Board upholds superintendent's recommendation for ALE placement for Jacksonville High student

The Jacksonville North Pulaski School District board voted Wednesday to follow the superintendent's recommendation to place student Skylar Harris in an alternative learning environment (ALE) after an open hearing that examined two incidents, district witnesses said.

Campus administration presented two incidents: a December 5, 2025 report in which a vape fell from a green backpack and an April 9, 2026 classroom confrontation that turned into a physical fight. "Campus administration recommended pursuant to policy for expulsion related to two incidents... one of those incidents was an illegal substance pursuant to rule 03/24," an administration representative said during the hearing. (Dr. Smith; assistant presenting)

Assistant principal Chastity McMurray described the December 5 account: an officer's statement and a student witness indicated a vape fell out of a green backpack. McMurray said the item was documented and transferred to the appropriate officer. "He says it fell out of the Skyler's bag," McMurray testified when asked about a witness statement. (Chastity McMurray)

Skylar's guardian questioned the evidence chain and the suspension notice, noting confusion over whether the student had been told she would receive a 10-day suspension. "You told me she was getting a 10 day suspension," the guardian said, adding that the family believed they were told five days and that they learned more details only at the hearing. (Guardian Walter Harris)

Assistant principal Michael Dion described interviews and documentary evidence regarding the April confrontation; he said his impression from multiple accounts was that the incident involved mutual interaction that escalated into a fight. (Michael Dion)

Family members and a grandmother spoke in mitigation about the student's character and recent progress. Skylar addressed the board, describing academic goals and the difficulty of missing school; board members questioned the student about attendance, academic impact, and whether ALE would provide the specialized support she needs.

After an executive session, the board reconvened and a motion to follow the superintendent's recommendation for ALE was made by Joe Moore and seconded; the motion passed by voice vote. "I'll make a motion that we will follow the superintendent's recommendation of ALE," the mover said. (Joe Moore)

Board discussion and questioning focused on the disciplinary record, attendance and the district's handbook procedure; administrators said the student has access to Google Classroom and can use district resources while ALE is arranged. The record shows the board approved the ALE placement and also approved several uncontested expulsions during the meeting.

The ALE placement is intended to provide a smaller, more structured setting with counseling and adult supports; the board did not specify a time-limited duration in open session and the administrative record will determine placement terms. The board said it would return to regular meetings after handling personnel and other business.