The Fort Smith Public Schools Board of Education met on August 26, 2024. They were presented with updates on ongoing construction projects, discussed the district's progress toward goal 4.5 of the Continuous Improvement Plan, and reviewed information regarding area competitive tracks. The board also approved the 2024-2025 budget. Additionally, the board made decisions regarding the closure of Orr Elementary School and matters related to pre-litigation and real property.

Joe Velasquez, Facility Operations Construction Project Manager, along with FSPS construction partners, provided the board with an update on the district's ongoing construction projects. There are 33 ongoing projects of which 22 are substantially complete, three have recently begun, and two are currently in the design phase.

Chris Carter, Principal of Northside High School, provided an update on the Northside campus. He highlighted a fundraising effort led by Mark Kincannon, which has already raised over $30,000 to install two 10x10 backlit bear heads on Northside Arena. Additionally, Carter unveiled a new billboard at Northside featuring six distinguished alumni: Jaylin Williams (2020), Stephanie Garcia (2010), Chris Boerner (1989), Isaiah Joe (2018), Jenny Van (2010), and Mike Rogers (1984). The billboard honors Northside High School’s rich history and the remarkable achievements of its alumni.

Michael Beaumont, FSPS Athletics & Activities Director, compared the tracks at Northside and Southside High Schools with those at other 6A West schools, area schools, and FSPS middle schools. The board emphasized the need for upgraded tracks at FSPS schools. Moving forward, district staff will investigate the costs and feasibility of these upgrades, with plans to revisit the discussion at a future meeting.

Dr. Tiffany Bone, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, presented the survey results on the timeline for Orr Elementary's closure. During the Open House, district administration and school leadership engaged with Orr families to discuss the closure options. The survey, completed by Orr families and staff, presented two choices: closing the school after the 2024-2025 school year with immediate rezoning or a phased approach. 81.7% of respondents preferred closing the school at the end of the 2024-2025 school year, valuing benefits such as keeping siblings together and minimizing prolonged uncertainty. The Board approved the district’s recommendation to close Orr Elementary at the end of the 2024-2025 school year. The process to determine new placements for students and staff will commence this fall.

Dr. Bone also presented data related to District Goal 4.5 in the Continuous Improvement Plan, which tracks the percentage of students earning credits toward their Student Success Plans. A review of last school year's data revealed that 68% of students successfully completed all courses specified in their plans. As a result, 32% of students have been identified and referred to counselors for review and potential revision of their plans at the start of this school year. Regardless of success rates, students revisit their success plans annually at the end of each school year, allowing for opportunities to adjust their academic focus as needed.

Charles Warren, FSPS Chief Financial Officer, summarized the FY24 (2023-24 school year) budget and presented the FY25 (2024-2025 school year) District Budget. The administration recommended that the Board adopt the FY25 financial budget, and the Board approved the recommendation.

Finally, the Board entered Executive Session to discuss pre-litigation and real property matters. Upon returning, the Board considered a motion to authorize the administration to engage Pearson Legal for advice on potential claims related to construction defects at Peak Innovation Center. The motion was approved with a vote of 6 in favor and 0 opposed, with one board member recusing themselves.

You can watch the full School Board Meeting here.