Little Rock schools plan $15 million in cuts; board approves framework, hires director for new culture-and-well‑being unit

The Little Rock School District presented a plan to reduce about $15 million from next year’s operating budget as part of early FY2026 planning, and the school board on Thursday approved a budget reduction framework and the district’s major and secondary budget priorities while voting to hire two administrators for new and reworked offices.

Superintendent Dr. Jamal Wright told the board the district must “shave off at least $15,000,000 in expenditures for us to be able to operate, in the black for the upcoming school year,” citing multi‑year enrollment declines and lower state foundation aid tied to that drop. Dr. Wright said staff and board work that began last fall has produced a framework of spending reductions, program changes and a small number of targeted new positions designed to prioritize student supports and keep classrooms staffed where possible.

Why it matters

The district’s finances are driven by enrollment and local property tax revenue; Dr. Wright and finance director Mr. Bailey described falling Average Daily Membership and a projected reduction in state foundation aid that together create the shortfall the district must address ahead of the 2025–26 school year. The plan blends district‑office reductions, program cuts, changes to after‑school/athletic transportation and shared staffing adjustments at schools, and it also proposes a new department focused on student behavior, social‑emotional services and attendance.

What the board approved and voted on

- Budget framework and priorities: After discussion, the board voted to approve a budget reduction framework summary and a separate motion to adopt the district’s major and secondary budget priorities. A later motion to adopt the framework included a caveat that the board will review monthly enrollment projections and actual school‑level enrollment between now and the start of FY2026. The superintendent and CFO said the framework as presented closes roughly $13.9 million of the target and that additional savings (for example from special‑education para staffing and review of extra‑duty pay) are expected to reach the full $15 million goal.

- Financial reports: The board approved the February 2025 and March…