[{"_1":2,"_135":-5,"_136":-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",[32,76,88,100,112,124],{"_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",6517955,"mediaKeyId","5399860-7b021245f7cfd738dbc5e6e3b5702b26","parentId",5399860,"title","Board returns from executive session and approves personnel items","audioSeconds",2915,"startMs",2731000,"endMs",5646000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5399860-7b021245f7cfd738dbc5e6e3b5702b26&start=2731&end=5646","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5399860-7b021245f7cfd738dbc5e6e3b5702b26/thumbnail_2731000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6517955/Arkansas/Board-returns-from-executive-session-and-approves-personnel-items","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6517955-cfab5b7c60e226cfda0ca3c41cca1735/orig.mp4?Expires=1775392096&Signature=CWhJe5Su19olz6NrxnxExBCc5u2lUXc1PvQTms2hIvITSw5kOd1oXH45J8Rc5Y~VDtyhU4yBodlaBb5S9j5Nbbz~pID~3PF0nBIo23FKreI1wt7y6sWnIu-JUvFqKT7ixy1N7pyvPHVYocXIGjOq-fyQ2aRAZmIHKOBkb4IHRmy7cz-D7QkoNj0Y9eYgPb-~b~QsFNPteFe4RVNE~yJXljHoKIjltPCj39Uee60edAbMqAMNeNJwynl~J1TQSK49L1lAeL476h3uFpJhY4DBL0~fsD~~dQ7ou3L92RIZhpZR~jaBlIs-y-xc2~eeDbrQ3Rh~AgOZQpHyMOZZbZmhgQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","BENTONVILLE SCHOOL DISTRICT","date","2025-07-16T12:11:45Z","article","Following an executive session to discuss personnel matters, the Bentonville School District Board of Education returned to open session and approved the personnel items covered in executive session.

The motion to accept the personnel matters was made and seconded, and Becky conducted a roll-call vote approving the items (recorded under agenda item 12). The board's roll-call vote showed unanimous approval.

Ending: The board approved personnel items discussed in executive session; no additional details about the personnel actions were provided in open session.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","School Board Meeting 7-15-25","oneSentenceSummary","After an executive session on personnel, the Bentonville School District Board approved the personnel items discussed in closed session by roll-call vote.","taxTitle","BENTONVILLE SCHOOL DISTRICT, School Districts, Arkansas","taxId",12974,"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},6517960,"Bentonville board administers oath to two new members; elects Jennifer Faddis president and Tatum vice president",179,202000,381000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5399860-7b021245f7cfd738dbc5e6e3b5702b26&start=202&end=381","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5399860-7b021245f7cfd738dbc5e6e3b5702b26/thumbnail_202000.jpg","/articles/6517960/Arkansas/Bentonville-board-administers-oath-to-two-new-members-elects-Jennifer-Faddis-president-and-Tatum-vice-president","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6517960-9ff01abb64205bb0ee5e19e0242892f0/orig.mp4?Expires=1775392096&Signature=DMFMrCxEFtPcUu97bCcZTF-OfNNwOu-QdqsfEvD2LyW6dRtWXOjdxuI2eTwuwungb1o3gNskYqgySEXyQn8IHB2KznHUnKSyZIot9mainu7XCS6WL97i9PVecB6zxElW09sbazLdtcQrLG-flmAcyLwwG42RJ9BTRH8YiNu66Pk8aaloXvwHDpoS~2BhD0rewf4tRHmKmgVYILVuOjQ2sH-OC1uOrFLZmfpWHAs0pMnTlEHjiMX9NHKJlmtQlLku-dipkXhiLW1WjL0v8QbX6jj7Ge0AjLg17feF17rqf9~i~nhgdcL9rcvRh0zvGGfdEkH8QBuZZdB-J71Iijn1Yw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the July 15 meeting the Bentonville School District Board of Education administered the oath of office to two newly seated board members (Bill and Rachel) and then elected officers for the board.

After the oath, board members nominated and voted to elect Jennifer Faddis as board president. Willie nominated Faddis and Bill Akins seconded the nomination; the board then voted by roll call and approved the motion. The board also elected Tatum as vice president; the nomination and second were recorded and the motion carried by roll call.

Becky (the board clerk) conducted the roll-call votes for both officer elections. The president's election was recorded as item 4 a on the agenda; the vice president nomination and vote followed in the same item. The oaths and elections took place at the start of the meeting before public-comment and most substantive agenda items.

Ending: Jennifer Faddis will serve as board president and Tatum as vice president for the current seating as determined by the board vote.","The board administered the oath to two newly seated board members and voted to elect Jennifer Faddis as board president and Tatum as vice president.",{"_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},6517964,"Board approves policy changes on meeting agendas, public comments, teacher removals and maternity leave",528,2004000,2532000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5399860-7b021245f7cfd738dbc5e6e3b5702b26&start=2004&end=2532","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5399860-7b021245f7cfd738dbc5e6e3b5702b26/thumbnail_2004000.jpg","/articles/6517964/Arkansas/Board-approves-policy-changes-on-meeting-agendas-public-comments-teacher-removals-and-maternity-leave","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6517964-32e3dafa0177151dcfc34e276a89d357/orig.mp4?Expires=1775392096&Signature=Tryii0f7iJN7g1qetAWxlHXFBfkmoh5Y3oAzFGlOtYdnefHMTPkieRUETuf9TK7aPvn4nQetYdghCjd0V3Twh99DRQxJ1dtlZHueYmUaFVYZX9RTfKms~rFypqyQ3BKAVrz4lm0imisG3YUv6je7yT3zbd4-nrn-jGgtqdt6jP324n4rNcWTLtSXo~vBhBJaiBDELid00fUUyGlUuE7QA-HlOmZb4nvm9REBNzGHfk4YUXxIjU3Z9mRDzVBCfjCqcsM552xFCBParYQbl2GG2snfiNyVpLz7LNbRWrztF4xByTHjqfsmoeGAGUb1Jt8osrG8NfBomn3Va7dYtIkGPg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Bentonville School District Board of Education on July 15 approved a suite of policy updates prompted by recent state legislative actions and guidance from the secretary of state.

Miss Sharp presented the policy changes and highlighted the most substantial revisions. Under revised board-governance Policy 1.14 (meeting agenda), public-comment eligibility and sign-up procedures were tightened: only district residents, parents/legal guardians of enrolled students, or district employees may provide public comment. The sign-in sheet must be made available one hour before the meeting and must collect the speaker’s name, email address, physical address, phone number, and a checkbox indicating whether the person wishes to speak on any agenda item. If public comments threaten to exceed 30 minutes, the board may move comments to the end of the agenda.

Policy 1.17 (nepotism) was revised to clarify that the definition of “administrator” includes principals, assistant principals, and curriculum directors.

In a high-profile change driven by Act 565, Policy 3.44 (teacher removal of students from the classroom) now includes the word violent in the statutory trigger for removal. The policy requires a conference each time a student is removed for violent behavior; that conference must include the teacher, the counselor, and the student's parent or guardian (or person standing in loco parentis). During that conference staff must determine whether a behavioral threat assessment is necessary. The revised policy permits placement of the student in an interim alternative environment, and staff said the student may not return to the original teacher's classroom until the conference is held. Board members asked whether documentation and timelines would be developed; staff said documentation will be created and that the statute allows the conference to proceed even if a parent does not attend.

Miss Sharp also presented two new maternity-leave policies developed after Acts 904 and 905. The policies separate maternity leave (for biological mothers) from adoptive and foster placement leave so that the requirements and applications are clear. Qualifications include being a full-time employee with at least one year of employment and no disciplinary record for absenteeism; staff said the district will receive reimbursement for 100% of substitute costs through a division agreement.

Board members approved the policy package by roll-call vote. Staff said documentation, template forms, and training materials will be developed where required by the statutes.

Ending: The board adopted the policies; staff will create required documentation and training and publish updated policy language and sign-in procedures ahead of future meetings.","The board adopted several policy changes required by recent legislation, including new rules for public-comment sign-ups, expanded definitions in nepotism policy, statutory discipline/teacher-removal procedures (Act 565), and separated maternity-leave policies with reimbursement for substitutes.",{"_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},6517969,"Board adopts streamlined student handbooks, adds QR flipbook and K–12 discipline rubrics",654,1342000,1996000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5399860-7b021245f7cfd738dbc5e6e3b5702b26&start=1342&end=1996","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5399860-7b021245f7cfd738dbc5e6e3b5702b26/thumbnail_1342000.jpg","/articles/6517969/Arkansas/Board-adopts-streamlined-student-handbooks-adds-QR-flipbook-and-K12-discipline-rubrics","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6517969-66216789dd1dc486ceced480db88c1d0/orig.mp4?Expires=1775392096&Signature=DO1TCTo75MMexjhCEmrEbj~k8elz0bVG8b5w0o6okt3eRHY~8ceApn4LYIRCFs5thHM-LmWDePhUKUZpMCxxFgpcSEtr4eOM2URJIssyj~jQXv1FKthh6LnOELflcU0eoPzrM5V0iNDlsgQ0VIQlY9Gv4N-vWC9EUJfJR09yzl1NRzF6R~6EXMATBk56s~KiENPM4WVW68a7OHSxYLba2aylxhrIPc7j6vTQ~4TXjFotkvp3SonHM96znKqJNXhvKCc8nJ6rceqaIkX9EH2heRMJAIUxP9W7kHM~WWDt4yh~RdLPJp9w2JKhV0kWoqVDyhWJecwRDGA5U7wsA9AQTQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Bentonville School District Board of Education voted July 15 to adopt revised student handbooks for the 2025–26 school year, consolidating some grade-level handbooks, adding a flipbook format with QR codes for distribution, and inserting updated discipline rubrics across K–12.

Aaron Hoover (presenting the handbook revisions) told the board the district condensed handbooks and moved policy text out of handbook pages to shorten high-school handbooks from roughly 117 pages to about 40 pages by linking to district policies. He described a flipbook interface for the handbooks that will be published online and accessible via QR codes placed at open houses and other school events.

Key changes adopted: consolidation of elementary and middle handbooks into a single document for this year (with future plans to combine junior high and high school), inclusion of the Religious Freedom Act (Act 400) language in all handbooks as required by recent legislation, and incorporation of the GT (gifted and talented) handbook content into the elementary K–6 handbook.

Transportation and safety updates include requiring students to carry their name badge daily to board and exit buses, expectations for proper conduct at bus stops, keeping hands/feet/head inside the bus at all times, and keeping aisles clear. Nutrition-section updates add pricing details and a federal nondiscrimination statement; Hoover said breakfast will be at no charge and lunch prices were listed by level in the handbook drafts.

The board also approved new discipline rubrics, including a K–4 rubric meant to provide consistent consequences across elementary sites and a wider K–12 rubric to offer administrators and deans a consistent method for applying discipline across grade levels. District staff said a deeper training session on the rubrics will be scheduled for the board.

The board approved the handbooks by roll-call vote; staff said the handbooks would not be published to the public until about July 25 to allow final edits and linking of recently approved policies.

Ending: The board adopted the handbooks and encouraged staff to publish the final versions with flipbook and QR access and to schedule the planned rubric training for administrators and board members.","The board approved revised K–12 student handbooks for 2025–26: shorter handbooks with policy links, a flipbook/QR distribution method, consolidated elementary/middle handbook, updated transportation guidelines, updated meal charges, and newly created K–4 discipline rubric.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6517974,"Bentonville board approves purchase of 412 Tiger Boulevard for $630,000",204,861000,1065000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5399860-7b021245f7cfd738dbc5e6e3b5702b26&start=861&end=1065","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5399860-7b021245f7cfd738dbc5e6e3b5702b26/thumbnail_861000.jpg","/articles/6517974/Arkansas/Bentonville-board-approves-purchase-of-412-Tiger-Boulevard-for-630000","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6517974-6f01ef5feee5677154f22d3a6764b828/orig.mp4?Expires=1775392096&Signature=B7ytUUfN7jV5-Uh4hAuAJHAxNsOsmFksAfrh3r0tPLF4W1A9TyrDusZOh0GIYFfrsuA9dNgKFOwQ4tLnSgDsmXhdGaTYPpSV~-tzcAadxRsQriFkFmWHfuN2fX-DQqOINzohwuKKInReNEgerGuot0MPXQC8SZrURLcyUvJBtLHDomPp0LOdMHrNvMHGwZgEGpj8V9DaiL8F8z6F~7mYebAompwGzkGrDIWtqC~zruenUdxnGkjwJ2botyhSUWkWw18bvMKOf9IljzDQQw4fjCANei8lNoOls4hv0EQQOG~2VBRLQZvFb2T829YNOCZVryOQytxsWTh4Cu~lNTAdmg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Bentonville School District Board of Education on July 15 approved the purchase of 412 Tiger Boulevard, a 0.47-acre parcel adjacent to district property, under a letter of intent accepted at $630,000.

District staff described the site as one of three contiguous parcels along Tiger Boulevard owned by the district. A map shown to the board identified the parcel between the administration building and Lincoln Junior High School. According to the presentation, the property was listed for $1,200,000 in 2023 and had been reduced to $850,000; comparable sales in 2025 show an average of about $1,300,000 per acre in the area, which staff said increases the market value of centrally located lots.

Dr. Schwannhauser said the district’s letter of intent is asking for a 45-day close but that the realtor “was open to a faster close.” If the board proceeds after closing, staff said they would demo the house and site improvements, keep mature trees, and return the remainder to grass. Staff estimated demolition at about $30,000.

Board members approved the purchase by roll-call vote. The district identified the sellers as Sharon and Wayne Phillips; staff noted Wayne Phillips was the longtime voice of Bentonville High School athletics and died in January 2024.

Ending: With the approval, the district adds an in-fill parcel to its contiguous holdings on Tiger Boulevard and retains flexibility for future development, while staff prepare closing and demolition logistics.","The board voted to buy a 0.47-acre parcel at 412 Tiger Boulevard for $630,000 to secure contiguous district property; the board approved demolition plans and a likely $30,000 demolition estimate.",{"_33":125,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":126,"_41":127,"_43":128,"_45":116,"_47":129,"_49":130,"_51":131,"_53":132,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":133,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":134,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6517979,"Bentonville board closes fiscal year with $82.9M fund balance; approves budget and surplus of five buses",154,707000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5399860-7b021245f7cfd738dbc5e6e3b5702b26&start=707&end=861","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5399860-7b021245f7cfd738dbc5e6e3b5702b26/thumbnail_707000.jpg","/articles/6517979/Arkansas/Bentonville-board-closes-fiscal-year-with-829M-fund-balance-approves-budget-and-surplus-of-five-buses","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6517979-fd1e5eaec15c6a57bb2ce374b5cdf2c7/orig.mp4?Expires=1775392096&Signature=NjBcPTWM8RL6AJQgkUIpqBlcgM~3UHC0tqootcwNDHtljwxLCcuPPtXkDAnb~J5CmLaNKUvJeU07Cj-8XxCQjoIRB0jsQxowwUKKps~E6G5p5KgKGQGS4TFtZgQRktwMUSHxIyrOeRD8Tu8YHNLK9qxzJauPwjtg3ZTWmTYToFwMMgIAh5MWXOOfIa5VAsb43DKO4AxBH5BKxzyXIRMvdq4qz4lD9CqgpcCy8fDtdXNhg155-Zx5siJBE-MKlMSZeLOSaN6FZiQXolHBQX0UhkzuPP9mEVcmARMAKITPHlb4T94q45rbGOP6Dxc9ZQmPvJ8xasa6oGLy0L5Fw1~kZg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Bentonville School District Board of Education on July 15 approved its fiscal-year 2024-25 close and budget, accepting a reported total fund balance of $82,900,000 and authorizing the surplus sale of five school buses.

Dr. Schwannhauser, presenting the finance report, said the district had “closed period 12 or 100% of our fiscal year” and reported that “all fund balance right now is at 82,900,000.0. That's about 2,000,000 higher than the prior year.” He told the board that operating fund revenue at close was $254,800,000—“up 15,500,000.0 over the prior year, and that's primarily due to a property tax increase”—and that expenditures were $235,600,000, or $13,100,000 higher than the prior year. He said revenues exceeded expenditures by $19,300,000 and that the closing operating fund balance was $58,600,000, or 23.4%.

The district intends to request board authorization in the coming weeks to move a portion of the operating fund balance into Fund 3 (the building fund). “State law requires that our operating fund balance ends no higher than 20%,” Dr. Schwannhauser said, and he framed the transfer as both a compliance and capital-planning step tied to the district's 2017 building commitment to voters.

Board members approved the fiscal report and budget by roll-call vote. The board also approved declaring five school buses surplus; Dr. Schwannhauser said the buses “will be listed on govdeals.org” and that he will return later with a request to purchase replacements.

The finance presentation closed with the superintendent and board noting that staff will continue to process prior-year transactions during the state-mandated 60-day close period and will return with a specific transfer request to balance the operating fund within the statutory cap.

Ending: The board approved the finance report and budget as presented and directed staff to continue year-end processing and to return with a recommended transfer to Fund 3 and a future bus replacement request.","The Bentonville School District approved its fiscal-year close and budget July 15, reporting a $82.9 million total fund balance and authorizing the surplus sale of five school buses.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board returns from executive session and approves personnel items

Bentonville board administers oath to two new members; elects Jennifer Faddis president and Tatum vice president

Board approves policy changes on meeting agendas, public comments, teacher removals and maternity leave

Board adopts streamlined student handbooks, adds QR flipbook and K–12 discipline rubrics

Bentonville board approves purchase of 412 Tiger Boulevard for $630,000

Bentonville board closes fiscal year with $82.9M fund balance; approves budget and surplus of five buses