The full agenda is now available for ASBA's Fall Leadership Institute, scheduled for September 4!
With a focus on living out your district's vision and mission, this event is sure to be a good one. Get registered today at https://bit.ly/arboardconnect!
Learn more: https://www.arsba.org/article/2322162
View the agenda: https://5il.co/3nma3.
With a focus on living out your district's vision and mission, this event is sure to be a good one. Get registered today at https://bit.ly/arboardconnect!
Learn more: https://www.arsba.org/article/2322162
View the agenda: https://5il.co/3nma3.
Strong-Huttig School District board members helped welcome students, staff, and families at Open House and on the first day of school, serving food, greeting attendees, and spreading Bulldog pride!
Photo 1: Board Member Bennie Ford grilling hot dogs at the Strong-Huttig Elementary Open House.
Photo 2: Board Member Ramona McHenry and Board President Cindy Smith at Strong-Huttig High School.
Photo 3: Board President Cindy Smith and Superintendent Dr. Perkins at Strong-Huttig High School.
Photo 4: Board Member Sonya Manning and Board President Cindy Smith at Strong-Huttig High School.
Photo 5: Superintendent Dr. Perkins and Board Member Sonya Manning greeting at the high school entrance.
Photo 6: Community member Donna Lovett passing out popcorn at the Elementary Open House.
It was a warm and welcoming start to the year, made even better by the support and involvement of the Board of Education!
#StudentFocusedLeadership #BoardsforBacktoSchool
It has become a tradition for Shirley School Board members to join employees from Petit Jean Electric Co-op in welcoming students back to campus with signs of encouragement and positive messages. Yesterday morning, Board President Samantha Shull and Board Secretary Callie Davidson—who also works for Petit Jean Electric—greeted students as they arrived for the first day of school.
Shirley School District is thankful for the dedication of its board members and the community partners who help start the school year on such a positive note!
#StudentFocusedLeadership #BoardsforBacktoSchool
Shirley School District is thankful for the dedication of its board members and the community partners who help start the school year on such a positive note!
#StudentFocusedLeadership #BoardsforBacktoSchool
Magnolia School District’s school board members played an active role in this year’s Fall Community Pep Rally, joining students, staff, and families for an evening of Panther pride. From cooking and serving food to leading activities and greeting community members, their presence helped make the event a memorable kickoff to the fall and winter sports seasons.
Photo 1: President Steven Souter with his company, Albemarle, hosting a “golf course/putt putt course” for students and giving away rally towels. Steven is pictured in the center.
Photo 2: Farmers Bank and Trust cook team (board member Jason Ray pictured far right) serving free hot dogs to the community.
Photo 3: Vice President Jason Ray grilling with his company, Farmers Bank and Trust, for the Community Pep Rally.
Photo 4: Board member Caroline Waller and husband Jamie Waller enjoying the pep rally.
The Magnolia School District community is grateful for the enthusiasm, presence, and support of its board members in making this event a success!
#StudentFocusedLeadership #BoardsforBacktoSchool
Photo 1: President Steven Souter with his company, Albemarle, hosting a “golf course/putt putt course” for students and giving away rally towels. Steven is pictured in the center.
Photo 2: Farmers Bank and Trust cook team (board member Jason Ray pictured far right) serving free hot dogs to the community.
Photo 3: Vice President Jason Ray grilling with his company, Farmers Bank and Trust, for the Community Pep Rally.
Photo 4: Board member Caroline Waller and husband Jamie Waller enjoying the pep rally.
The Magnolia School District community is grateful for the enthusiasm, presence, and support of its board members in making this event a success!
#StudentFocusedLeadership #BoardsforBacktoSchool
Over the past month, Lake Hamilton School Board members have been actively engaged in the district’s back-to-school activities, attending the Leadership Team Workshop, New Teacher Induction, and Back-to-School Kickoff Meeting. Their presence and support have been greatly appreciated by staff across the district.
This school year holds special significance as Lake Hamilton celebrates 80 years of educating students in the community, dating back to its founding in 1945. To mark the milestone, the district is incorporating a 1980s theme into events and celebrations throughout the year. It is shaping up to be a memorable year in Wolf Nation!
Send your photos or videos of board members' involvement in Back to School activities to jprothro@arsba.org.
#StudentFocusedLeadership #BoardsforBacktoSchool
This school year holds special significance as Lake Hamilton celebrates 80 years of educating students in the community, dating back to its founding in 1945. To mark the milestone, the district is incorporating a 1980s theme into events and celebrations throughout the year. It is shaping up to be a memorable year in Wolf Nation!
Send your photos or videos of board members' involvement in Back to School activities to jprothro@arsba.org.
#StudentFocusedLeadership #BoardsforBacktoSchool
🎤 Kicking off the year with energy and enthusiasm! Greenland School District Board of Education Vice President Mike Fanning brought the house down as he introduced staff with his unforgettable announcer voice during the welcome back in Pirate Nation!
Board members like Mr. Fanning help set the tone for a great year by showing up and celebrating what matters most.
We’d love to showcase your board members’ involvement in Back to School activities, too! Send photos or videos to jprothro@arsba.org.
#StudentFocusedLeadership
Board members like Mr. Fanning help set the tone for a great year by showing up and celebrating what matters most.
We’d love to showcase your board members’ involvement in Back to School activities, too! Send photos or videos to jprothro@arsba.org.
#StudentFocusedLeadership
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.
