Staff attorney told the board that several board policies will be updated to mirror ASBA model language and recent state law; he cited an Attorney General opinion and state acts that limit creation of protected classes, prompting a board discussion about how to continue signaling support for historically marginalized students while remaining legally compliant.
The board accepted the November financial report; staff highlighted strong property-tax collections, a $1.6 million security-invoice backlog, operating and capital fund balances and growing special-education costs (district contribution approaching $30 million), and discussed low-enrollment secondary sections and staffing adjustments tied to budget reduction planning.
District staff presented an update on climate, MTSS and staff-wellness work, noting starter kits for calming spaces in 19 schools, expanded PD and a new UAMS grant to support social-worker placements and relationship curriculum for high-need students.
The Little Rock School Board voted to hire Urban Collaborative to conduct a comprehensive audit of special education services, staffing and fiscal alignment; the audit will begin in January with a report due in spring and will include site visits, records review and co-authored recommendations.
District staff told the board on Dec. 4 that FY27 planning may require $12–15 million in operating reductions after a decade‑long revenue review showed rising personnel costs, lower state aid and one‑time past funding that masked structural gaps. Staffing‑guideline changes and community engagement were announced.
After extended debate about costs, program fidelity, and possible effects on career-technical offerings, the Little Rock board voted Nov. 20 to pause its formal partnership with the Academies of Central Arkansas Foundation until further notice.
The Little Rock School District board voted Nov. 20 to authorize a district-run conversion-charter application for Hall High School for the 2026–27 year, despite parents’ requests for more outreach and one board member’s warnings on process and enrollment planning.
Officials told the board the district’s off-site solar array in Marvell is mostly built but awaiting medium-voltage switchgear and utility work; equipment delivery now expected in February with commercial operations in March. The district’s 25 electric buses have logged roughly 60,000 miles so far.
The board adopted the proposed budget package for the March election cycle, approved personnel recommendations and new stipends, revised tuition reimbursement rules for certified staff, and created a principal-in-residence position. Financial staff warned of enrollment declines and fund-balance pressure.
Integrity Partners told trustees the off-site solar array is substantially built but delayed by utility interconnection and equipment deliveries; service is expected in March with early savings estimated at about $400,000 per year. The district also reported 25 electric buses are in operation, with fuel-savings estimates.
