School Board Meeting 10-27-26

Bentonville Schools Board meeting, October 27, 2026: The board unanimously approved the agenda and consent agenda. RSP and Associates presented the district’s 2026–27 enrollment analysis, forecasting growth of about 3,000 students over ten years and more capacity pressure on the west side, particularly at high schools. The board then reviewed the district’s ten-year plan and capital-project schedule; the presentation was informational, and no project award or spending approval vote was recorded. The plan tracks projects expected to cost at least $150,000 and anticipates a new middle school in 2033–34, alongside capacity measures involving the Bentonville Institute of Technology and Ignite expansion.

A proposed Bentonville High School arena project was added to the 2027–28 plan, with phase one and two estimated at $6.7 million and an additional $1.5 million for locker-room lockers, painting, and lighting, for a total estimated project cost of $8.2 million. Other planned work includes replacing classroom doors at Lincoln Junior High and roofing projects at several schools and district facilities. The board also heard that Bentonville West’s band and athletics expansion was about a month ahead of schedule, with completion expected in April 2028. No vendor selections, contract awards, or procurement-related motions were reported.