[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-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],{"_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",6503222,"mediaKeyId","5588607-a2cb9beb01be18950efb1913b07ddfe1","parentId",5588607,"title","LRSD board approves special election call, updated phone policy and 5% superintendent raise","audioSeconds",1110,"startMs",5016000,"endMs",3906000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5588607-a2cb9beb01be18950efb1913b07ddfe1&start=5016&end=3906","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5588607-a2cb9beb01be18950efb1913b07ddfe1/thumbnail_5016000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6503222/Arkansas/LRSD-board-approves-special-election-call-updated-phone-policy-and-5-superintendent-raise","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6503222-e3b959e90120dabf9735c6946adf5ba3/orig.mp4?Expires=1770450720&Signature=i8Qr38jW7jjEW0WkTAAMHTlStmkLgdAVncbLjpHXuJDIAWl7GSgwVC1nZRNUMuOfLpKpGTgjLr~QDUbc99CTdCwj6G3Ahmgy-yyuKav9Ko3-bdiUibOFb3BPhUeoUbXmt60JYSwAM0Dwlnp5S7HT6FDNU~JapR~bJp0M2jsFXKSBEDg0G8gXQs7wkNDzn2MP~exVuTGA5I2xThyqic1EIhLLW7FnYgiFH8O4s78Z7dilGVxy~ScXnH23Q1xkEtBnvPDu5v~edvmhrag6JO1bAgc33OL0wZeFbUYb9v12R~dw3HhUD9fmLYLERZIqmwnrtJibWCAqSunArZtr9YODwA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","LITTLE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT","date","2025-08-14T22:05:24Z","article","The Little Rock School District board of education voted on several formal items during its Aug. 14 meeting, approving a special‑election resolution to present a tax question to voters, adopting an updated personal‑electronic‑device policy for students and approving a contract amendment that raises the superintendent’s salary by 5 percent.

Special election, Nov. 18, 2025

The board approved a resolution calling a special election to be held Nov. 18, 2025, to present a unified tax rate for the proposed 2026 budget. The resolution was revised after the Pulaski County Election Commission requested specific language clarifying that the board was calling a special election; the board approved the clarified resolution. Administration stated the change did not alter the substantive proposal previously discussed. The board did not adopt a detailed tax rate in this meeting; the resolution calls the election to allow voters to consider the tax question.

Updated student cellphone policy (effective Aug. 15, 2025)

The board approved an updated LRSD policy governing students’ personal electronic devices, with the updated policy to take effect Aug. 15, 2025. Administrators said the policy is grounded in state law; district staff noted schools had been enforcing portions of the policy since the start of school but that parents and students will need formal notice and an addendum so that consequences are enforceable under the policy once the board‑approved version is in effect.

Superintendent contract and raise

The board approved a contract update that increases Superintendent Dr. Wright’s annual salary by 5 percent, to $271,776.96. The motion to approve the contract was made following an executive session in which the board discussed the superintendent’s evaluation and proposed contract changes. The motion carried; at least one director stated a recorded “no” vote during the discussion while others cited the superintendent’s progress and contract obligations in support of the raise. The board described the action as a contractual adjustment tied to the evaluation period; the motion did not include other material contract changes in the public motion language.

Consent agenda and other routine approvals

The board also approved a consent agenda that included personnel changes and routine items. No additional details on individual consent entries were discussed in open session.

Votes and procedure

Votes on these items were recorded by voice; the meeting transcript records that the motions carried for each item. The board discussed the need to notify parents of the cellphone policy change and to ensure any required acknowledgements or addenda are distributed promptly so that schools can apply consequences under the enacted policy.

Next steps and follow‑up

Administration will coordinate procurement and legal steps tied to the special election resolution and will produce materials for voter consideration as required by election law. Administration also said it would circulate the updated cellphone policy to families and provide instructions on collecting parent acknowledgements. The superintendent’s contract and salary change take effect per the terms discussed in executive session.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Agenda Meeting/Board Work Session - Aug 14 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The LRSD board on Aug. 14 approved a special‑election resolution for Nov. 18, 2025; adopted an updated student cell‑phone policy effective Aug. 15, 2025; and approved a 5 percent salary increase for Superintendent Dr. Wright.","taxTitle","LITTLE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT, School Districts, Arkansas","taxId",13594,"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},6503228,"LRSD board hears update on proposed social‑media litigation; board members split on joining",258,418000,676000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5588607-a2cb9beb01be18950efb1913b07ddfe1&start=418&end=676","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5588607-a2cb9beb01be18950efb1913b07ddfe1/thumbnail_418000.jpg","/articles/6503228/Arkansas/LRSD-board-hears-update-on-proposed-socialmedia-litigation-board-members-split-on-joining","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6503228-1e6e10a3fe6606ad5c122d948059c667/orig.mp4?Expires=1770450720&Signature=CdXv3WL6cvhM9ksykAfDuEBfwg3jKEFoUQ6jbn8s2GeWcXgBouKghzcU3vB~ugDm8JBOZiTBWQ85e9sJmDbuIPfrJWVLiUMBIvZwqFnZQunhi86Iapvyi2tGUbsCHhc0~cKfVVZwUeyRy7O4aA3gge3vUjqBtmFy3Qfu7dXIaeQBD09wbLBcoxNrqnXeY2JfMZe9z8XVz~a26uUa9oZYH0G8nSEAh2I-aSyDkKVa1BMl8n7yG4i7mvCYXJeDAnCsD2I3DteGaCGZoDHZ0aXSgwrBBgNpaswFd6gyJFPs5DyQukQsDJ0tOvVNItDFcX11uKHNIe6G7ZnuL4uxZZCYFw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Little Rock School District board revisited the question of whether the district should join litigation targeting social‑media companies for alleged harms related to adolescent mental health and “addiction.” The issue was presented for discussion; board members did not take formal action at this meeting.

Superintendent Wright referenced a prior presentation by attorney Eric Spencer Buchanan and asked whether the board wished to explore joining the suit further. Board members raised several points: uncertainty in the research base about social‑media “addiction,” the potential financial benefits if plaintiff districts prevail, and the district’s possible exposure to costs.

An attorney who addressed the board explained the firm’s fee structure: counsel would cap contingency fees for school‑district representation at a reduced rate of 25 percent, with those fees to be paid from any recovery obtained on behalf of the district. The attorney also said the district would generally not incur expenses unless it rejected a settlement and took the case to trial and lost; in that circumstance, reimbursement of litigation costs could be expected.

Board members asked about district data that might support or refute claims of harm. Administration said the district could likely produce data on disciplinary infractions related to improper phone use but did not indicate that it is collecting clinical or behavioral‑health data tied to social‑media use. Several directors, including Director Strano and Director Hatter, said they were unconvinced the science supports labeling social‑media use an addiction and cited external research, including the American Academy of Pediatrics’ center on social media and youth mental health, which has not adopted the term “addiction” for social media.

Other directors favored receiving further information. Some said there was no upfront cost to joining and that the district could receive information or resources even if it declined to participate. Board members asked the attorney to return with more detail and for the administration to provide any district data on phone‑related discipline and the programmatic implications of joining litigation.

No formal motion to join the litigation was made at the meeting. Directors indicated a mix of support and hesitation; several asked for additional briefings and clarified the potential financial exposure before any enrollment in the suit.

The board directed staff to collect available disciplinary data about phone use and to schedule any follow‑up briefings requested by board members.","The board discussed whether the district should join litigation targeting social‑media companies for alleged harms to youth. Attorneys previously presented the case; board members raised scientific uncertainty, potential costs and the need for more data. No vote occurred.",{"_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},6503233,"Consultant outlines yearlong, people‑centered community engagement plan for LRSD",3113,1239000,4352000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5588607-a2cb9beb01be18950efb1913b07ddfe1&start=1239&end=4352","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5588607-a2cb9beb01be18950efb1913b07ddfe1/thumbnail_1239000.jpg","/articles/6503233/Arkansas/Consultant-outlines-yearlong-peoplecentered-community-engagement-plan-for-LRSD","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6503233-765a6c58b5303aae19144664717f4af8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770450720&Signature=YqLt6I~VXU4mqRTYZd5zl5VM1tEff4Jh0DgETVz9KnlthqGYDLW1HqVLEK2ohFy0s8ua9CG~GF-uV1fQ2SccfoyglAZgoNoghaBCnkimP4EoSLexniNDaLE7F8QnAHRUmW79qO~A4ORZ~Jeyk8SIwm2ZzNDVB1Ay7NOKxntDqHj7TPM~ewwQ4I2tNGkc92TGqNlx4o-GcpM-e1T7EXMLgUfsOoDK73ED8by1vpqdVVVri4Y~Jnu10Ahp2fdqs0totJL71tN~UlS54DO~7EvA5pbvy~i17MJQHa5UlEn2qpWghspym0jxSYoLgPdzv0xDHJwJZv5ckcATIkJ5sN08~w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Kendra Pruitt, founder of the consulting firm Solution Seekers and former chief of staff to Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr., presented a yearlong community‑engagement proposal designed to “secure the viability” of the Little Rock School District and generate community‑driven solutions to declining enrollment, competition from charters and private schools, and other structural challenges.

Pruitt told the board the initiative — tentatively titled “Thriving Together, a community blueprint for the future of LRSD” — would focus on information gathering, targeted outreach and the creation of task forces that co‑create implementable solutions. The work is intended to culminate in a “viability framework” that aligns with community priorities and is actionable, she said. “A people powered, people centered approach” is the central philosophy she described, emphasizing meaningful engagement rather than traditional town‑hall formats.

The proposal calls for a year of phase‑one engagement that includes data review, listening sessions with multilayered stakeholder groups (students, families, educators, alumni, faith and business leaders, and community organizations) and an outreach strategy that goes to people where they are — including schools, places of worship, barbershops and events. Pruitt said the team would compile a Community Insights Report that summarizes themes and identifies topic buckets for later task forces.

Board members voiced support for the concept and asked several clarifying questions. Director Adams and others asked that the outreach specifically target families who have left the district for charters, private schools or schools in neighboring jurisdictions. Director Balling raised concerns about anticipating barriers such as student choice and disengagement and urged directly surveying students about why they pick particular schools. Director Hatter asked that frontline customer‑service practices be examined as part of the engagement because family experience at individual schools affects trust and enrollment decisions.

Pruitt said internal stakeholder sessions could be run as closed sessions where appropriate and recommended compiling feedback in anonymized, aggregate form so individual identities would not be attached to notes; she noted the limits of public‑records law but said Solution Seekers would not attach comments to individuals. She also said she would build a more detailed scope of work and pricing for formal procurement and would work with district staff on compliance with procurement rules.

No formal board action was taken; board members asked administration to follow procurement rules and return a scope and contract for board review. The board did not set a budget in the meeting and no financing details were provided.

If approved after procurement review, the work would begin in the current school year and aim to complete phase one before the end of the school calendar’s fall/holiday period to align stakeholder availability and district activities.

Kendra Pruitt described Solution Seekers’ approach to facilitation, data gathering and public‑private partnership formation and said the firm includes facilitators and retired educators who would assist. She recommended a targeted mix of in‑person and mobile outreach plus online surveying to reach underrepresented groups.

The board asked administration to prepare the procurement documents and to return with a formal contract and budget for consideration at a future meeting. The district did not provide a recommended vendor contract or a proposed dollar amount at this session.","Kendra Pruitt of Solution Seekers presented a proposed yearlong “Thriving Together” community‑engagement process that would gather targeted stakeholder input to develop a viability framework for the Little Rock School District. The board discussed confidentiality, scope and procurement steps; no formal vote was taken.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

LRSD board approves special election call, updated phone policy and 5% superintendent raise

LRSD board hears update on proposed social‑media litigation; board members split on joining

Consultant outlines yearlong, people‑centered community engagement plan for LRSD