School Board Meeting Recap: October 27, 2025
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School Board Meeting Recap: October 27, 2025
The Fort Smith Public Schools Board of Education met on October 27, 2025, to discuss several key items impacting students, staff, and operations across the district. Topics included selecting a delegate for the upcoming Arkansas School Boards Association (ASBA) conference, property updates, academic planning, and student wellness initiatives.
The board selected Mr. Harding to serve as the district’s voting representative for the Arkansas School Boards Association Delegate Assembly. This meeting will take place on December 10, 2025, during the ASBA Annual Conference in Little Rock.
Shawn Shaffer, Executive Director of Facility Operations, presented a request to submit a Waiver Letter to the Arkansas Division of Public School Academic Facilities and Transportation. The waiver would allow the district to sell or lease the Belle Point property and begin a 30-day process instead of waiting the normal two years. The board approved the submission of the waiver letter.
Dr. Farrell, Executive Director of Student Services, followed up on his September presentation regarding the APNA Survey. The survey helps identify student needs related to substance use, mental health, and social behaviors. The administration recommended switching to an opt-out consent model for the 2025-2026 school year. At the board’s request, the district also will provide the 2024 survey for parents to review before deciding whether to opt out their students. The board voted to approve the opt-out model.
Dr. Kellie Cohen Minton, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, presented an overview of the district’s academic achievement data. She explained changes in the school letter grade calculations and reviewed school letter grades and school improvement plans. Dr. Minton also highlighted goals for the 2025-2026 School Improvement Plans. Support teams will meet with each school to discuss strategies for helping students of varying needs. The board approved the 2025-2026 School Improvement Plans.