School Board Enacts New Safety Policies and Approves Absence Regulations

Safety protocols dominated the Gravette School Board meeting on July 15, 2025, as board members emphasized the importance of maintaining secure environments for students and staff. The discussion highlighted the district's commitment to safety, with assurances that the safety plan remains confidential to protect its integrity. Board members expressed confidence in the measures being implemented, with one member stating, "I come out of there feeling very, very good about our priorities and why we're putting our resources to put student and staff safety first."

In addition to safety, the board addressed revisions to the absence policy, clarifying that while new legislative actions are being adopted, the existing allowance of 13 approved absences will remain unchanged. This decision aims to balance compliance with state requirements while maintaining support for students.

The meeting also saw the adoption of stricter background check policies for school volunteers. Under the new guidelines, volunteers who accompany students on overnight trips or those who contribute more than 30 hours annually will now require clear background checks. This move aims to enhance safety during school activities, ensuring that all volunteers meet rigorous standards.

Lastly, the board approved the district goals for the 2025-2026 school year, which continue to focus on student achievement and safety. While specific proficiency metrics were discussed, the board acknowledged challenges in meeting high performance standards, particularly in reading proficiency across grades three to ten. The upcoming meeting on August 7 is expected to provide further insights into student performance data.

Overall, the Gravette School Board is taking significant steps to prioritize safety and compliance while striving to enhance educational outcomes for its students.