk about their experiences. Uh both of them had lost a parent and they just did a great job and and our our LRC student, fifth grade student just did a wonderful
157job of helping us to get a better understanding of that experience. And so I just want to since today is that day I wanted to raise that awareness too. >> Thank you. Thank you so much. And superintendent comment >> one brief comment. We are, and Stephanie, I'm going to need your help because I know I'm not going to remember all all of these details, but we are so excited that Little Rock School District was one of um a handful of districts across the state who were selected to be able to send students to the Crystal Bridges Museum on December 1st to um experience President Obama. And so we have several students from Forest Heights, JFair, and Man Magnet. And the a special treat, um we were able to select one student from Central, uh who
158will be accompanied by two other high school students in the state who will actually sit on stage um with President Obama. And so that will be the student body president. His mom and dad will be able to be there um I begged and so I'm going to [laughter] uh but yeah, that will happen right after the Thanksgiving break because that's the Monday, December 1st. And so um we are excited and ecstatic about that that opportunity. >> Indeed. All right. And so I'll entertain a motion for a journment. >> If there is no objection, we are ajourned. Jay Fair and Man Magnet and who will be accompanied by two other high school students in the state who will actually sit on stage um with President Obama. And so that will be the student body president. His
159mom and dad will be able to be there. Um, I begged and so I'm going to [laughter] uh but yeah, that will happen right after the Thanksgiving break because that's the Monday, December 1st. And so um we are excited and ecstatic about that that opportunity.