Springdale recognized Chad Burkett and partners for CTE/CDL program success and shared that Champions for Kids expanded to eight campuses and delivered holiday gifts and staff appreciation boxes; a middle-school student also won a Martin Luther King Jr. essay sponsored by Walmart.
The Springdale School District board heard a plan to meet Arkansas Department of Education master/lead designation requirements, using roughly $300,000 in one-time and carryover funds and a partnership with the Bailey Group to certify teachers and address third-grade promotion requirements.
District construction staff described plans for covered bleachers and lighting at Springdale and Harbor High schools (contractor estimate $750,000–$800,000) and said self-performing site work could save about $400,000; Westwood Elementary design revisions are in estimating phase.
District staff presented the Springdale School District six-year (2026) master facilities plan outlining school replacements, athletic- and arts-facility upgrades, and safety projects; the board approved the plan by voice vote after brief clarifying remarks.
At its Dec. 9 meeting the Springdale School Board celebrated student achievements: 189 fall recipients of the Arkansas Seal of Biliteracy, student representatives who met former President Obama at a Crystal Bridges youth town hall, and John Tyson Elementary’s 'Tiger Talk' podcast winning three state awards.
The Springdale School Board voted Dec. 9 to approve the district's 2026 six‑year master facilities plan, authorizing submission for state partnership funds and listing projects and estimated costs across elementary and high school campuses.
The board approved November 2025 financial statements, heard that operating revenue and current property taxes rose, and approved two related‑party contracts: local range training vendor Kristi Snow Schrogger and a small‑quantity T‑shirt contract with Holland Primm.
Springdale School District announced a two‑year Walton Family Foundation grant of $749,000 to create empowerment teams—three high‑school positions plus middle‑school stipends and materials—to support college, career and enlistment pathways and boost enrollment outreach.
The board recognized several staff and students: Judy Hobson was named Arkansas ARC TESOL Educator of the Year; Alan Showalter was honored as Region 5 Choral Director of the Year; Brad Lemons won Arkansas Foreign Language Teacher of the Year; district highlighted eight National Merit semifinalists, rising AP participation and multiple teachers meeting/exceeding performance metrics; several schools received Office for Educational Policy recognitions and School Recognition funds.
Staff introduced model policy 7.5 (purchases and procurement) noting the state bid threshold rose to $26,500 and the model language ties the district threshold to the state threshold; board will consider final approval and accompanying forms at the December meeting.