[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6564349,"mediaKeyId","3290992-632f73a2055bcf2fc362693ac87cd3bf","parentId",3290992,"title","PCSSD approves Harris renovations as interim receiving site while College Station is rebuilt","audioSeconds",6185,"startMs",3536000,"endMs",9721000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3290992-632f73a2055bcf2fc362693ac87cd3bf&start=3536&end=9721","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3290992-632f73a2055bcf2fc362693ac87cd3bf/thumbnail_3536000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6564349/Arkansas/PCSSD-approves-Harris-renovations-as-interim-receiving-site-while-College-Station-is-rebuilt","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6564349-6853b78895f82afcfaa683eb3947cd6f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771114331&Signature=WbcCm4BbQiQELLh8IQGmFmgvIEKWucW-pVlMib6gP3cpOt1bjDUWRgn6FkgBM6-QsTBH96YCfHBSZNHIHRxGhXgwUalZXHxYR2jCl2TW4~As-Qq1PYohAjSglckUxTw3DlGKA1AQW7cLpzs3v14iBh6h~5PEYWXbrpmghqaKvaUg5c4boXCr-cQw1OZoXxfB8~3PfJdbjdFebgNX-5iwQyioRN4nkHgNSMUKDF7qsew6gUJVZFCfHNQa8mS7I2CPkmdAnm0xKTezKfZRvNgfW8BpDTYat~J-xMc6YLZhd6YUcw5NnBysY0M38hiYGE9IwakeXGEO9y~5YY4fsGZy4Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","PULASKI COUNTY SPECIAL SCHOOL DISTRICT","date","2025-05-08T13:55:41Z","article","The Pulaski County Special School District board voted May 13 to approve a $2.14 million renovation package at Harris Elementary — a measure the district’s administration says is needed to prepare Harris to receive students while College Station Elementary is rebuilt.

Administration presented a site plan and funding outline by construction lead “mister Johnson,” saying the district anticipates using $8 million of second‑lien bond proceeds earmarked for College Station plus roughly $2.23 million in insurance proceeds for damaged Building 1. Harris was allocated $2 million in the district’s planning documents; the board approved a specific renovation contract for 28,900 square feet at $2,140,000 to allow work this summer aimed at receiving relocated students in fall 2025 if required.

The vote drew on public comment earlier in the meeting, when parents and community advocates urged clearer communication and an effort to avoid uprooting students. “If we’re going to be displaced ... that’s jeopardizing our retention of our students,” said Britney Walker, a parent who urged the district to keep College Station students together and to return clear explanations to families. Grassroots Arkansas executive director Dr. Anika Whitfield and other College Station community members asked the board to “do things with this community” rather than make decisions without regular stakeholder input.

Why this matters: College Station serves many students with high needs and parents and advocates said they fear a temporary relocation could prompt families to enroll elsewhere. District officials said the extent of damage to one existing building on the College Station site leaves it unusable; Johnson told the board Building 1 must be demolished and a new academic building would be sited so that only the cafeteria and storm shelter would remain from the current campus. Administration said the rebuilt academic space would not add a new cafeteria but would provide modern classroom, media and special‑education spaces and address flooding and accessibility issues on the campus.

Key details and timeline
- Funding: Johnson said the program currently anticipates $8 million in bond proceeds for College Station, $2 million for Harris, plus a $2.23 million insurance recovery for Building 1. The district’s cabinet recommended the funding split and sought the board’s approval for Harris renovations tonight.
- Site plan: The proposed College Station layout would concentrate new classroom space into a single new building while retaining the existing storm shelter and cafeteria; a new bus loop would be created and a county‑funded inclusive playground (budgeted at $150,000) was proposed for the site.
- Timeline: Administration said earlier estimates had construction starting later, but with updated designs they are targeting having a new building on the ground by August 2026. Johnson said moving students in January had been discussed but that most cabinet members prefer an August transition to avoid mid‑year disruption; he said community meetings would resume now that more information is available.

Community concerns and administration responses
Community speakers repeatedly requested more direct communication and raised practical concerns about transportation, enrollment retention and the effect of relocation on families who walk or are car riders rather than bus riders. Representative Joyce Springer asked why College Station did not appear on the construction agenda; Johnson replied the project is now being actively advanced and he will return with more detailed drawings and schedule items for board approval.

Board action
The board approved the Harris Elementary renovation proposal (28,900 sq. ft., $2,140,000). The motion was made by Board Member Ward and seconded by Dr. Tate; the measure passed on a voice vote.

Next steps
Administration said it will resume community stakeholder meetings with updated drawings and schedule details, refine cost estimates to hit the $10.5 million target for College Station, and return to the board with the final College Station design and bids. Transportation logistics, parental choices and whether families will be offered alternatives to Harris remain to be finalized and communicated.

What the record shows
The discussion combined extended public comment from College Station community members and a construction update from PCSSD staff. The vote on the Harris renovation was the formal action in the meeting regarding the College Station project.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Pulaski County Special School District PCSSD Live Stream","oneSentenceSummary","The Pulaski County Special School District board approved a $2.14 million renovation at Harris Elementary on May 13 to prepare the school to receive students while College Station Elementary is rebuilt.","taxTitle","PULASKI COUNTY SPECIAL SCHOOL DISTRICT, School Districts, Arkansas","taxId",13595,"location","Arkansas","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6564334,"Votes at a glance: PCSSD board approves Harris renovation, handbook, safety grants, staffing and procurement actions",892,7141000,8033000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3290992-632f73a2055bcf2fc362693ac87cd3bf&start=7141&end=8033","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3290992-632f73a2055bcf2fc362693ac87cd3bf/thumbnail_7141000.jpg","/articles/6564334/Arkansas/Votes-at-a-glance-PCSSD-board-approves-Harris-renovation-handbook-safety-grants-staffing-and-procurement-actions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6564334-0e926fc211e6bbe3c1f9d55367ef8c17/orig.mp4?Expires=1771114331&Signature=bduuzvObuyHEuFBggSPzrXx7aMTA3n8pPbfd47SedqvXZO04Sf~EVG8SPIGeE~siZkWwRgndb9GF7zvxXh8XLFDQPfdJdajFFeq-EeXtp~oajo29pRjNiDCI4dsPpm3~dQJzhQ0LPlqlq4257SJYEiF77mZJbQhd-Uw3NPxPRRYvlqcyhsVhjC6jkgdDuyvBwCD-wyILdChKzK9PFFr8A9Fznoaioa0t0o8TgvZyv~RJ9NO91yKB8Cxr5exnTJ-hZgY2d57vdiJ6GD5vZJJnS~M0Xky5rrFLSQ74WJxWY2kRmpFunhOdNCK9hjKz8U8aUMPCuF95ZLrq3-JLtN8UYQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Pulaski County Special School District board completed a series of formal votes at its May 13 meeting. Below is a concise summary of each action, its immediate effect and the recorded outcome. Where precise mover/second information was provided in the transcript it is recorded; many votes were taken by voice with unanimous consent.

Votes at a glance
- Harris Elementary renovation (construction contract)
- Motion: Approve Harris renovation (28,900 sq. ft.) at $2,140,000 to ready Harris as a receiving school for College Station students if relocation is needed.
- Mover/Second: Ward / Dr. Tate
- Outcome: Approved (voice vote)
- Notes: Administration will proceed with the renovation scope presented; funding to come from bond proceeds and related allocations.

- 2025–26 Student Handbook (including cellphone policy)
- Motion: Adopt 2025–26 parent/student handbook (includes bell‑to‑bell cellphone restriction pilot for middle schools, mesh/clear backpacks, AI guidance and nutrition/transportation updates).
- Mover/Second: Motion moved by Smith; seconded by Dr. Tate (as recorded during the meeting)
- Outcome: Approved (voice vote)
- Notes: Middle schools to pilot magnetized pouches and unlocking stations; exceptions listed for IEP/504, emergencies and extracurriculars.

- School numbering signage (Little Rock/Conway sign proposals)
- Motion: Approve signage and numbering vendor proposal for classroom and exterior numbering.
- Mover/Second: Maynard / Smith
- Outcome: Approved (voice vote)
- Notes: Funded through the 2025 school safety grant allocation.

- School safety door hardware and installation (Westco; Baldwin & Shell)
- Motion: Approve purchase and installation of updated exit hardware and devices under the school safety grant (door devices and labor)
- Mover/Second: Maynard / Smith
- Outcome: Approved (voice vote)
- Notes: Total project allocated within grant; will replace old push‑bar systems and unify door numbering/hardware.

- Purchase of new modular classroom (Robinson High / Driven program)
- Motion: Approve purchase of a new mobile modular classroom for Robinson (new purchase recommended over rental)
- Mover/Second: Dr. Tate / Ward
- Outcome: Approved (voice vote)
- Notes: Administration recommended new purchase due to long‑term need; purchase price recorded in board packet.

- Open channel grinder (wastewater debris trap / “muffin monster”) for administrative campus sewer
- Motion: Approve purchase and installation of an open‑channel grinder to reduce debris and protect downstream pumps
- Mover/Second: Maynard / Smith
- Outcome: Approved (voice vote)
- Notes: Not grant funded; administration said it will protect district and partner pumps from costly failures.

- Acceptance of the 2023–24 Legislative Audit
- Motion: Accept the district audit for fiscal year 2023–24
- Mover/Second: Dr. Tate / Smith
- Outcome: Accepted (voice vote)
- Notes: The audit included supplemental findings and management letters; administration reported corrective steps.

- Personnel and policy actions
- Motions: Adopted certified and classified policy proposals including AI guidance, licensed personnel harassment policy, classified grievance procedure and range/allocation adjustments; approved certified and classified hiring lists and classified allocations.
- Outcome: Approved (voice vote for each item)
- Notes: Some allocation and range revisions (classified allocations and range adjustments) were discussed with Classified PPC and approved; certified allocation revisions passed (with recorded no votes on a small item recorded in the transcript).

- Consent agenda
- Motion: Approve consent agenda (minutes, contracts and routine items)
- Outcome: Approved (voice vote)

How to follow up
Administration indicated it will publish board‑approved documents (handbook, grant contracts, procurement records and project timelines) and will return to the board for final design approvals and additional bid awards as required.","PCSSD’s May 13 board meeting included votes approving a Harris Elementary renovation, the 2025–26 student handbook (including cellphone restrictions), school safety grant purchases, equipment and staffing allocations.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6564339,"PCSSD adopts 2025‑26 student handbook with ‘bell‑to‑bell’ cellphone restriction and other changes",2218,4947000,7165000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3290992-632f73a2055bcf2fc362693ac87cd3bf&start=4947&end=7165","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3290992-632f73a2055bcf2fc362693ac87cd3bf/thumbnail_4947000.jpg","/articles/6564339/Arkansas/PCSSD-adopts-202526-student-handbook-with-belltobell-cellphone-restriction-and-other-changes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6564339-fa7a1ab81a01eaf2f29202a6bc0fa278/orig.mp4?Expires=1771114331&Signature=Kz7aaVx0LFFE7NPKAnN0gPKtMywLnjbBrcHR2Rj28fieFuo00QohRBAWiSjj3ApJYm5Ze7SERTjAyatWyaNO52XQtwkhx4dr3n-0rieXnGLaHPPTgyWNftfLFZgTWe8cV5Z6XJpHBFd9f~eI0zwbykYOBvUQCsHtwtElJS8qk3KATRM3rO4UK-HuT1c4Ooa6Dbwx9f50r5FhqkC3c28CVftFo-2Ki7TyS-RHnn-q6WIIjiWbJ~dQtKeqcz3JenKkLwQZo-UnDwzev5t1QLE9QHe5qchTJRJHWXZmA0MF26oKVER~bldeZLAXzm~7sPlGmEHqDezm1ocvaSZQDtZlcw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Pulaski County Special School District board voted May 13 to adopt the 2025–26 student handbook, a package that includes several substantive policy changes administrators said were required by new state law and district safety priorities.

Major changes included:
- A bell‑to‑bell cellphone restriction (state law): Middle schools will pilot magnetized pouches that store students’ phones during the school day; students keep the pouch and return it each day. Piloting schools will place unlocking stations near exits so students retrieve devices as they leave. The handbook includes specified exceptions for IEP or 504 accommodations, concurrent‑enrollment courses, after‑school extracurricular activities and emergencies.
- Clear or mesh backpacks for k–12: As a security measure, planners added a requirement that district backpacks be mesh or clear. Administrators said the requirement will be communicated in supply lists so families may plan.
- Artificial intelligence (AI): The district’s AI committee and administration drafted guidance aligned with state law; the handbook includes initial AI use rules and directs staff to training and approved processes for student and staff use of generative tools.
- Student nutrition and transportation procedures: The handbook documents changes that result from state policy (preK–12 free breakfasts) and shifts bus‑discipline responsibility to transportation supervisors per the administration’s plan.

Presenters and rationale
Handbook committee representatives said the revisions reflect recent state legislative changes and safety priorities. Dr. Lutcher, who addressed AI committee work, said the district aims to “protect our students, protect their privacy, but then also educate our students and our staff” as it implements new tools and controls. Committee members emphasized that the handbook marks procedures and expectations; individual schools will add details about consequences and local rollout.

Cellphone implementation detail
The district described the middle‑school cellphone approach as a practical, low‑disruption measure tested elsewhere in Arkansas: students place phones in pouches when they arrive, pouches stay with students, and magnetized unlocking stations let students retrieve phones as they exit. Administration said targeted pilot testing at the middle‑school level will precede any wider rollout.

Board action
After discussion, the board approved the 2025–26 handbook as presented, including the cellphone policy and related procedures. The motion passed on a voice vote.","The PCSSD board approved the 2025‑26 student handbook May 13. The handbook formalizes a bell‑to‑bell cellphone restriction (middle‑school pilot of magnetic pouches), expands AI guidance, requires clear or mesh backpacks K‑12 for safety, and implements state changes to SmartCore and school nutrition.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6564344,"Registrars, classified staff urge PCSSD to include pay increases; district hears impacts on enrollment and retention",1735,3733000,5468000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3290992-632f73a2055bcf2fc362693ac87cd3bf&start=3733&end=5468","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3290992-632f73a2055bcf2fc362693ac87cd3bf/thumbnail_3733000.jpg","/articles/6564344/Arkansas/Registrars-classified-staff-urge-PCSSD-to-include-pay-increases-district-hears-impacts-on-enrollment-and-retention","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6564344-437fb1ad2bcc01a3898e2932dc32e2af/orig.mp4?Expires=1771114331&Signature=JEU5f3i8uzv02wdO4ITEVOj9r5b~Grxh1wk-unIeV1nWVbVuQiHItNa1ADbmrlrIRcBKAW5H2zTJ13VEhHxIuvuOuF3gj02vWE9BzHUf46FvA2qYvW7KOVcKQiSFid-l1Kmo-dpB~9NM2j5L7hZcEjZwHEZyhei60-W2lfu5djS7vdziE~H0nzZ5yJkLQUtPHccrV4xQ47oDAnVuQnXgCOcB~LANqE0ddLiZ5BipAfj~8Aqkxcs71GhmqltrVfj7ddIIdDwdcG1Q7Hpa4nBhSQQRQxVDDgZ~-56L~xAXIGD3qdTAJbEmj4uCCQuJFYHGaBcsJH5MkD5xev1B0i0YeA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A string of registrars and classified staff used public comment at the May 13 Pulaski County Special School District board meeting to press for inclusion in pay increases and to describe retention problems tied to low wages.

Registrars from multiple PCSSD schools described jobs that have grown in scope and importance — enrolling students, maintaining permanent records and ensuring accurate district funding data — and said their current starting wage makes it difficult to retain experienced employees. “Annually that’s $21,000 a year,” said Michelle Williams, a registrar at Mills High and Mills Middle, describing the $12.04 hourly starting rate currently listed for PCSSD registrars. Williams compared that figure to neighboring pay scales, saying Little Rock’s starting hourly rate is $17.51 and Amazon’s starting wage is $18.50.

Others made the broader case for classified pay adjustments. Sheila Hulsizer, registrar at Sylvan Hills Junior High, asked the board to reclassify registrars from “range 3” to “range 6.” Sunshine Crawford of Oak Brook Elementary asked board members to include registrars in pay increases already discussed for transportation, paras and other classified titles. Community volunteer Juanita Croon asked the district to partner with elected officials to seek state allocations and proposed a plan to raise all classified employees earning under $30,000 up to $30,000 and to add a 10% lift for others.

Classified PPC findings
Classified Personnel Policy Council (PPC) chair Miss Nichols presented results of a classified climate survey taken this spring. She said 74% of respondents would recommend PCSSD as a place to work and nearly 80% would recommend their school or department — but she also said many classified employees reported financial strain and that some rely on government assistance. Nichols said the PPC will use the survey results to advocate for pay and other improvements in 2025–26.

Why this matters
Registrars play a central role in student enrollment data that informs state funding. Board members and administrators recognized the recruitment and retention angle: losing registrars or other classified staff can directly affect attendance accounting and the district’s revenues.

Board response and next steps
Board members acknowledged the comments; administration said classified allocation proposals and specific range adjustments were on the agenda for board action later in the meeting and would be considered. Classified allocations and related range adjustments were approved later in the meeting as part of the consent and business items.

Clarifying details
- PCSSD starting registrar hourly pay cited in public comment: $12.04 ($21,000 annual estimate).
- Comparators mentioned in public comment: Little Rock School District $17.51/hour (approx. $29,416/year); Amazon starting wage cited at $18.50/hour; Buc ee’s starting wage cited at $20/hour (local hiring advertisements).

Speakers from the meeting urged the board to pursue state funding and legislative strategies to increase classified pay and to resume stakeholder meetings so employees and parents can hear concrete plans.","Several district registrars and classified staff told the PCSSD board on May 13 that starting pay and step ranges are too low to recruit and retain staff. Speakers provided local wage comparisons and asked the board to pursue state funding and reclassification.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

PCSSD approves Harris renovations as interim receiving site while College Station is rebuilt

Votes at a glance: PCSSD board approves Harris renovation, handbook, safety grants, staffing and procurement actions

PCSSD adopts 2025‑26 student handbook with ‘bell‑to‑bell’ cellphone restriction and other changes

Registrars, classified staff urge PCSSD to include pay increases; district hears impacts on enrollment and retention