Marti Jo Hall

Interim Director of Communications

Arkansas Public School Resource Center

501-492-4300 | mhall@apsrc.net

Arkansas State Board of Education's June Meeting: Important Updates and Decisions

LITTLE ROCK, AR - On Thursday, June 12th, 2025, the Arkansas State Board of Education convened to address crucial items on the published agenda. The meeting, accessible through this link, featured various agenda items, with input from representatives and public commentators.

As the policy-making body for Arkansas's education system, the State Board of Education diligently considered and acted upon several essential agenda items during the meeting:

V. Action Agenda

V.1. Update to Arkansas Better Chance Program Renewal Grants 2025-2026 Program Year

The Board approved the updates to the previously approved Arkansas Better Chance Program Renewal Grants for the 2025–2026 program year, as requested by the Office of Early Childhood Education (OEC).

V.2. Reallocation of Arkansas Better Chance (ABC) Remaining Funds for 2024-2025

The board approved the reallocation of remaining Arkansas Better Chance (ABC) funds for the 2024–2025 program year, totaling $852,411.90, to fund Summer Services for ABC programs, as requested by the Office of Early Childhood Education.

V.3. Consideration of Rules to be Released for Public Comment

V.3.a. Rules Governing Maternity Leave Cost Sharing

The board passed a motion to release these rules for public comment.

V.3.b. Rules Governing Public School Choice

The board passed a motion to release these rules for public comment.

V.4. Consideration of Rules for Final Approval

V.4.a. Rules Governing Child Sexual Abuse and Human Trafficking Prevention

The board passed a motion to release the rules to the ACL.

V.4.b. Rules Governing the First Connections Program Under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

The board motioned to approve the rules as amended to identify ADE as the regulatory authority of the program instead of DHS.

V.4.c. Rules Governing Dyslexia Screenings and Interventions

The board passed a motion to release the rules to the ACL.

V.5. High School Course Offerings

The board passed a motion to approve the high school course offerings as meeting the requirements outlined in Appendix A, Standard 1-A.1.3 of the DESE Rules Governing Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts.

V.6. Consideration of the Recommendation of the Professional Licensure Standards Board for Case 25-121 - Danny R. Marrs, Jr.

The Board passed a motion to suspend Danny R. Marrs, Jr.’s license for one year, followed by a two-year probationary period. The motion includes the requirement for quarterly reports during probation and completion of all recommended trainings and readings, with no fine assessed. The Board also motioned to accept the rationale provided, noting the absence of mitigating factors and finding a preponderance of evidence supporting several aggravating factors.

VII. Consent Agenda

The Board approved the consent agenda. Items included:

VII.2. Report on Waivers to School Districts for Teachers Teaching Out of Area for Longer than Sixty (60) Days, Ark. Code Ann. § 6-17-309

Review of waivers granted to districts for teachers staffing classrooms beyond 60 days without proper licensure.

VII.3. Voluntary Recission of District Conversion Charter Extension for Centerpoint Academy of Agriculture & Skilled Trades

Approved the voluntary recission of the district conversion charter for Centerpoint Academy of Agriculture & Skilled Trades, effective beginning with the 2025–2026 school year, as recommended by the Charter Authorizing Panel.

VII.4. Voluntary Recission of District Conversion Charter Extension for Adventure Online Academy

Approved the voluntary recission of the district conversion charter for Adventure Online Academy and all associated waivers, effective with the 2025–2026 school year, as recommended by the Charter Authorizing Panel.

VII.5. Charter Amendment Request--Arkansas Virtual Academy

Approved the charter amendment request from Arkansas Virtual Academy to increase its enrollment cap from 5,500 to 7,000, as recommended by the Charter Authorizing Panel.

VII.6. Consideration of the Recommendation of the Professional Licensure Standards Board for Case 25-008 Jessica Tedder

Approval of the permanent revocation of Jessica Tedder’s license and a $500 fine.

VII.7. Consideration of the Recommendation of the Professional Licensure Standards Board for Case 25-060 Renee Young

Approval of suspending Renee Young’s license for 2 years, followed by 3 years of probation, assessing a $500 fine, and requiring completion of specified coursework and readings, written reflections, quarterly supervisor reports during probation, and confirmation of completion of an alcohol treatment program 30 days prior to the end of suspension.

VII.8. Consideration of the Recommendation of the Professional Licensure Standards Board for Case 25-065 Luke Brewer

Approval of the permanent revocation of Luke Brewer’s license and a $500 fine.

VII.9. Consideration of the Recommendation of the Professional Licensure Standards Board for Case 23-038 Triston Clements

Approval of the permanent revocation of Triston Clements’s license and a $500 fine.

VII.10. Consideration of the Recommendation of the Professional Licensure Standards Board for Case 25-150 Arthur Bell Jr.

Approval of suspending Arthur Bell Jr.’s license for 6 months, followed by 1 year of probation, assessing a $500 fine, and requiring specified coursework and readings, written reflections, a fitness-for-duty letter from a licensed healthcare professional, and quarterly supervisor reports during probation.

VII.11. Consideration of the Recommendation of the Professional Licensure Standards Board for Case 25-128 Michael Kneeland

Approval of issuing a written reprimand and assessing a $100 fine, with required completion of specified coursework and written reflections on improving interactions with students, due for PLSB approval within 90 days.

VII.12. Consideration of the Recommendation of the Professional Licensure Standards Board for Case 25-178 Andrew Aycock

Approval of issuing a written reprimand and assessing a $100 fine, with required completion of coursework on Professional Responsibilities and Positive Discipline, including written reflections on how the training will impact future interactions and supervision of students.

VII.13. Consideration of the Recommendation of the Professional Licensure Standards Board for Case 25-110 Chantal Jones

Approval of placing Chantal Jones on probation for 2 years and assessing a $250 fine, with required completion of specified coursework and written reflections on improving interactions with students and professional responsibilities. Quarterly reports from the educator’s supervisor are required during probation.

VII.14. Consideration of the Recommendation of the Professional Licensure Standards Board for Case 25-149 Monica Cole

Approval of issuing a written reprimand and assessing a $100 fine, with required completion of specified coursework on professional responsibilities and behavior support, and written reflections on improving interactions with students, due for PLSB approval within 90 days.

VII.15. Consideration of the Recommendation of the Professional Licensure Standards Board for Case 25-132 Christopher Paslay

Approval of the permanent revocation of Christopher Paslay’s license and a $500 fine.

VIII. Reports 

VIII.1. Board Liaison Reports

SBE Member Leigh S. Keener reported on the implementation of an early childhood grant that generated rapid engagement, with 300 participants reaching out within 24 hours. She also outlined the follow-up process for grant recipients.

SBE Member Jeff Wood shared details from a conversation with the principal of Harmony Grove in Camden. He highlighted the district’s approach to exceeding minimum instructional requirements through the use of flex days for additional intervention and expressed appreciation for the discussion, recommending that the board reach out as well.

VIII.2. ATOY Report

Beau McCastlain, Arkansas Teacher of the Year 2024, shared his monthly report, highlighting his recent activities as well as recapping his year in this position.

VIII.3. Commissioner's Report

Secretary Jacob Oliva provided an update on the Blytheville School District, which was recently moved from Level 4 to Level 5. He also recognized and expressed appreciation to Kathy McFetridge-Rollins and Dr. Sarah Moore, whose terms on the State Board of Education are expiring, thanking them for their seven years of service and contributions to public education in Arkansas.

VIII.4. Arkansas Leadership Academy Report

Bradley Webber, Director of the Arkansas Leadership Academy, presented the annual report, providing an overview of current initiatives, program impacts, and strategic priorities for leadership development across the state.

As part of its regular schedule, the State Board generally convenes on the second Thursday of each month to address issues impacting the educational landscape. Each meeting aims to consider, vote on, or generate orders related to agenda items.

For more information and to access the agenda and documents for this meeting, please click here.

State Board of Education Special Meeting

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