Webinar Details:
Date: Tuesday, September 15
Time: 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Cost: $55
Training Credit: 1 Hour
Registration:
Register through AR Board Connect at https://bit.ly/arboardconnect by selecting the “Registrations/Publications” tab.
A Zoom registration link will be included in your confirmation email. To receive the meeting link, you must complete the Zoom registration separately (no additional fee required).
We look forward to your participation!

The 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗔𝗦𝗕𝗔 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗘𝘀𝘀𝗮𝘆 & 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 is now open! This year’s theme, “𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗱𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻…”, challenges students to look beyond high school and consider who they hope to become as they navigate greater independence, new responsibilities, and an uncertain future.
Students can compete for cash prizes of$𝟭,𝟬𝟬𝟬, $𝟳𝟱𝟬, $𝟱𝟬𝟬 𝗮𝗻𝗱 $𝟮𝟱𝟬, with the top three winners presenting their speeches live at the 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗔𝗦𝗕𝗔 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲, 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟵–𝟭𝟭 in 𝗟𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗥𝗼𝗰𝗸.
𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲: 4 p.m. Friday, October 23, 2026
𝗪𝗵𝗼 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗲: 11th and 12th graders from ASBA member schools
𝗘𝘀𝘀𝗮𝘆: 600–750 words + video presentation
𝗟𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁: One submission per member high school
We want to hear your voice, your experiences, and your hopes for what comes next.
𝗙𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗱𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀: https://aptg.co/rz4Ml7
𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆: bit.ly/sscontest26
Good luck to all of our student speakers! #StudentFocusedLeadership


Registration is open for 𝗔𝗦𝗕𝗔’𝘀 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀! Join school board members and district leaders from your area for an evening of networking, timely updates, and conversation about the issues affecting Arkansas public schools.
Each meeting will feature a state legislator from the region, giving attendees an opportunity to ask questions and hear legislative updates and perspectives.
𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀 of DESE-approved board training credit will be available.
𝗖𝗼𝘀𝘁: $60 per person
Learn more and find your region’s date and location: https://www.arsba.org/article/3113686
Register through AR Board Connect: https://bit.ly/arboardconnect

Elizabeth serves as President of the Horatio School Board and brings a strong commitment to public education, rural communities, and developing opportunities for the next generation. She serves numerous agricultural, conservation, economic development, and community organizations throughout Arkansas.
A full-time farmer and engineer, Elizabeth and her husband, Brian, own and operate Lucky 13 Farm LLC, a diversified 2,500-acre farming operation in southwest Arkansas that they started in 2003 with just 150 acres and 13 head of cattle. She holds a degree in chemical engineering from the University of Arkansas and previously worked as a senior process engineer before returning to the farm full time.
Elizabeth is also the founder and head coach of the Horatio Youth Shooting Sports Team and is passionate about mentorship, leadership development, and ensuring strong rural public schools continue creating opportunities for future generations.
Elizabeth and Brian have two children, Reese and Rhett, and enjoy spending time together in the woods and on the river.
We are grateful to have Elizabeth bring her experience in education, agriculture, and community leadership to the ASBA Board! Please join us in welcoming her. #StudentFocusedLeadership

Applications are now open for the 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗔𝗦𝗕𝗔 𝗕𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱, recognizing Arkansas school boards whose leadership and dedication are making a difference for their students, schools, and communities.
Up to two boards will be honored—one from a district with enrollment below 1,500 and one from a district with enrollment above 1,500. Award recipients will be recognized at the 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗔𝗦𝗕𝗔 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟭.
📅 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗱𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲: 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟵, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲
Learn more about the award and criteria: https://aptg.co/l0gNbB
Apply: https://bit.ly/asbaboe26
Know a board whose work deserves recognition? Encourage them to apply!

Join us September 2 in Hot Springs for a day of timely updates, practical guidance, and conversations focused on the issues facing Arkansas school boards and districts.
Register by tomorrow, August 25, to take advantage of the discounted early registration rate.
In-person and virtual attendance options are available. We hope to see you there!
View the agenda: https://aptg.co/3mgzlT
Register: https://bit.ly/arboardconnect
#StudentFocusedLeadership

Presented annually by ASBA, the Dr. Dan Award recognizes an individual who has made a significant and lasting contribution to public education in Arkansas. Nominees may include school board members, administrators, teachers, school employees, attorneys, legislators, elected officials, or school patrons.
Help us recognize someone whose service and dedication have made a difference for Arkansas public schools!
🔗 Submit a nomination: https://bit.ly/drdan26
📋 View award criteria: https://aptg.co/Gd45Kf
📅 Deadline: October 15, 2026
The recipient will be honored during the ASBA Annual Conference Awards Ceremony on December 10, 2026.
Who deserves to be recognized for their outstanding service to Arkansas public education? Nominate them today! #StudentFocusedLeadership

Jonesboro School District board members brought plenty of energy to New Teacher Orientation by greeting administrators, celebrating new educators, and even showing off a few dance moves along the way!
Board President Dr. Charles Coleman, Vice President Joe Sheppard, and Board Members Justin Parkey, Brock Ferguson, and Ashleigh Givens were all on hand to help welcome the newest members of the Jonesboro team.
We love seeing school board members take part in the celebration! #StudentFocusedLeadership
𝘽𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙩𝙤 𝙎𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙡 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝘼𝙧𝙠𝙖𝙣𝙨𝙖𝙨 𝙎𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙡 𝘽𝙤𝙖𝙧𝙙𝙨! 🍎📚
Continuing our back-to-school series with Farmington School District!
Board President Travis Warren spent time with Farmington staff during back-to-school inservice, addressing the team and connecting with the educators and employees who serve students each day.
School board leadership is about more than the boardroom. Being present, building relationships, and supporting staff are all part of helping start the school year strong.
Thank you, Travis, for representing school board leadership in action!
#StudentFocusedLeadership
To be featured, send photos or videos to jprothro@arsba.org.


Todd has served on the Valley View School District Board of Education since 2017, including a term as board president. During his board service, he has helped lead a district serving approximately 2,900 students and 345 employees. He has navigated key initiatives including a superintendent search, board vacancy appointment, policy updates, and the transition to a zoned district.
Professionally, Todd brings more than 30 years of experience in enterprise technology and architecture across a variety of industries. He currently works at City Water and Light of Jonesboro and holds an MBA and two undergraduate degrees from Arkansas State University.
Todd is also active in his community, volunteering with Valley View schools and the Jonesboro Community Health and Education Foundation. When he is not working or serving his community, you might find him teaching scuba diving through JT Dive Shop!
Todd and his wife have been married for 23 years, and their son is a senior at Valley View High School.
We are proud to welcome Todd to the ASBA Board of Directors and look forward to the leadership and perspective he will bring. Please help us give him a warm ASBA welcome! #StudentFocusedLeadership

Our back-to-school series continues in Alpena School District, where Board President Lynette Cantwell joined district leaders in welcoming students, staff, and families back for a new school year!
School board members play an important role in supporting their schools, and being present at events like these is one of the many ways they stay connected to the communities they serve.
📸 Pictured from left: Superintendent Matt Ferguson, Board President Lynette Cantwell, and Principal Sara Curry.
#StudentFocusedLeadership

This one-day event brings school board members and administrators together for timely updates and practical guidance on issues affecting Arkansas public education. Hear from state leaders and experts, connect with peers, and gain valuable information to support your work at the local level.
Whether you attend in person or virtually, this is a great opportunity to strengthen your leadership and stay informed. We hope to see you there!
View the agenda: https://aptg.co/3mgzlT
Register: bit.ly/arboardconnect
Learn more at https://www.arsba.org/article/3047781.
#StudentFocusedLeadership

On August 11, Shirley School District board members Coy Myers, Samantha Shull, and Callie Davidson partnered with Petit Jean Electric and Petit Jean Fiber to welcome students back by opening doors in the car rider line.
Thank you for helping make the first days back a welcoming experience for Shirley students and families!
📸 Pictured from left: Board Member Coy Myers; Board President Samantha Shull; two Petit Jean team members; Board Secretary and Petit Jean employee Callie Davidson; and Superintendent Aaron Wiggins.
#StudentFocusedLeadership

𝘽𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙩𝙤 𝙎𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙡 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝘼𝙧𝙠𝙖𝙣𝙨𝙖𝙨 𝙎𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙡 𝘽𝙤𝙖𝙧𝙙𝙨! 🍎📚
Across Arkansas, school board members are showing up and supporting their schools as students and staff begin a new year. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be highlighting board members taking part in back-to-school activities in their districts!
First up: 𝙂𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙮 𝙎𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙡 𝘽𝙤𝙖𝙧𝙙 𝙈𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧 𝙏𝙤𝙙𝙙 𝘿𝙞𝙘𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙤𝙣 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙥𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙂𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙮’𝙨 “𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙮 𝘿𝙖𝙮 𝙊𝙣𝙚” 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙢.
Through this board-approved initiative, all 1,800 Gentry students receive teacher-selected school supplies at no cost to their families. Working alongside community partners, the district helps ensure every student has the supplies they need to walk through the doors ready to learn from day one.
Thank you to Todd and school board members across the Natural State who are showing up for their students, staff, and communities this back-to-school season!
𝘛𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘧𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘥, 𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘴 𝘰𝘳 𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘰𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘵'𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘱𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬-𝘵𝘰-𝘴𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘭 𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘫𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰@𝘢𝘳𝘴𝘣𝘢.𝘰𝘳𝘨.
#StudentFocusedLeadership



This one-day event, worth 6 boardsmanship training hours, focuses on equipping school board members and administrators with the tools and insights they need to lead effectively. We will cover current issues affecting the work you do in your local districts, encourage you to connect with peers from across the state, and offer training sessions that are both practical and relevant.
Whether you attend in person or virtually, this is a great opportunity to strengthen your leadership and stay informed. We hope to see you there!
Register online at bit.ly/arboardconnect under the “Registrations / Publications” tab. Full agenda coming soon!
Learn more at https://www.arsba.org/article/3047781. #StudentFocusedLeadership

Thank you to our outstanding student leaders—Madi Duke (Beebe High School), Austin Bernard (Little Rock Parkview High School), Cooper Jones (Lake Hamilton High School), Mallory Thompson (Bryant High School), Annslee Young (Sheridan High School), and Micah Autrey (Morrilton High School)—for sharing their perspectives openly and honestly. We also appreciate ASBA Board Vice President Travis Warren for facilitating this meaningful conversation.
One of the biggest takeaways was that school leaders and board members must be willing to listen to and value student voices. When students are included in the conversation, schools are better equipped to meet their needs and prepare them for success in today’s world.
Stay tuned for more highlights from the 2026 Southern Region Leadership Conference! Thank you to everyone who attended, presented, sponsored, volunteered, and supported this tri-state event! #MeetingtheMoment

Don't miss three days of engaging keynote speakers, practical breakout sessions, inspiring student voices, and valuable networking with school board members and education leaders from across Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi—all in beautiful Hot Springs.
Online registration closes today. Don't worry - On-site registration will be available, but this is your last opportunity to secure your spot before the conference begins.
View the schedule and register today: https://www.arsba.org/page/2026-southern-region-leadership-conference
#MeetingtheMoment #StudentFocusedLeadership
Arkansas School Boards Association offices will be closed on Friday, July 3, in observance of the holiday. We will resume normal business hours on Monday, July 6.
We wish you a safe and happy Independence Day!

🎙️ 𝗔𝗦𝗕𝗔 𝗕𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗖𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲 5 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲!
In this episode, we are joined by Jill Barham, Interim Executive Director of the Arkansas Ethics Commission, and Drew Blankenship, Staff Attorney for the Commission. They discuss recent changes to Arkansas campaign finance reporting requirements, what school board candidates and members need to know, common reporting questions, and where to turn for assistance. Whether you're considering a run for office or currently serving on a school board, this conversation offers practical guidance to help you stay informed and compliant.
Listen on our website at https://www.arsba.org/page/asba-boardcast or on your favorite podcast platform:
🎧 Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Amazon Music
Other helpful resources related to campaign finance are available at the following link: https://www.arsba.org/browse/28231141
Also, we are always looking for feedback from our members on what you want to hear! Submit this brief survey to share your ideas for future episodes. - https://bit.ly/boardcastsurvey
#StudentFocusedLeadership #ASBABoardCast

