Little Rock School District Board Meeting Summary
Date: July 30, 2026
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: 810 West Markham Street, Little Rock, Arkansas
Meeting Body: Little Rock School District Board of Education
Overview
The Little Rock School District Board of Education held its July 30, 2026 board meeting, beginning with district celebrations and acknowledgements, followed by public comment, board actions, program discussions, academic updates, communications items, board discussion, and superintendent evaluation-related proceedings.
District Celebrations and Acknowledgements
The meeting opened with recognition of district accomplishments, community contributions, student achievements, and staff successes.
The district thanked donors, contributors, partners, volunteers, and the LSC communications department for their support of Little Rock School District.
Highlights included:
- Don Roberts Elementary hosted its first Eagle Academy, welcoming more than 175 new students with support from more than 20 teachers and staff members.
- Forest Heights STEM Academy and Williams hosted kindergarten academy events for incoming students.
- Kaya Lee, a student at Dr. Mary G. Lacey Elementary Academy, was recognized for winning first place in the Central Arkansas Library System spelling bee.
- Mapleville Elementary’s EASE program was recognized after being named the 2026 E-STEM Initiative Program of Influence for work involving technology, creativity, and innovation.
- Horace Mann Multimedia Arts and Digital Innovations Magnet Middle School welcomed rising sixth graders through the Bearcat Summer Bridge Academy.
- Students participated in the 16th annual “A Work of Art” music festival at Little Rock City Hall.
- Little Rock Central High School student Camille Inet was recognized for serving as a youth ambassador with Get Loud Arkansas and working on youth civic engagement initiatives.
- Ten LRSD students were selected for the 2026–27 Clinton Presidential Center Student Leaders Series.
- Summer youth employment interns Camille King, Sullivan Mack, and Winter Ward were recognized for their contributions.
- Parkview Arts and Science Magnet High School welcomed incoming students through Patriot Academy 2026.
- Central High School welcomed freshmen through Tiger Academy.
- Student advisory member Alston Bernard was recognized for representing LRSD at the Arkansas School Board Association Southern Region Leadership Conference.
- The 2026 Hall West High School of Innovation boys basketball team was recognized for its state championship season and championship ring ceremony.
- Regina Howard from Metro CareerTech was recognized as one of the top 15 finalists for the 2027 Arkansas Teacher of the Year.
- District employees and school teams were recognized for preparing for the upcoming school year, including front office staff, novice teachers, and community volunteers supporting campus improvements.
The board heard comments from parents, community members, and stakeholders.
School Choice Placement Concern
A parent spoke regarding her daughter’s school choice placement at Don Roberts Elementary. She stated that her family was informed shortly before the start of school that her daughter could no longer attend because the school was full, despite previously receiving confirmation of enrollment.
The speaker requested:
- A review of her daughter’s situation.
- Consideration of an exception or another solution before the school year began.
- Improved communication and timely notification for families affected by enrollment decisions.
Employee Position Concern at Central High School
Several speakers addressed the elimination of a high school aide position at Little Rock Central High School.
Speakers described the employee’s long-term service and contributions, including support for students, credit recovery, in-school suspension, transportation coordination, extracurricular activities, and student mentoring.
Requests included reconsideration and possible reinstatement of the position.
A nonprofit representative discussed a potential strategic partnership involving district resources and facilities to support career readiness and academic advancement.
The speaker offered to continue discussions with the district at a later time.
High School Zoning Discussion
Community members raised concerns about proposed high school zoning scenarios involving West High School and Central High School.
Topics raised included:
- Need for additional community engagement before decisions are made.
- Concerns about transparency and communication.
- Transportation impacts on families.
- Potential enrollment and facility capacity concerns.
- The need to consider broader impacts on students and communities.
One speaker requested a community meeting before any vote.
A community member discussed concerns involving student experiences, discipline, communication, and requests for assistance related to school situations outside LRSD boundaries.
A Central High School graduate also spoke about high school zoning discussions, encouraging additional community conversation, careful review of enrollment projections, and consideration of school facility capacity.
Agenda Change Approved
The board approved a motion to suspend the rules and move the Central Science Building naming item earlier on the agenda.
The motion passed.
Central Science Building Naming Resolution
The board considered a resolution to name the science building at Little Rock Central High School the Nancy Russo Science Building.
The resolution recognized Nancy Russo’s service to LRSD, including:
- More than 50 years in education.
- More than 25 years at Little Rock Central High School.
- Service as teacher, assistant principal, and principal.
- Leadership contributions to Central High School and district programs.
A motion was made and seconded to rename the science building.
The motion passed.
Consent Agenda
The board approved the consent agenda items presented, including:
- Personnel changes.
- Purchasing reports.
- School board meeting minutes.
- Community service learning applications.
- Donation of property.
The motion passed.
Seven of Arts Contract Renewal Discussion
The board discussed renewal of the Seven of Arts partnership serving students through the alternative education program located on Hall’s campus.
Presenters discussed the program’s impact, including:
- Increased student engagement.
- Student showcases and creative projects.
- Opportunities for students to develop skills through arts-related programming.
- Student mentoring opportunities.
- Partnerships involving middle and high school students.
Board members discussed questions regarding program outcomes and measurements.
Information shared included:
- Student success data was measured using pre-assessments and post-assessments.
- The reported 209 students reached included students directly served and students who experienced program impacts through showcases and related activities.
- The contract was described as a cost-effective option because the provider was not a district employee and included additional staff presentations and workshops.
The board also recognized Hamilton Learning Academy Principal Christy Strong for being selected as Arkansas’s Alternative Education Principal of the Year.
A motion was made and seconded to approve the Seven of Arts contract renewal.
The motion passed.
Advanced Placement Program Update
The board received an update on Advanced Placement classes and AP exam performance for the 2025–26 school year.
Discussion topics included:
- AP participation trends.
- AP exam participation increases.
- Encouraging more students enrolled in AP courses to complete exams.
- Student demographic participation trends.
- AP scholars and AP recognition programs.
- Continued work to address gaps in AP participation and qualifying scores.
The district reported a 21.1% increase in AP student participation over the previous four years.
The discussion included efforts to support student success through:
- AP preparation courses.
- AP tutoring.
- Increased academic supports.
- Stronger preparation in earlier grades.
Board members asked questions about whether expanded acceleration pathways in middle school could influence future AP participation.
High School Planning and Zoning Discussion
The board continued discussion related to future high school planning.
Discussion focused on:
- Maintaining strong academic opportunities across LRSD high schools.
- Preserving the identity and strengths of existing schools.
- Considering enrollment, facilities, and student opportunities.
- Continuing community engagement around future decisions.
A speaker emphasized the importance of designing opportunities intentionally rather than leaving school development to chance.
Communications and Community Engagement
The board considered district communications and community engagement efforts, including discussion related to branding and public communication initiatives.
Superintendent Evaluation and Board Discussion
The agenda included an executive session regarding the superintendent’s 2025–26 evaluation.
During later board comments, members discussed the importance of leadership stability and collaboration within the district.
Board members noted the significance of maintaining continuity in district leadership and working together toward district progress.
Adjournment
The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn.
