At a school board meeting, district officials outlined how Arkansas' Rights to Read and LEARN Act requirements will be applied locally: assessments, 'good cause' exemptions and individual reading plans. District data show 223 third graders identified at the lowest level, 163 with exemptions and roughly 60 who could be retained without improvement.
District consultants and staff presented the six‑year 2026 facility master plan, explaining application milestones for state funds and listing nearly $10 million in potential system grants this cycle (approvals expected next summer). Board Q&A focused on project scope, timelines and prior cycles.
The Fayetteville School District board approved the consent agenda and voted unanimously (7–0) to adopt revisions to policy 5.09 (school choice) and to enact minor elementary boundary adjustments affecting Asbell, Butterfield and Leverett (approximately 50 students shifted between schools).
District staff presented progress on the student-success priority, new course proposals for 2026–27 (including Sports & Human Performance, National Military Service pathway and a district community-service course to meet a new graduation requirement), and an expanded universal GT screening plan (first and fourth grades this year with plans to add a third entry point).
A parent and early-childhood specialist urged the board to reduce out-of-school suspensions and expand supports for students with disabilities, citing district figures (768 out-of-school suspensions) and statewide guidance that excludes suspensions for many disability-related behaviors; board invited the speaker to submit remaining comments by email.
The Fayetteville School District board approved multiple easements to allow a student-housing developer utility and pedestrian connections across Harmon Field, accepting a single-appraisal-based payment of $85,800; the vote was 6–0 after Q&A about drainage, fencing and timing.
The Fayetteville Board of Education granted Juniper Student Housing easements across Harmon Field property to allow pedestrian, electrical and drainage connections, approving appraisal-based compensation totaling $85,800; the motion passed 6–0.
Administrators proposed shifting about 50 K–4 students from Butterfield Elementary to other schools (Asbel and Leverett) to reduce Butterfield below capacity; affected families have been notified and the board will consider approval next month.
A parent and early-childhood specialist told the board that students with disabilities face disproportionate suspensions and that the district must expand supports and staffing; she cited local suspension counts and referenced state guidance and federal IDEA protections.
The board approved a tiered early-notification incentive for staff departures—$1,500 if employees notify by the first working Friday in January, $750 by the last Friday—aimed at improving recruitment ahead of a February job fair; the motion passed 7–0.
