𝐉𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐡 – 𝐉.𝐊. 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐬 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩
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 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
𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐭 (𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐠𝐢𝐞) 𝐅𝐚𝐤𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢 – 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐑. 𝐇𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩
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
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
Recent birthday celebrations at ASBA included Angie and Lucas for March, and Misty and Jessica for April! 🎉
Wishing each of them a great year ahead. Cheers to another trip around the sun!
Wishing each of them a great year ahead. Cheers to another trip around the sun!
𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐞𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐬 – 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐭 𝟒 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐡𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩
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
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
𝐑𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬: 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞
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
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
𝐄𝐦𝐦𝐚 𝐅𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐬 – 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐭 𝟑 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐡𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩
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
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
𝐃𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐨𝐧 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐞 – 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐭 𝟐 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐡𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩
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
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
𝐌𝐚𝐜𝐢 𝐒𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐥 – 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐭 𝟏 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐡𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭
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
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
ASBA invites you to join Cody Kees of Bequette, Billingsley and Kees for an in-person training:
The School Leader’s Legal Playbook: Employment Law in Arkansas
This interactive workshop features real-life scenarios and practical guidance for school leaders, supervisors, and board members. Topics include federal discrimination laws, Arkansas employment laws, and LEARNS Act updates to help you navigate personnel decisions and stay compliant.
📅 Choose your date: May 26 | May 28 | June 3 | June 15 | June 17
🕘 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
📍 ASBA Office (523 S. Ringo St. , Little Rock)
🎓 5 hours training credit
💲 $205 early registration | $225 standard
🍽 Lunch provided
Learn more: https://www.arsba.org/article/2812363
Register: https://bit.ly/arboardconnect
Join us for the 2026 Southern Region Leadership Conference!
📍 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
📍 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
ASBA and AAEA continue their partnership to bring school board members, superintendents, and district leaders together for a day of learning and connection.
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
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
📢 Monthly Webinar Series
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
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 | June 2 | 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
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 | June 2 | 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
Effective meetings don’t happen by accident.
Join Simbli and Civility, LLC on April 15 at 11 AM CT for a free webinar on Parliamentary Procedure Best Practices and Effective Meeting Minutes.
If you’re a school board member, superintendent, or board/superintendent secretary, this session will equip you with practical strategies to run stronger meetings and produce clear, compliant minutes.
Save your spot today: https://bit.ly/effectiveminutes
Join Simbli and Civility, LLC on April 15 at 11 AM CT for a free webinar on Parliamentary Procedure Best Practices and Effective Meeting Minutes.
If you’re a school board member, superintendent, or board/superintendent secretary, this session will equip you with practical strategies to run stronger meetings and produce clear, compliant minutes.
Save your spot today: https://bit.ly/effectiveminutes
March 2026 Report Card out now!
The March 2026 issue of Report Card, the journal of the Arkansas School Boards Association, is now available!
Inside this issue:
• No Low Expectations – Education Secretary Jacob Oliva calls for higher standards, faster learning, and bold change to improve student outcomes across Arkansas.
• Response-ability Matters – Keynote speaker Kent Julian shares a simple formula for success: Events + Response = Outcome, reminding leaders they shape results.
• Teachers + Data Drive Success – Leaders from Van Buren and Poyen highlight how strong support systems and data-informed decisions lead to student achievement.
• When Disaster Strikes – After a devastating tornado, Rogers School District became a community hub, providing shelter, meals, and hope when it mattered most.
Access this and other issues at https://www.arsba.org/page/report-card-magazine.
Thank you for staying connected with ASBA! #StudentFocusedLeadership
The March 2026 issue of Report Card, the journal of the Arkansas School Boards Association, is now available!
Inside this issue:
• No Low Expectations – Education Secretary Jacob Oliva calls for higher standards, faster learning, and bold change to improve student outcomes across Arkansas.
• Response-ability Matters – Keynote speaker Kent Julian shares a simple formula for success: Events + Response = Outcome, reminding leaders they shape results.
• Teachers + Data Drive Success – Leaders from Van Buren and Poyen highlight how strong support systems and data-informed decisions lead to student achievement.
• When Disaster Strikes – After a devastating tornado, Rogers School District became a community hub, providing shelter, meals, and hope when it mattered most.
Access this and other issues at https://www.arsba.org/page/report-card-magazine.
Thank you for staying connected with ASBA! #StudentFocusedLeadership
A full house in Hot Springs! 👏
Yesterday’s New Board Member Institute at the DoubleTree brought together new board members from across the state, both in person and virtually, for a full day of learning and connection.
From governance and finance to legal updates and school safety, attendees dove into the key responsibilities that shape strong school leadership. We loved seeing so many new faces ready to serve their communities!
We were also proud to recognize this year’s ASBA Educational Foundation scholarship recipients. Stay tuned as we will spotlight each of them individually!
A special thank you to our ASBA Premier Partners who joined us—American Fidelity, Baldwin & Shell, Lumatech, Nabholz, and Stephens—as well as our lunch sponsors, Performance Services and American Fidelity.
Learn more about the services these partners provide at: https://www.arsba.org/page/commercial-affiliates
Yesterday’s New Board Member Institute at the DoubleTree brought together new board members from across the state, both in person and virtually, for a full day of learning and connection.
From governance and finance to legal updates and school safety, attendees dove into the key responsibilities that shape strong school leadership. We loved seeing so many new faces ready to serve their communities!
We were also proud to recognize this year’s ASBA Educational Foundation scholarship recipients. Stay tuned as we will spotlight each of them individually!
A special thank you to our ASBA Premier Partners who joined us—American Fidelity, Baldwin & Shell, Lumatech, Nabholz, and Stephens—as well as our lunch sponsors, Performance Services and American Fidelity.
Learn more about the services these partners provide at: https://www.arsba.org/page/commercial-affiliates
ASBA offices will be closed in observance of Good Friday on Friday, April 3, 2026.
ASBA Members: Take advantage of 3 Months Free on new Simbli modules or upgrades through June 30, 2026! Improve board meetings, planning, and governance with Simbli’s trusted solutions. Learn more - https://tinyurl.com/2wajzw23 #StudentFocusedLeadership #Simbli
The 2026 ASBA New Board Member Institute is just one week away!
This is your opportunity to build a strong foundation for effective, student-focused leadership. From understanding roles and responsibilities to connecting with peers across the state, this experience is designed to help board members start strong and lead with confidence.
It's not too late to register! Visit https://bit.ly/arboardconnect to get signed up.
𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞: https://www.arsba.org/article/2702848
Start strong. Serve with confidence. #StudentFocusedLeadership
Happy Spring Break!
ASBA offices will be closed March 23–27. We will return to normal business hours on Monday, March 30.
ASBA offices will be closed March 23–27. We will return to normal business hours on Monday, March 30.
