Personnel Hearing/Board Work Session - Sep 08 2026

The Little Rock School District held a Personnel Hearing and Special Board Work Session on September 8, 2026, focusing primarily on a waiver hearing for an employee and a detailed discussion of the LRSD Forward Plan 2.1. The waiver hearing involved approving a waiver for an employee with a past disqualifying offense, which the board granted unanimously. The work session centered on proposed school closures and restructuring to address declining enrollment and financial challenges. The administration recommended closing three elementary schools (Mabelville, Western Hills, and McDermott) as the preferred option to achieve necessary budget savings with minimal zoning disruption. Alternative options involving middle school closures were discussed but not recommended due to historical significance and potential impacts on zoning and grant programs. The board also discussed innovative academic programs, including a new School of Sports Sciences and expanded accelerated pathways at middle schools, aimed at attracting and retaining students. Financial concerns were a major theme, with discussions about the district's fiscal distress, declining enrollment, and the need for increased revenue streams such as enhanced fundraising and marketing efforts. The board emphasized the importance of community engagement and upcoming public meetings to gather input on the plan. No specific contract awards or procurement actions were reported during the meeting.