Inside this issue:
• AA Degrees at an A-Rated District – See how Greenbrier is helping students earn associate degrees before graduation, with nearly 11% of this year's senior class completing the milestone on campus.
• Oliva Pushes "Accelerated Mindset" – Arkansas' Secretary of Education challenges schools to expand opportunities for advanced learners and increase associate degree attainment.
• What to Do About "The Big Shrink" – District leaders discuss enrollment declines, school choice, and strategies for navigating a changing educational landscape.
• Parham: "We Work as a Team" – ASBA's president shares key lessons for newly elected board members on governance, leadership, and student-focused decision-making.
• Six Receive ASBA Scholarships – Meet the students recognized by the ASBA Educational Foundation for their academic achievement and future plans in education and beyond.
The journal has been mailed to all recipients. This and previous issues of Report Card are available online at arsba.org/page/report-card-magazine.
The June 2026 issue can also be downloaded at the following link: https://aptg.co/VXMLkq
Thank you for staying connected with ASBA!
Cody Kees will continue his summer series, The School Leader's Legal Playbook, with two sessions next week, on June 15 and June 17.
Don't miss this valuable training opportunity - only 3 dates remain this summer!
Please note: These are not sequential sessions. The same training will be offered on multiple dates, and attendees only need to register for one session.
Learn more: https://arsba.org/article/2812363
Register: https://bit.ly/arboardconnect
It's time to get registered for the 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞, taking place 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟏𝟗–𝟐𝟏 at the 𝐇𝐨𝐭 𝐒𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 in beautiful 𝐇𝐨𝐭 𝐒𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬, 𝐀𝐫𝐤𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐚𝐬!
This year’s theme, 𝙈𝙚𝙚𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙈𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩: 𝙎𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙘 𝙇𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙥 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙏𝙤𝙙𝙖𝙮’𝙨 𝙎𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙡𝙨, brings together school board members, superintendents, and education leaders from Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi for a dynamic exchange of ideas and experiences.
💡 High-impact sessions
🤝 Meaningful networking
🎯 Practical strategies you can use immediately
𝐊𝐞𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧: Rex Nelson - “From State of Disaster to State of Excellence”
𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧: Dr. Rochelle Redus - "Meeting the Moment: Leading through Hard Decisions with Clarity and Unity"
𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐚 𝐆𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞: https://aptg.co/ZYTdb8
Walk away inspired, informed, and ready to lead with clarity and purpose.
💲 Early Bird Workshop: $175
💲 Full Conference: $545
💲 Guest Meal Ticket: $199
*Please note this is an in-person only conference.
Make plans to be there. This is one you don’t want to miss!
𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞: https://www.arsba.org/page/2026-southern-region-leadership-conference
𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫: https://bit.ly/arboardconnect
Join the Arkansas School Boards Association and representatives from Simbli on Tuesday, June 16, at 11:30 a.m. for a second Lunch & Learn webinar focused on the ASBA Policy Service's transition to Simbli.
This session will provide an overview of the Simbli Policy Module, explain how districts can access ASBA model policies on the new platform—with or without a Simbli subscription—and answer questions about navigating the system. The session will be most beneficial to school personnel responsible for maintaining district policies.
As a reminder, ASBA will complete its transition to the Simbli Policy Module on July 1. This training is an excellent opportunity to become familiar with the platform and get your questions answered before the transition is complete.
A recording of the webinar will be available after the live session; however, attending live is strongly encouraged to ensure you have the opportunity to ask questions and receive real-time support.
📅 Date: Tuesday, June 16
🕦 Time: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Register (FREE): https://bit.ly/asbasimbli2
To learn more about ASBA's transition to the Simbli policy module and how to access your new Simbli account, visit https://www.arsba.org/page/model-policies.
#StudentFocusedLeadership
𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿: 𝟲/𝟭 𝗗𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝘂𝗯𝗺𝗶𝘁 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗦𝗥𝗟𝗖!
As a final reminder, ASBA is accepting presentation proposals for the 2026 Southern Region Leadership Conference, July 19–21 in Hot Springs!
This year’s theme—Meeting the Moment: Strategic Leadership for Today’s Schools—focuses on real challenges and practical solutions for today’s school leaders. We are looking for sessions that offer fresh perspectives, proven strategies, and ideas that help boards lead effectively and improve student outcomes.
Have a strategy that’s working or insight worth sharing? Submit a proposal for a 60-minute session. School board member participation on presenting teams is encouraged.
🗓 Deadline to submit: June 1, 2026
🔗 Submit your proposal: https://forms.gle/HjcyvYdrkWikHMwe8
#StudentFocusedLeadership
Wishing everyone a safe and meaningful Memorial Day weekend as we honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.
Cody Kees will begin his summer series, The School Leader's Legal Playbook, next week, on May 28.
Also, a new date and location have been added to the schedule! Cody will offer a training on July 6 at the Northwest Arkansas Education Service Cooperative, located at 4 North Double Springs Road, Farmington.
Don't miss this valuable training opportunity - get registered for your preferred date today!
Please note: These are not sequential sessions. The same training will be offered on multiple dates, and attendees only need to register for one session.
Learn more: https://arsba.org/article/2812363
Register: https://bit.ly/arboardconnect
As a reminder, ASBA is now accepting presentation proposals for the 2026 Southern Region Leadership Conference, July 19–21 in Hot Springs!
This year’s theme—Meeting the Moment: Strategic Leadership for Today’s Schools—focuses on real challenges and practical solutions for today’s school leaders. We are looking for sessions that offer fresh perspectives, proven strategies, and ideas that help boards lead effectively and improve student outcomes.
Have a strategy that’s working or insight worth sharing? Submit a proposal for a 60-minute session. School board member participation on presenting teams is encouraged.
🗓 Deadline to submit: June 1, 2026
🔗 Submit your proposal: https://forms.gle/HjcyvYdrkWikHMwe8
#StudentFocusedLeadership
We are proud to recognize the 2026 ASBA Educational Foundation J.K. Williams Scholarship recipient, Jordan Smith. This $2,500 scholarship is awarded to a college junior or higher who is pursuing a degree in education.
Jordan is currently attending Arkansas State University, where he is studying to become a teacher. A non-traditional student, he balances college coursework with full-time work as a pest control technician while also serving on the Des Arc School Board and on his church’s elder board.
A husband and father of three, Jordan shared that his family inspired him to pursue a path he once thought was out of reach. He now aims to become “the kind of educator I wished every student could have,” particularly in rural communities.
Congratulations, Jordan! #StudentFocusedLeadership
We wrap up our recognition of the 2026 ASBA Educational Foundation Freshman scholarship recipients with our most prestigious award - the $5,000 Marshall R. Hughes Scholarship, awarded to Margaret “Maggie” Fakouri!
Named 2026 Monticello High School valedictorian with a GPA above 4.1, Maggie has completed a rigorous schedule of Advanced Placement, honors, and concurrent coursework. She has served as student council president, Beta Club president, and National Honor Society vice president, and is a four-time district tennis champion and All-State player.
Fakouri has also demonstrated a strong commitment to service, organizing a youth tennis tournament benefiting foster care families and volunteering with local outreach organizations.
She plans to attend the University of Arkansas and pursue a career as a physician serving rural communities. She credits her parents for teaching her to be “honest, kind, inclusive, determined, hard-working, and goal-oriented.”
Congratulations, Maggie! #StudentFocusedLeadership
Wishing each of them a great year ahead. Cheers to another trip around the sun!
We are happy to recognize the 2026 ASBA Educational Foundation scholarship recipients, including District 4 Freshman Scholarship recipient Carlee Mounts!
Carlee, Dierks High School Class of 2026 valedictorian, has earned college credit hours and two technical certificates while excelling in academics, athletics, and leadership. She is an All-State athlete in cross country and track and has been active in National Honor Society, Student Council, FCCLA, and FCA.
She plans to pursue a career in the medical field and shared that her community “has taught me compassion, leadership, gratitude, and responsibility.”
Congratulations, Carlee! #StudentFocusedLeadership
Now accepting presentation proposals for the 2026 Southern Region Leadership Conference, July 19–21 in Hot Springs!
This year’s theme—Meeting the Moment: Strategic Leadership for Today’s Schools—focuses on real challenges and practical solutions for today’s school leaders. We are looking for sessions that offer fresh perspectives, proven strategies, and ideas that help boards lead effectively and improve student outcomes.
Have a strategy that’s working or insight worth sharing? Submit a proposal for a 60-minute session. School board member participation on presenting teams is encouraged.
🗓 Deadline to submit: June 1, 2026
🔗 Submit your proposal: https://forms.gle/HjcyvYdrkWikHMwe8
#StudentFocusedLeadership
We continue our recognition of the 2026 ASBA Educational Foundation scholarship recipients with District 3 Freshman Scholarship recipient Emma Faddis!
A member of the Bentonville West High School Class of 2026, Emma has earned a GPA above 4.0 while completing Advanced Placement and concurrent coursework. She has been actively involved in student council, National Honor Society, and cross country, and has mentored younger students through her church.
Emma plans to attend Ouachita Baptist University and pursue a career in psychology, sharing that after studying the subject, “I knew that I had found my calling.”
Congratulations, Emma! #StudentFocusedLeadership
Congratulations are in order for the 2026 ASBA Educational Foundation scholarship recipients, including District 2 Freshman Scholarship recipient Dalton Greene!
Dalton, a Concord High School graduate, has maintained a 4.0 GPA while completing a rigorous course load that includes concurrent college classes. He has served as FBLA president, class vice president, and basketball team captain, helping lead his team to the state tournament.
He plans to attend the University of Arkansas and pursue a degree in finance, with the goal of helping low-income families through financial literacy. Dalton shared that “watching my parents work tirelessly instilled my strong work ethic.”
Congratulations, Dalton! #StudentFocusedLeadership
We are pleased to highlight the 2026 ASBA Educational Foundation scholarship recipients, beginning with District 1 Freshman Scholarship recipient Maci Sickel!
A member of the Hazen High School Class of 2026, Maci ranks in the top 5% of her class while earning more than 25 hours of concurrent college credit. She has served as varsity cheer captain and yearbook editor-in-chief and has been active in National Honor Society and Beta Club.
Maci plans to attend the University of Arkansas and pursue a degree in communications with the goal of becoming a family attorney. She shared that her mother’s “patience, kindness, and determination” inspire her to strive for excellence.
Congratulations, Maci! #StudentFocusedLeadership
📍 Hot Springs Convention Center
📅 July 19–21
This year’s theme, Meeting the Moment: Strategic Leadership for Today’s Schools, brings together education leaders from Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi for powerful learning, fresh ideas, and real collaboration.
💡 High-impact sessions
🤝 Meaningful networking
🎯 Practical strategies you can use immediately
🎤 Keynote Speaker: Rex Nelson
“From State of Disaster to State of Excellence”
Walk away inspired, informed, and ready to lead with clarity and purpose.
💲 Early Bird Workshop: $175
💲 Full Conference: $545
💲 Guest Meal Ticket: $199
*Please note this is an in-person only conference.
Make plans to be there. This is one you don’t want to miss!
Learn more: https://www.arsba.org/article/2812236
Register: https://bit.ly/arboardconnect
Join us for the 30th Annual Joint Leadership Conference on May 5 at the Wyndham Riverfront Hotel in North Little Rock or attend virtually.
This one-day conference will focus on timely topics impacting Arkansas schools, with opportunities to learn, collaborate, and connect with education leaders from across the state.
Date: Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Location: Wyndham Riverfront Hotel (2 Riverfront Pl, North Little Rock) or Virtual
Training Credit: Six DESE-approved hours
Make plans to attend!
Learn more: https://www.arsba.org/article/2811961
Register: https://bit.ly/arboardconnect
#StudentFocusedLeadership
Facilities Planning Overview for School Board Members
Join Aliza Jones, statewide Facility Planning Coordinator and ASBA Facilities Consultant, for a practical look at school facilities in Arkansas.
This session will cover:
✔️ “Warm, safe, and dry” projects
✔️ Partnership funding
✔️ Facilities master plans
✔️ Procurement laws
✔️ Storm damage claims
Whether you're new to facilities planning or need a refresher, this webinar will help you stay compliant, strategic, and student-focused.
📅 Tuesday, April 21
⏰ 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
💲 $55
🎓 1 Hour Training Credit
Learn more: https://www.arsba.org/article/2811761
Register: https://bit.ly/arboardconnect
ASBA is happy to once again partner with Missy McJunkins Duke of Rose Law Firm to offer a one-day virtual training focused on employee leave laws and their impact on school districts.
This training is designed for central office staff who manage employee leave, but board members are welcome to attend.
Topics include:
• Administering FMLA leave
• ADA and PWFA requirements
• Managing excessive absenteeism
• Arkansas paid maternity leave integration
• Workplace accommodations under ADA and PWFA
📅 Choose a date: April 28 | May 19 | July 14 | August 11
🕣 Morning: 8:30–11:30 a.m.
🕐 Afternoon: 1:00–3:00 p.m.
🎓 5 hours training credit (attendance required for both sessions)
💲 $205 per attendee
This session provides practical guidance for those handling leave policies and compliance every day.
Learn more: https://www.arsba.org/article/2811867
Register: https://bit.ly/arboardconnect
