Petition circulation for the 2026 Arkansas School Board Election begins on August 14, 2025!
Guidance is available for individuals considering running for school board, as well as current board members up for reelection. Visit https://www.arsba.org/page/board-candidates to access our updated candidate guides, Act 503 guidance, sample petitions, and more!
#StudentFocusedLeadership
We are just one month away from the 2025 ASBA Fall Leadership Institute. If you have not already registered, we encourage you to do so today. This one‑day learning event is designed to equip you with practical tools, current issues updates, and peer connections. The full agenda is coming soon! By attending, you will earn 𝐬𝐢𝐱 (𝟔) 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬 of 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞-𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐭.
Attend in person in Hot Springs or join virtually!
Attend in person in Hot Springs or join virtually!
🏅 Applications Now Open: 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐁𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝
The Arkansas School Boards Association is now accepting applications for the 2025 Board of Excellence in Leadership Award, honoring school boards that demonstrate outstanding leadership, a commitment to student achievement, and excellence in governance.
Two awards may be presented:
• One district with enrollment under 1,500
• One district with enrollment over 1,500
Winners will be announced and recognized 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟐, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓, during the ASBA Annual Conference.
Award criteria include:
1. Support for Educational Performance
2. Support for Educational Improvement Projects
3. Adherence to Adopted Policies
4. Commitment to a Code of Ethics
5. Harmonious Relationships
6. Public Relations Efforts
7. Participation in Workshops
8. Financial Oversight
🗓️ 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞: 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓
🔗 View full criteria: https://5il.co/3mxq6
✍️ 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐲 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞: https://bit.ly/asbaboe25
If your board is doing exceptional work or you know one that is, encourage them to apply!
#StudentFocusedLeadership
The Arkansas School Boards Association is now accepting applications for the 2025 Board of Excellence in Leadership Award, honoring school boards that demonstrate outstanding leadership, a commitment to student achievement, and excellence in governance.
Two awards may be presented:
• One district with enrollment under 1,500
• One district with enrollment over 1,500
Winners will be announced and recognized 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟐, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓, during the ASBA Annual Conference.
Award criteria include:
1. Support for Educational Performance
2. Support for Educational Improvement Projects
3. Adherence to Adopted Policies
4. Commitment to a Code of Ethics
5. Harmonious Relationships
6. Public Relations Efforts
7. Participation in Workshops
8. Financial Oversight
🗓️ 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞: 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓
🔗 View full criteria: https://5il.co/3mxq6
✍️ 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐲 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞: https://bit.ly/asbaboe25
If your board is doing exceptional work or you know one that is, encourage them to apply!
#StudentFocusedLeadership
🏆 Nominations are OPEN for the 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐃𝐫. 𝐃𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝!
Help us honor exceptional service to public education in Arkansas. The Dr. Daniel L. Pilkinton Award celebrates individuals—board members, educators, legislators, and more—who have made a lasting difference in our schools.
📅 Nomination Deadline: 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟓
🎉 Award Presented: Dec. 11 at the ASBA Annual Conference
Nominate someone today!
Submit your nominations at https://bit.ly/drdan25.
Read the award's full description and criteria here: https://5il.co/3mxy
Questions? Contact aellis@arsba.org
#StudentFocusedLeadership
Help us honor exceptional service to public education in Arkansas. The Dr. Daniel L. Pilkinton Award celebrates individuals—board members, educators, legislators, and more—who have made a lasting difference in our schools.
📅 Nomination Deadline: 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟓
🎉 Award Presented: Dec. 11 at the ASBA Annual Conference
Nominate someone today!
Submit your nominations at https://bit.ly/drdan25.
Read the award's full description and criteria here: https://5il.co/3mxy
Questions? Contact aellis@arsba.org
#StudentFocusedLeadership
Please note the date change for the final sessions of two of our popular summer trainings!
• 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝗱𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗖𝗼𝗱𝘆 𝗞𝗲𝗲𝘀 (in-person training) has been moved to 𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟲.
• 𝗡𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘆𝗲𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘀𝘆 𝗗𝘂𝗸𝗲 (virtual training) has been moved to 𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟵.
Visit https://bit.ly/arboardconnect to register for one or both of these trainings! Don't miss the last opportunity to gain these essential insights!
#StudentFocusedLeadership
• 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝗱𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗖𝗼𝗱𝘆 𝗞𝗲𝗲𝘀 (in-person training) has been moved to 𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟲.
• 𝗡𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘆𝗲𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘀𝘆 𝗗𝘂𝗸𝗲 (virtual training) has been moved to 𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟵.
Visit https://bit.ly/arboardconnect to register for one or both of these trainings! Don't miss the last opportunity to gain these essential insights!
#StudentFocusedLeadership
𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐀𝐒𝐁𝐀 𝐅𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐞 - 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐍𝐨𝐰 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧!
📅 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟒, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓
📍 𝐇𝐨𝐭 𝐒𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐫 𝐕𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥
Make plans to join us for the 2025 Fall Leadership Institute—a one-day event focused on giving school board members and administrators the tools and insight they need to lead effectively. We’ll cover current issues that impact the work you do at your local districts, encourage connecting with peers from across the state, and offer 𝟔 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐛𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐭 for 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 at https://bit.ly/arboardconnect.
Early registration ends August 21.
Learn more and register: https://www.arsba.org/article/2322162.
Check out this article, written by Report Card author and editor Steve Brawner, about our very own Policy Service Director, Lucas Harder. Lucas proves that resilience and brilliance go hand in hand. Despite being legally blind, his ability to master complex legal matters and provide invaluable insights to school boards across Arkansas is truly awe-inspiring. We are incredibly proud to have Lucas as a trusted resource for our members!
https://independentarkansas.com/lucas-harder/
#StudentFocusedLeadership
There was a lot to celebrate at ASBA this week! 💍🎂
We held a fun bridal shower for Kara as she prepares for her big day, followed by a recognition of our July birthdays - Tamra, Lisa, and Julianne! 🎉
We are always thankful for the time to pause and celebrate together.
Deadline to register for the 2025 Southern Region Leadership Conference is this Friday, July 11! Don't miss this opportunity to learn and network alongside school leaders from across the Southern Region.
🗓️ 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟐𝟖–𝟑𝟎
📍 𝐆𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐍𝐮𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐭, 𝐋𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐞𝐬, 𝐋𝐀
ℹ️ 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 & 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: https://arsba.org/article/2153110
#StudentFocusedLeadership
🗓️ 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟐𝟖–𝟑𝟎
📍 𝐆𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐍𝐮𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐭, 𝐋𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐞𝐬, 𝐋𝐀
ℹ️ 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 & 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: https://arsba.org/article/2153110
#StudentFocusedLeadership
🎆 Happy Fourth of July!
We’re wishing everyone a fun, safe, and meaningful Independence Day.
ASBA offices will be closed tomorrow, Friday, July 4, in observance of the holiday.
Enjoy the festivities! 🇺🇸
June 2025 Report Card Out Now!
The June 2025 issue of Report Card, the Journal of the Arkansas School Boards Association, is now available!
Here are a few highlights you won’t want to miss:
Dual Degrees in High School – Hope and Texarkana students graduate with both a diploma and associate’s degree at no cost.
Legislative Changes – The ACCESS Act and other new laws reshape public education, board governance, and student rights.
New School Grading System – ADE outlines a simplified, student-focused accountability model based on growth and readiness.
Board-Superintendent Teamwork – School leaders share how strong relationships drive trust, transparency, and results.
ASBA Scholarships – Meet the six students honored for academic excellence, leadership, and service.
This quarter’s issue as well as previous issues of Report Card can be found on our website at https://www.arsba.org/page/report-card-magazine.
Thank you for staying connected with ASBA. We hope you find this issue informative and inspiring!
📢 New Courses Alert!
Summer 2025 New Board Member Institute courses are now live in AR Board Ed!
Whether you're newly elected or a returning board member, these online trainings cover essential governance topics—including key updates from the 2025 legislative session—and fulfill up to 6 hours of annual training credit.
✅ Includes required audit, school safety, and student discipline training.
🎓 Take the full 6-hour course or individual 1-hour sessions:
🟢 NBMI Full Day – 6 hrs – $185
🟢 Governance w/ Jeff Lisenbey – 1 hr – $50
🟢 Finance & Audit w/ Robyn Keene – 1 hr – $50
🟢 FOIA/Ethics w/ Jay Bequette – 1 hr – $50
🟢 Safety & Discipline w/ Kelli McNeill – 1 hr – $50
🖥️ Log in to AR Board Ed to enroll anytime! - https://arsba.talentlms.com/plus/
#StudentFocusedLeadership
📣 Lunch & Learn: Act 902 – Public Comment Law
🗓️ Wednesday, July 2 | 🕦 11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
💻 Free Zoom Webinar
Join ASBA Policy Service Director Lucas Harder for an overview of the new Act 902 (2025) and practical tips for implementation. Live Q&A included!
🎯 Free to attend. No credit offered.
📹 Recording available after the session.
🔗 Register now: bit.ly/pcwebinar25
In observance of Juneteenth, ASBA offices will be closed today, Thursday, June 19, 2025, as we honor this day in our nation's history—a celebration of freedom, resilience, and progress!
We will reopen on Friday, June 20, 2025.
We wrapped up another great New Board Member Institute yesterday at the DoubleTree in Hot Springs!
It was a full day, with both in-person and virtual attendees diving into topics like board governance, finance, FOIA, school safety, and student discipline.
Thanks so much to all of our presenters for sharing their time and expertise — and to the board members who showed up ready to learn and ask thoughtful questions.
We’re looking forward to seeing you at the next event! #StudentFocusedLeadership
📘 2025–2026 Arkansas School Law Annotated – Preorders Now Open!
With the 95th General Assembly now wrapped, it’s time to get your hands on the essential legal guide for Arkansas schools. Edited by Lucas Harder, ASBA’s Policy Services Director, the Arkansas School Law Annotated is your comprehensive resource for navigating the latest updates to Title 6 and beyond.
🔑 Key changes include:
✔️ Accelerated learning course mandates
✔️ School board term & election updates
✔️ “Bell to Bell, No Cell” policy
✔️ Free breakfast for all students
✔️ Updated laws on ethics, FOIA, discipline, and more
📦 Available in print or e-book (e-book releases after print ships)
💵 $85 per copy (includes shipping)
📅 Ships by October
👉 Preorder now: bit.ly/lawbooks25
🔗 Or visit www.arsba.org
Don’t miss this must-have legal resource for educators, administrators, and board members across Arkansas. Stay informed. Stay compliant. Stay ahead. #StudentFocusedLeadership
If you have not yet registered, now is the time! Online registration for in person attendees will close at 3:30 pm tomorrow, June 12.
📣 New to your school board? Start strong with ASBA’s 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐁𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐞 on 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟏𝟕, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓!
This one-day event is tailored to new board members (or anyone looking for a reset) and meets state-mandated training requirements while diving deeper into:
✅ Board powers & responsibilities
✅ Budgets, audits & financial oversight
✅ FOIA & ethics laws
✅ School safety & student discipline
✅ Student-focused decision-making
🎓 Earn 𝟔 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬 of training credit!
💻 Register via the “Registrations” tab in AR Board Connect - https://bit.ly/arboardconnect
📅 In-person: $$225 per person
📅 Virtual: $185 per person
Learn more at https://www.arsba.org/article/2185997. #StudentFocusedLeadership
Early Registration deadline is TODAY! Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn, connect, and lead!
📣 New to your school board? Start strong with ASBA’s 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐁𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐞 on 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟏𝟕, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓!
This one-day event is tailored to new board members (or anyone looking for a reset) and meets state-mandated training requirements while diving deeper into:
✅ Board powers & responsibilities
✅ Budgets, audits & financial oversight
✅ FOIA & ethics laws
✅ School safety & student discipline
✅ Student-focused decision-making
🎓 Earn 𝟔 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬 of training credit!
💻 Register via the “Registrations” tab in AR Board Connect - https://bit.ly/arboardconnect
📅 In-person: $205 early bird (through June 3)
📅 Virtual: $170 early bird (through June 3)
Learn more at https://www.arsba.org/article/2185997. #StudentFocusedLeadership
After 15.5 years of dedicated service, we are celebrating the retirement of Dwayne Mc Anally, ASBA Loss Control Consultant. Dwayne has helped countless school staff across Arkansas stay safe, informed, and compliant—and here at ASBA, he’s earned the unofficial title of “Facilities Fixer-in-Chief.” From safety training to keeping our office in top shape, Dwayne has done it all.
We honored him with a celebration lunch last week. If you know Dwayne, it will come as no surprise that he had a few great stories to share. We’ll miss his wit, wisdom, and one-of-a-kind antics, but we wish him the very best in retirement as he looks forward to more time with his family. Thank you, Dwayne! #StudentFocusedLeadership
ɢᴏɴᴇ, ʙᴜᴛ ɴᴏᴛ ꜰᴏʀɢᴏᴛᴛᴇɴ.
Today, we remember and honor our brave heroes—the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten, and their legacy lives on in the freedoms we hold dear.
ASBA offices are closed today, May 26, in observance of Memorial Day.
