ArkAnsAs school BoArds AssociAtion
R E P O RT E R
Winter 2007 Volume 25, Number 3
Pols pledge support Beebe touts
uASBA representatives cooperation,
meet with state’s D.C.
delegation seeking pre-K classes
signatures for students Governor Mike Beebe pledged
Five of the six members of to maintain a cooperative
Arkansas’ congressional relationship with public school
delegation have signed a “Pledge educators and asked for help
to America’s Schoolchildren” passing his pre-school education
thanks to ASBA’s efforts. program in a speech that concluded
The pledge is part of a ASBA’s 2006 annual conference
nationwide grass-roots project December 7.
created by the National School Speaking a month before he was
Boards Association last summer sworn in as governor, Beebe told
and fall to influence members of school board members and
Congress to do more to serve educators, “There needs to be and
schoolchildren. The project’s goal there will be an attitude of
is to get the signed commitment PUTTING IT IN WRITING — Sen. cooperation between the state
Blanche Lincoln signs the “Pledge Department of Education and the
of every member of Congress to to America’s Schoolchildren.”
support the fundamental members of the respective school
education goals outlined in the met with Senator Pryor and Reps. districts across this state where you
pledge. Ross and Boozman, and with the all know that we are there for you,
During the 34th annual Federal staffs of Senator Lincoln and we’re there to help you, we’re there
Relations Network Conference, Reps. Snyder and Berry. to make sure that your job’s even
held in Washington, D.C., in late- easier, and we’re there to make
January, the Arkansas delegation See PLEDGE...page 2
See Beebe...page 2
Here’s a tip for schools – get TAPS
First there was TIPS (the Texas save money. named the National Exemplary
Interlocal Purchasing System). TIPS has now expanded into Program of the Year in 2006 by
Then there was TAPS (the Texas Missouri and Oklahoma and the National Rural Education
Arkansas Purchasing System). now stands for The Interlocal
Both are helping school districts Purchasing System — and it was See TAPS...page 16
• Winter 007 Arkansas School Boards Association Reporter
“We want to be your
Beebe friendly partner, not your
Continued from page 1 adversarial enemy, and
sure that all of us do the right thing we’re going to make sure it
together, and that’s improve the happens.”
quality of education for our – Mike Beebe
children. We want to be your
friendly partner, not your
adversarial enemy, and we’re going other students. Investing in
to make sure it happens.” preschool, Beebe said, would help
Beebe asked for board members’ those at-risk students for the rest of
help in passing a preschool their educational careers. “It’s like
education program that would building a building,” he said. “If
provide services to all children the foundation is not there, if that
whose parents or guardians choose basis is not there, how do you put
it. He illustrated the need for the the second story or the third story
program by describing a campaign on it?”
visit with an El Dorado Beebe also told the conference
kindergarten teacher who told him BEEBE SPEAKS — Then-Governor- that while the state must not retreat
there was a “daylight and dark” elect Mike Beebe speaks to ASBA’s from high standards, it must also
006 annual conference December 7
difference between children who provide assistance to local districts
needed preschool but didn’t receive so they can meet those standards.
it, and those who either did attend she spent a large portion of her Isolated schools can remain open
preschool or didn’t need to because time trying to help those students through options such as distance
of favorable circumstances at catch up to their peers, a process learning and the traveling teacher
home. Pressed further, she told him that limited the progress of the program, he said.
Pledge Pledge to America’s Schoolchildren
Continued from page 1 As a Member of Congress, I Education Improvement Act
pledge to work and vote to: (IDEA).
Rep. Ross was the first to sign • Improve the No Child • Support school readiness
the pledge. On January 30 and in Left Behind Act to give my programs for children entering
the days following, four others also school district(s) better kindergarten in my school
signed, leaving only Rep. Snyder measures for student and district(s).
who has not yet followed suit. school performance, and the • Help my school district(s) to
support needed to close the attract, train and retain highly
ASBA’s delegation joined nearly
achievement gap. qualified and effective teachers.
1,000 other school board members
• Help my school district(s) • Help my school district(s) to
from throughout the nation in meet the needs of students provide all students with 21st
visiting Capitol Hill to discuss the with disabilities by supporting Century skills, and knowledge,
need for increased funding for the funding goals of the including math, science, and
public education and to seek Individuals with Disabilities technology.
support for the pledge. ASBA
President Amy Daniel led the Cole, Mildred Tatum, Damon percent of the federal budget,”
delegation, which also included Daniels, Darrell Smith, and ASBA Daniel said. “Our senators and
President-elect Perry Newman, Executive Director Dan Farley. representatives were very receptive
Secretary-Treasurer Gene “The requests we were seeking and pledged to work toward the
Boeckmann, Carol Brown, Jeannie amount to about two-tenths of one goals we put forward.”
Arkansas School Boards Association Reporter Winter 007 •
Need college $ for your senior?
uASBA has scholarships September 1 of the school year in state’s four congressional districts,
available for five children of which the grant is awarded. and one scholarship is awarded at-
The $650 scholarships will large.
school board members be one-time grants to freshmen To apply, students and school
entering two-year or four-year board parents must submit an
Scholarships will be available Arkansas application form; three letters of
for the 2007-08 school year for Download the institutions recommendation; a counselor-
five graduating senior students of application form of higher completed form confirming the
Arkansas school board members. and directions education. student’s academic performance;
The scholarships are provided from the ASBA The scholar- the student’s official transcript;
through the ASBA Educational website at www. ships are a 500-word essay written by
Foundation and are awarded to arsba.org, or call awarded the student, and other pertinent
students who will begin their post- the ASBA office based on information that demonstrates
secondary education next fall. at 800-482-1212. academic the student’s academic potential,
To qualify for a scholarship, the performance, leadership ability, and/or financial
student’s school board member demonstrated leadership, need.
parent must have been serving on and demonstrated need. One Deadline is April 1. The awards
his or her local school board on scholarship is given in each of the will be announced in May.
Check this out – FARS fights bad checks
uASBA-sponsored the district. In addition, school this service. The district pays no
partnership is free to all districts receive a flat fee of $5 retainer or up-front or annual fee.
per recovered check to assist with Utilizing FARS is a way for
Arkansas school districts special bank handling fees. school districts to be fiscally
In the association’s continuing In an alternate plan, FARS accountable in a more efficient and
quest for beneficial services and guarantees the full face value of cost effective manner. For more
programs, ASBA
last summer
partnered with the
Federal Automated
Recovery System
to help school
districts recover
non-sufficiently-
funded checks.
Utilizing
federal and state
laws, FARS
electronically BAD CHECK – FARS protects school districts from bad checks that can ruin everybody’s
credits 100 percent day. It’s a great new service offered through ASBA.
of the face value
of each recovered every check written for $225 or information on how your district
check and electronically credits less. This plan does not provide the can participate in this no-cost
the full face value back to the $5 fee to the district. program, contact Paulette Walker at
originating bank account at There is no district cost for 1-800-482-1212.
• Winter 007 Arkansas School Boards Association Reporter
“What percentage of public school
teachers in America are aging baby
boomers? Try something like 65 percent.
You think you’ve got teacher shortage
problems now? You haven’t seen
anything yet.”
– Dr. James Johnson
MAKING HIS POINTS — America is becoming “browner” and “grayer,” demographer Dr. James Johnson told ASBA
members at the 006 annual conference. Schools will have to adapt to these demographic realities at the same time
they prepare students to compete in a global economy.
Changing times keep pace with it all. gateway communities across the
u Demographer James
So said Dr. James Johnson, a country.
Johnson offers ASBA University of North Carolina The growth in Arkansas’
members a sobering look at demographer, at ASBA’s 2006 immigration rate mirrors national
the challenges schools face annual conference in Little Rock trends. Johnson said that during the
in a rapidly changing country December 6. 20th century, immigration patterns
and a rapidly shrinking world According to Johnson, shifted from European countries to
Arkansas’s Hispanic population Latin America and Asia. In the
growth of 48 percent from 2000- most recent few decades, the
By Steve Brawner 2005 was the fastest in the nation, number of illegal immigrants
America’s increasing ethnic while the state is among the exploded until there are now an
diversity and aging population are nation’s leaders in overall estimated seven to 15 million of
transforming our society while the immigrant growth. He said the them. “Whenever I get a call from
world is becoming smaller by the migration is being fueled by meat the media today about how many
minute, and public schools will processing industries that advertise illegal immigrants there are in
have to transform themselves to for jobs south of the border and in America, I just say ‘a lot,’”
ASBA 2006 Annual Conference
Arkansas School Boards Association Reporter Winter 007 •
Between 2000 and 2003, long-term joblessness increased more rapidly among
those with at least some college education than it did for those with only a high
school diploma or less.
Johnson joked. “Your guess is as jobs head overseas in droves. The center in Bangalore, India, where
good as mine. It’s a lot.” country lost 5.7 million manufact- 1,600 scientists and engineers are
Johnson said that while uring jobs between 1979 and 2003 each earning $650 a month. They
America’s population will continue – half of them between 2000 and developed 121 patents the first year
growing to an expected 425 million 2003. Johnson said those workers of operation.
by 2050, whites will make up were told to return to school and So how do schools cope with
barely half the population and obtain knowledge-based skills. But this rapidly changing world?
African-Americans will increase now white-collar jobs are Johnson said schools should
only slightly as a percentage, from disappearing as well because globalize their curriculum and
12 to 13.5 percent. But Hispanics technology enables workers in create learning systems that
will increase to 24 percent of the developing countries, many of encourage entrepreneurial thinking
population, and Asians will grow to whom are better educated than and creativity. He encouraged
eight percent. their American counterparts, to schools to recruit teachers from
The increasing ethnic diversity – perform knowledge-based jobs at a overseas to deal with the labor
what Johnson called the “browning fraction of the cost. Between 2000 shortage. He called for mandatory
of America” is occurring at the diversity training for faculty and
same time the native-born Arkansas’s Hispanic staff to deal with cultural
population is aging – a process he population growth of 48 differences. Extracurricular
called the “graying of America.” activities and sports need to be
percent from 2000-2005
Both trends are having a huge restructured for students with
impact on schools. Johnson said
was the fastest in the
different backgrounds. And more
schools must be prepared to nation, while the state resources should be invested in
educate the children of immigrants. is among the nation’s adult education for those in danger
And when the 82 million members leaders in overall of being left out of the rapidly
of the baby boom generation leave immigrant growth. changing world.
the workforce, the 67 million- Johnson said schools must
member baby bust generation and 2003, long-term joblessness change in a new global economy in
won’t be large enough to fill the increased more rapidly among which the long-defined path to the
jobs – a reality demographers call Americans with at least some American dream – study hard, go
“the succession problem.” “What college education than it did for to college, and get a degree – is
percentage of public school those with only a high school running into the reality that
teachers in America are aging baby diploma or less. workers on the other side of the
boomers? Try something like 65 Behind those numbers are globe are better-educated, willing
percent,” he said. “You think concrete examples. Johnson to work harder, and do it all for a
you’ve got teacher shortage described a self-employed North fraction of the cost. “We’re
problems now? You haven’t seen Carolina carpenter who needed a accustomed to being the big kid on
anything yet.” heart bypass surgery that would the block, but what information
cost $200,000 in the United States. technology has done is level the
Globalization is changing the Instead he traveled to an Indian playing field,” he said. “We’ve got
way we work, compete hospital for less than $7,000 people who will clean your clock
These ethnic and demographic including round-trip tickets for him halfway around the world while
changes are occurring amidst the and his wife and recuperation in a you’re sleeping. Because when the
backdrop of a rapidly globalizing seaside resort. General Electric has sun goes down here, it’s coming up
economy that has seen American opened a research and development someplace else.”
6 • Winter 007 Arkansas School Boards Association Reporter
James: Schools need overhaul
By Rich Carvell ability to read and write.” And, he
Dr. Ken James, Arkansas noted, 20 percent of Arkansas
Commissioner of Education, ninth-graders will not earn a high
brought his high school curriculum school diploma. The dropout rate,
redesign road show to the annual James said, is even higher for
ASBA conference in an effort to African-Americans and Hispanics.
convince school board members of James said Arkansas and its
the need to update Arkansas schools have a “moral imperative
education. School board members to be competitive” in providing
didn’t need convincing. educational opportunities to
James said Arkansas’ 19th students. That, he said, means the
century agrarian school model is state will have to consider extend-
trying to use a 20th century ing the school day or the school
industrial curriculum to prepare year – both “high cost” items – in
students for a 21st century digital order to provide all the tools
world. In other words, it isn’t Arkansas students need to succeed
working. Dr. Ken James in both the workplace and in
college.
NextStep is the next step out rate is 10 percent, but in some “That’s our job,” James said,
To fix it, James is offering the districts up to 40 percent of meaning helping students prepare
Department of Education’s students choose not to participate for college work, arrive at college
“NextStep for Arkansas” high in the more rigorous curriculum. without needing remediation, and
school redesign plan, which James has been hosting town stay in college and graduate.
includes higher and tougher meetings across the state to explain James said achieving these goals
requirements for high school the need to redesign the high will happen incrementally. “We’ve
graduation. More “rigor” is needed, school curriculum and the Next- got to get better every day,” he
the commissioner said again and Step proposal. said, by “stretching and by
again. challenging students.”
The “SmartCore” high school Current system not meeting James said schools need a
curriculum redesign requires four students’, employers’ needs challenging curriculum, frame-
units of math, three units of social It’s important to implement the works aligned grade to grade,
science, four units of English, and SmartCore curriculum in Arkansas rigorous assessments, and the
three units of physical science. The high schools, the education technical capacity to track students
local school board would establish commissioner said, because 52 year to year, which the Department
the required six units of career percent of Arkansas high school of Education is accomplishing with
focus courses. In addition, there are graduates “require remediation in electronic transcripts that will
requirements for oral communica- college” and because more than follow Arkansas students when
tions, PE, health and safety, and three-quarters of Arkansas they transfer from district to
fine arts. School districts may employers surveyed said “less than district.
require additional units for half of Arkansas high school grads More information about Next-
graduation. have quality communications and Step and SmartCore is available at
James said SmartCore is the math skills” to enable them to http://www.nextsteparkansas.org/.
“default” curriculum in Arkansas compete in the workforce. James Rich Carvell, chairman of the
high schools. Students take this said that surveys say 60 percent of Radio & TV Department at
curriculum unless their parents opt employers are “not satisfied with Arkansas State University, is ASBA
out. James said the statewide opt- (Arkansas) high school graduates’ Region 3 Director.
ASBA 2006 Annual Conference
Arkansas School Boards Association Reporter Winter 007 • 7
PINNACLE AWARD WINNERS — The Pinnacle Award is reserved for the highest achievement among individual board
members. Congratulations to these members who have accrued at least 00 hours of boardmanship credit. Standing,
left to right: Jerry Rice, England; Robert Parker, Batesville Southside; Gene Boeckmann, Wynne; Barbara Hathcock,
Fort Smith; Donald Simmons, Cave City; Connie Meyer, Lincoln Consolidated; Karen Daugherity, West Fork; Don
Dickens, Magazine; Rayne Gordon, Helena-West Helena. Sitting, left to right: Don Williams, Malvern; Ruth McConnell,
Greenwood; Darrylee Arms, Marion; Katie Daniel, McGehee; Alice Banks, McGehee. Not pictured: Carol Jacobs,
Stuttgart; Larry Allison, White Hall; Steve Sutton, Marion; Jerry Don Woods, Dardanelle.
And the
winners are ...
One of the highlights of each the Dr. Daniel L. Pilkington Award
year’s annual conference is for Outstanding Service to Public
the presenting of awards: the Education.
Pinnacle Award for 200 hours of This year’s “Dr. Dan Award”
boardmanship credit; the Master went to Robert Lambert Jr.,
Award for 50 hours of credit; and pictured right, an 18-year veteran
the Master Board, Outstanding of the Springdale School Board
Board, and Honor Board awards. who led his district through an
Each year, ASBA honors one extraordinary period of growth and
individual whose contributions go change.
far beyond the call of duty with Congratulations, Robert!
• Winter 007 Arkansas School Boards Association Reporter
2006 Master Board Member Award
The Master Board
Member Award
recognizes those
members who have
earned 50 hours in
ASBA’s Boardmanship
Program.
In addition to those
pictured on these pages,
the following ASBA
members received the
Master Board Member
Award: Katina Briscoe,
Augusta; Randy Mink,
Bay; Doris Parham,
Bearden; Sam Stueart, REGIONS 1 AND 2 – Standing, Clifford Methvin, Lead Hill; Julie Adams, Green Forest; Bill
Benton; Doylene Fuqua, Groom, Randall Payne, Greenland; Marion Harris, Gravette. Sitting, Robert McCormick,
Deborah Smith, Rusty Windle, Eureka Springs; Tim Hudson, Fayetteville.
Bentonville; Fred
Campbell, Cabot; Dawn
REGIONS
McCormick, Keith
4 AND 5
Stokes, Dardanelle; Jimna
– Standing,
Stinnett, DeQueen; Sandra Steve Williams,
Taylor, Forrest City; Mike Brian Cooper,
Evilsizer, Fouke; Gus Wanda Keener,
Lorenz, Greenbrier; Danny Paris; Glynda
Breckenridge, Brian McConnell,
Duncan, Green County Booneville.
Tech; Horace Carter, Sitting, Bentley
Harmony Grove-Camden; Johnson,
Ulysses Jean Williams, Dardanelle;
Constance Jarrett, Helena- Danny Hughes,
West Helena; Debbie Clarksville;
Ugbade, Ann Hill, Hot Yvonne Keaton-
Martin, Fort
Springs; Dale Phillips,
Smith.
Gary Hatfield, Huntsville;
Jeff Johnson, Lead Hill; REGIONS 6,7,
Joe Cheney, Magazine; AND 8 –
Harold Smith, Mena; Standing, David
Kirby Starr, Mt. Vernon Hipp, Cabot; Jim
Enola; David Eddy, Davis, David
Russellville; Michael Passmore,
Liles, Searcy; Beverly Bryant; Brooks
Wells, Lee Henson, Nash, Cabot;
Sheridan; Shelby Brown, Rodney Stroud,
Kyle Davis, Texarkana; Batesville.
Tammi Hamby, Van Buren; Sitting, Debbie
Briscoe,
Bud Sims, Waldron; Leon
Augusta; Dale
McCleskey, Wickes; Gary Smith, Marked
Kaufman, Wonderview; Tree; Marlene
Melvin Taylor, Robert Thomas, West
Hayes Jr., Wynne. Memphis.
ASBA 2006 Annual Conference
Arkansas School Boards Association Reporter Winter 007 •
REGIONS
9,10 AND 11 Outstanding Boards
– Standing,
James Wilson,
The Outstanding Board Award
Cleveland recognizes school boards in which
County; Les every member has earned at least
Warren, 25 hours in ASBA’s Boardmanship
Lakeside- Program. The 2006 awardees were
Hot Springs; Cabot, Dardanelle, Drew Central,
Jack Rynders,
Dumas, Fort Smith, Greenland,
Magnet Cove.
Sitting, Margaret Nettleton, Paris, Siloam Springs.
Simpson,
Clarendon;
Citronella Dixon, Honor Boards
Delight.
The Honor Board Award
recognizes school boards in which
REGIONS 12, every member has earned at least
13, AND 14
15 hours in ASBA’s Boardmanship
– Standing,
Alan Minor, Program. The 2006 awardees were
Dumas; Macon Booneville, Bryant, Charleston,
Patton, Camden Clarendon, Crossett, Eureka
Fairview; Springs, Foreman, Fountain Lake,
Miles Mitchell, Greenbrier, Greenland, Hot Springs,
Nashville; Junction City, Lakeside-Lake
Sandy Miller-
Huntsberger,
Village, Lavaca, Magnolia, Marked
DeQueen. Sitting, Tree, Mountainburg, Mulberry/
Relda Steelman, Pleasant View Bi-County, North
Harmony Grove- Little Rock, Prescott, Stephens,
Camden; Bruce Valley View, Waldron, Westside
Warren, Crossett. Consolidated.
2006 Master Board Award
The Master Board Award
recognizes school boards
in which every member
has earned at least 50 hours
in ASBA’s Boardmanship
Program. This year’s Master
Board Awardees were the
Dardanelle School Board, not
pictured, and the Russellville
School Board, pictured right.
Standing are Randall Williams,
superintendent; Leon
Anderson; James Sorrells; and
David Eddy. Sitting are Margie
Smith; Virginia Berner; and
Kevin Moore. Not pictured is
Herb Taylor.
10 • Winter 007 Arkansas School Boards Association Reporter
Amy DAniel, AsBA President
School boards must be a
part of legislative process
With a new governor in place districts dollars, the legislature proposed legislation, and how any
and new leadership in the General should be prepared to provide the given bill will affect their school
Assembly, the session is under needed funding. districts.
way but the number of bills so far Although the number of bills We are beginning to gather
has been small. We all know that right now is reasonably low, data from a number of indicators
will change, but we are optimistic that doesn’t mean our ongoing that Arkansas is making marked
that it will be less contentious than work with our lawmakers improvements through the school
sessions of the past few years. should be affected. As we have reform measures that have been
In the House Education said for months, building those legislated over the past few years.
Committee, Chairman Mike collaborative relationships with That doesn’t signal that our job
Kenney has made it clear that the legislators is imperative. Senators is done. It has really only just
committee will not consider bills and representatives need to hear begun, but it should provide us
without a fiscal impact statement, from their constituents. They need with encouragement and help
hopefully avoiding passage of factual and timely information keep us focused on what we can
unfunded mandates to the public from the folks they represent. do to continue raising student
schools. That is a good thing and Establishing trusting relationships achievement levels.
something ASBA has professed. will help to ensure that they
If new legislation is going to cost understand the ramifications of See Process...page 12
DAn FArley, AsBA executive director
Many still confused by
complex funding formula
One of the things abundantly is insufficient time available in the state will have to consider
clear to Arkansas educators is the present school day or year extending the school day or the
that there is barely enough time to address what must be taught, school year — both “high cost”
in the school day for current which has been a cause for concern items — in order to provide all the
requirements, let alone for any among many of us. tools Arkansas students need to
added mandates, so it is our hope In his discussion of SmartCore succeed in both the workplace and
that the current General Assembly at our annual conference, state in college.
won’t add to the current time Education Commissioner Dr. Ken Increasing the length of the
challenges facing the schools. James said that Arkansas and its school year would prove quite
Often the proposals are noble. schools have a “moral imperative costly. Even a small increase in
If schools had all the time they to be competitive” in providing the length of the school day would
needed, we would probably support educational opportunities to
many of them. The fact is there students. That, he said, means See Funding...page 13
Arkansas School Boards Association Reporter Winter 007 • 11
R E P O RT E R PAul Blume, AsBA GenerAl counsel
Vol. 25, Number 3 Winter 2007
ISSN 0141-6757
Published by the Arkansas School Boards Association
Of conferences
Championing excellence in public
education through training, advocacy, and
service for local school boards.
and hearings
Coupla things this time around: Employee confer-
Board of Directors Staff
President Executive Director ences between administrators and employees; and
Amy Daniel, Benton Dan Farley lawyers at school board hearings.
President-elect Executive Assistant & First off, Arkansas Code Annotated Section 6-17-
Perry Newman, Lavaca Member Services
Paulette Walker
210 states: “An employee shall be entitled to and
Vice President
Cathy Allen, Rogers Staff Attorney shall be offered the opportunity to have a witness or
Secretary-Treasurer Kristen Gould representative of the employee’s choice present
Gene Boeckmann, Wynne Policy Service during any disciplinary or grievance matter with any
Past President Ron Harder
administrator.”
Kathy McFetridge, Springdale Advocacy
Mickey McFatridge That’s all it says, and it doesn’t give much guid-
Region 1
Earl Hunton, Lincoln Study Circles ance about how to set about complying. Therefore,
Heather Detherow I’ll venture out on my limb and suggest a few things.
Region 2
Diane Vibhakar
Ron McNair, Alpena
Special Projects
There is a big difference between a “witness” and
Region 3 a “representative.” Generally, a “witness” is a pas-
Ann Marshall
Richard Carvell, Nettleton
Controller sive observer, there to ensure that a separate, argu-
Region 4 Deborah Newell
Ruth McConnell, Greenwood
ably disinterested or objective person is present to be
Technology
Region 5 Jason Sylvester
able to say what went on, without the histrionics or
Jerry Don Woods, Dardanelle Receptionist/Administrative manipulations of the facts that an interested party
Region 6 Assistant might be subject to. On the other hand, a “representa-
Dr. Paul Hance, Batesville Marilyn Mansfield tive” is usually recognized as someone who acts as
Region 7 Bookkeeper/Administrative
Assistant an advocate for the person involved. That is, rather
Jeffrey Richardson, Marion
Region 8 Laura Peters than being a passive witness of the proceedings, the
Carolyn Lewis, Conway representative has the ability – and, perhaps, the
Region 9 Risk Management Prog./
Workers’ Comp. Program
obligation – to take up the cudgel for the employee.
Johnny Lockley, DeWitt
Shannon Moore, Director Kinda like lawyers do. In fact, there is nothing in the
Region 10
Vonda West Cranford, Malvern
Krista Glover, Assistant Director law which would prevent an employee from bringing
Angela Ellis
Region 11 Amanda Mahar
his lawyer to a conference where the principal will,
Maxine Nelson, Watson Chapel for example, tell the employee that further instances
Region 12 General Counsel of chaining the superintendent’s car to the high
Jim Kuykendall, Mineral Springs W. Paul Blume school building will not be tolerated.
Region 13 (501) 375-7922
Wayne Gibson, El Dorado Therefore, before any disciplinary conference
Region 14 Editor with an employee, the principal or superintendent
William Campbell, McGehee Steve Brawner must tell the employee that he has a right to a witness
or representative at the conference which is to take
place, say, in the principal’s office at 4 o’clock that
Contact ASBA afternoon.
Arkansas School Boards Assoc. Toll Free: (800) 482-1212 Now, sometimes, an employee will say that the
808 Dr. Martin Luther King Dr. Fax: (501) 375-2454
person of his choice cannot be there at 4 o’clock. If
Little Rock, AR 72202-3646 E-mail: arsba@arsba.org
Telephone: (501) 372-1415 www.arsba.org
See Blume...page 12
1 • Winter 007 Arkansas School Boards Association Reporter
Blume witness or representative.
Interestingly, the law doesn’t say
these hearings have become much
more contentious, sometimes
Continued from page 11 anything about whether the admin- adversarial in the extreme.
istrator may be represented. How- As a result, I now recommend in
that happens, I recommend being ever, if you think that a representa- almost every circumstance where I
flexible, trying to set a meeting tive would be beneficial, if for no know that the employee will be
which is convenient for all con- other reason than to put someone represented by a union rep or a
cerned. However, if the employee between you and the employee’s lawyer, or where a student will be
says that he wants his representa- representative, call the district’s represented by a lawyer, that the
tive to be his wife’s Uncle Bubba, lawyer and ask him to be there. administration hire its own lawyer
but that Uncle Bubba is vacation- Sometimes, a lawyer or other (paid for, of course, by the district).
ing on the French Riviera and can’t representative will try to make life The administration’s lawyer will
be there until next week (or next extremely difficult for the adminis- present witnesses to the board,
month), tell the employee to choose trator in these situations. If the question the employee’s or stu-
another person for his witness or administrator is represented as dent’s witnesses and argue the
representative. The law says that he well, it makes that problem much administration’s case to the board,
has his choice of the witness, etc., less likely. both with regard to the facts and
but it doesn’t say that it has to be Which leads us to Part Two of the law.
his first choice. The employee this column: lawyers at school Since my primary representation
can’t, in other words, put off the board hearings. is of school boards, I still conduct
conference for an unreasonable As most of you know, I can be the hearing, decide objections, and
time because Uncle Bubba can’t be retained to assist in school board instruct the board on the law and
there. Waiting a day or two for hearings, whether for employee procedure, without becoming an
Uncle Bubba to show up would be dismissals or grievances or student advocate for either side.
reasonable; but, if you have to expulsion hearings. For many So. If you’re having a hearing,
speak with someone about a prob- years, I would show up, conduct plan on paying for two lawyers. It’s
lem of sufficient seriousness that it the hearing with the superintendent aggravating, I know, but the results
requires a witness or representa- taking on the whole responsibility are a more evenly-balanced presen-
tive, and serious enough that you’re for the presentation of the adminis- tation to the board, and your super-
going to write up the employee, tell tration’s recommendation (such as intendent, principal, etc., is not out
him to find someone else, and fast. termination or expulsion), and there alone, twisting slowly, slowly
Just don’t forget to tell the everything was fine. However, in in the wind.
employee, when you’re scheduling the last several years, for reasons I Trust me: That superintendent or
the conference, about his right to a can’t explain (global warming?), principal will appreciate that.
it before seeing if it was working. is considered a leader in many
Process We cannot make those mistakes areas. Perhaps, as the staff phrases
again. We need to see what’s it through its three filters, we are
Continued from page 10
working and build on it. Success beginning to have the kind of
can beget more success. “education ethic” that will continue
Obviously we’re doing As board members, we need to move our state forward.
something right, and that should to be engaged with policymakers Being informed and being a
bolster our resolve to continue and with one another. It is through strong advocate for your school
moving forward. Yes, we’ve made those kinds of collaborations that districts will underscore the
some significant gains, but the we can take our state from 49th importance of locally elected
efforts must be sustained over and 50th on all the lists to places school leaders. You owe it to your
time. Too often before these waves we have never been before. It students and your communities
of school reform, our state would ought to make us feel better about to understand the issues and to be
undertake a new initiative and toss ourselves to know that Arkansas engaged in the legislative process.
Arkansas School Boards Association Reporter Winter 007 • 1
Assembly has invested heavily in three because it would allow one
Funding education since the special session in each category to consist of low,
of 2003-2004. We commend medium, and high poverty and/or
Continued from page 10
you on your investment in the ELL student percentages.
result in substantial cost increases development of human capital “The paper implementations
because it would require changing and the continued improvement need to be comprehensive. Student
the contracts of thousands of of the economic well-being of the class schedules, required course
educators. State of Arkansas. Both the initial offerings, teacher assignments, all
There seems to be little appetite report in 2003 and the present statutory requirements, as well as
for increasing foundation funding recalibration report have stressed all requirements prescribed by the
by much. In a joint meeting of that implementation of the matrix ADE Rules must be met. This will
the House and Senate Education would require districts to rethink serve to give a blueprint that can be
Committees on January 22, the and/or restructure their entire adapted by other districts to fit their
panel approved its final report on educational program. This occurred realities. It also will help to point
legislative hearings for the 2006 in too few districts following out any problems with present
Interim Study on Educational the passage of the new funding laws and/or rules that hinder
Adequacy, required by Act 57. formula in 2004. This was due in implementation of the matrix or
There was little discussion, and part to insufficient knowledge and unforeseen problems within the
no public comments were sought. understanding by those throughout matrix that need to be addressed.
Questions by new members of the education community. There “It is our belief that the funding
the two committees were quickly is also the reality that this is a matrix is the state’s definition of
addressed, yet those asking the huge ship which is trying to be both what is necessary to provide
questions seemed less than edified turned around and, even with the an adequate education and the
by the answers. best intentions, it will not happen elements necessary to close the
There continue to be mysteries overnight. achievement gap and ensure
in the funding matrix that confuse “Another deterrent was the lack all students are proficient (an
and confound those who are left of a real world model for districts important goal with or without
to administer their districts. There to follow. We believe the design NCLB requirements). The
were several recommendations in of several real world models is confusion over how to implement
the final report offered by Picus an absolutely essential element the matrix or whether it can even
and Odden, the consultants charged for successful implementation of be implemented is preventing
with “Recalibrating the Arkansas any recalibration of the funding public education from moving
School Funding Structure,” that formula. We strongly urge the forward and harvesting the
are nowhere to be found in the legislature to safeguard the resulting long-term benefits to the
funding matrix. It is, after all, the investment in public education by state’s economy and general social
prerogative of the legislature to hiring Picus and Odden to work well-being of our citizens. We urge
make the final decision. out at least three implementations, the legislature to have a sufficient
Since the original matrix was on paper, of the funding matrix number of districts assisted by
adopted, there has been much of real Arkansas districts during Picus and Odden to work out on
confusion about extrapolating the Fall of 2006. The three paper how the funding matrix
funding, which is based on a districts should be chosen by a can be implemented. It would be
model school district of 500 blind method similar to how the a very good way to protect the
students, when legal school district sample schools were chosen for public’s investment in our state’s
enrollment is set at 350. To that the research phase of the present education.”
concern, ASBA opined in its recalibration study and should The suggestion went nowhere.
written testimony last August 15 consist of a small, a medium, and There are still mysteries and plenty
the following comments: a large district which are broadly of confused and confounded folks
representative of the diversity of who want to do the right thing.
“In redesigning the school the student configurations within They would just like to understand
funding formula, the General the state. Nine would be better than what that is.
1 • Winter 007 Arkansas School Boards Association Reporter
ASBA Corporate Members, 2006-07
Serving schools and school boards throughout Arkansas. Educational Benefits, Inc.
0 W. Capitol, Suite 700
Little Rock, AR 701
A-Lert Roof Systems Claridge Products &
(00) -0
P.O. Box 7 Equipment, Inc.
Erie, KS 667 P.O. Box 10
Fibrebond Corporation
(00) -060 Harrison, AR 760
100 Davenport Dr.
(70) 7-00
Minden, LA 710
All-Clean USA
(1) 77-100, Ext. 6
P.O. Box 6 Cobb and Suskie, Ltd.
Jonesboro, AR 70 60 South Shackleford, Suite 00
First Security
(70) 7-1 Little Rock, AR 711
Beardsley Public Finance
(01) -1
1 President Clinton Ave.,
All-Storage Products, Inc.
Suite 00
P.O. Box 66 Comark Building Systems
Little Rock, AR 701
Little Rock, AR 71 0 N. I- East
(01) 7-6
(01) 666-600 Desoto, TX 711
(7) 0-60
Gulf South Infrasystems, LLC
Arch Ford/TCPN
6 Midtown Park East
71 West Tidwell Commerce Bank
Mobile, AL 6606
Houston, TX 770 11 Main Street, 1st Floor
(1) 66-10
() -76 Kansas City, MO 610
(16) 760-10
Gym Masters Basketball Courts
Biz Supplies
11 Longleaf Drive
06 Trail Lake Drive Crafton, Tull, Sparks and Assoc.
Searcy, AR 71
Fort Worth, TX 761 01 N. 7th St., Suite 00
(01) 7-7
(00) -061 Rogers, AR 776
(7) 66-
HeartBeeps Software by Kindle
Brackett Krennerich Cooper
Publishing
E. Joyce Blvd, Suite Crow Burlingame Co.
171 Humble Place Drive
Fayetteville, AR 770 P.O. Box 111
Humble, TX 77
(7) -071 Little Rock, AR 70
(00) 7-7
(01) 7-11
Brazil, Adlong &
Jackson Brown King Architects
Winningham Daktronics, Inc.
Cottondale Ln., Suite 0
11 Main Street 71 Interstate 0, Suite 0
Little Rock, AR 70
Conway, AR 70 Little Rock, AR 70
(01) 66-700
(01) 7-7 (01) 6-00
Kids for Health
Capital Business Machines David H. Frieze Associates, Inc.
P.O. Box 6
Main Street P.O. Box
Springdale, AR 776
Little Rock, AR 70 Hot Springs Village, AR 7110-
(7) 76-1
(01) 7-1111 (01) -70
KLC Custom Electronics
Carrier Corporation Diamond State Bus Sales
1111 Texas Boulevard
10 Bond Ave. P.O. Box 7
Texarkana, TX 701
Little Rock, AR 706 Conway, AR 70
(0) 7-76
(01) -6000, ext. 10 (01) -7
Laidlaw Education Services
Central States Bus Sales DLR Group
Metropolitan Bank
0 Lake Lane 70 West 1rd Street
W. Capitol, Suite 166
North Little Rock, AR 7117 Overland Park, KS 661
Little Rock, AR 701
(01) -77 (1) 7-711
(01) 7-
Arkansas School Boards Association Reporter Winter 007 • 1
LifeTrack Services, Inc. NEARK Adjustment Company Southern Bleacher Company
171 Port Drive 0 North th P.O. Box 1
Clarkston, WA 0 Blytheville, AR 716-0 Graham, TX 760
(00) 7-666 (70) -007 (0) -07
Merl’s Bus Sales, Inc. NSBA/National Affiliates Program Sport Court
60 Industrial Park Road 16 W. Holcomb/Bellaire Blvd. 700 Minton Road
Van Buren, AR 77 Houston, TX 770 Benton, AR 701
(7) 7- (71) 66- (01) 16-
Metro Builders & Restoration Pacheco Outdoor Equipment Stephens Inc.
Specialists, Inc. 11 Arcade Dr., Suite 111 Center Street, Suite 00
P.O. Box Little Rock, AR 71 Little Rock, AR 701
North Little Rock, AR 711 (01) -11 (01) 77-06
(01) 7-
Performance Surfaces, LLC. Stevens-Dell & Associates
Meyer Roofing and Sheet Metal 701 NW 6rd Street, Suite 0 1 West Markham
66 Cannie Baker Road Oklahoma City, OK 7116 Little Rock, AR 70
Mountain Home, AR 76 (0) 6-00 (01) 66-67
(70) -1
Risk Management Resources, TAPS
Midwest Dairy Council Division of Ramsey, Krug, P.O. Box 1
Bakers Spring Road Ferrell & Lensing Mt. Pleasant, TX 76
Russellville, AR 70 P.O. Box 1770 (66) -77
(7) 0-010 Little Rock, AR 7
(01) 61-110 Trane Arkansas
Midwest Risk Management 101 Westpark Drive, Suite
Services, Inc. RJ Love Enterprises, Inc. Little Rock, AR 70
06 Walsh Lane, Suite 0 P.O. Box (01) 661-061
Rogers, AR 77 Little Rock, AR 70
(7) 71-77 (01) -7 Tri-State Track, Inc.
7 Malvern Avenue
Missco Contract Sales Robert J. Bailey, Architect Hot Springs, AR 7101
1601 Sammy Circle P.O. Box 176 (01) -0
Hope, AR 7101 Little Rock, AR 7
(01) 1-606 (01) -706 USAble Life
0 W. Capitol Ave, Suite 1100
Moser Corporation Sage Software/ Little Rock, AR 701
601 North 1th Street TKI Computer Center (01) 7-6
Rogers, AR 776 10 North East Street
(7) 66-1 Benton, AR 701 Virco, Inc.
(01) 77-6 P.O. Box 000
Musco Sports Lighting, LLC Conway, AR 70-00
107 Stewart Road Seamless Systems, Inc. (01) 0-
Muscatine, IA 761 706 South 7rd Place
(00) 7-60 Fort Smith, AR 70 Wildcat Ventures, IPC
(7) 6-007 06 East Main Street
Nabholz Construction Corp. Kirbyville, TX 76
61 Garland Service Plus Telecommunications (0) -1701
Conway, AR 70 0 East th Street
(01) 7-771 Russellville, AR 701 Wittenberg, Delony &
(7) 67- Davidson Inc., Architects
National Bus Sales 00 W. Capitol Ave., Suite 100
6 South Regency Dr. Sign Systems, Inc. Little Rock, AR 701
Tulsa, OK 711 01 Burke Avenue (01) 76-661
(00) 7-1 Jonesboro, AR 701
(70) 1-1761
16 • Winter 007 Arkansas School Boards Association Reporter
purchasing needs with other business procedures by maintaining
Taps schools in similar situations to open competition for purchases and
help find the best pricing available. by complying with purchasing laws
Continued from page 1
This networking strategy can help and ethical business practices.
Association. Meanwhile, TAPS improve the stability of purchasing • Documentation of bid awards
– the Arkansas part of TIPS – has for districts of all sizes. and membership records.
expanded into more Arkansas
districts. Districts in Oklahoma and Purpose of TAPS Becoming a Member
Missouri also have begun to use the TAPS provides: If it hasn’t already done so, your
system to save money and fulfill • Opportunities for school district can become a member of
the bid obligations of purchasing districts to have greater efficiency TAPS at no cost or obligation by
laws. and economy in acquiring goods adopting a board resolution and
TIPS received the national award and services. completing an interlocal agreement
based on its providing a program • Competitive price solicitation with the Dawson Education Service
specifically designed for public and bulk purchasing that yield Cooperative in Arkadelphia. Once
schools and other government economic benefits unobtainable by that is done and Dawson notifies
entities, enabling them to access individuals. TIPS, you will receive a welcome
special pricing on classroom • Quick and efficient delivery of packet and a TIPS/TAPS vendor
supplies, furniture, computer goods and services through “high directory, along with instructions
equipment, software, portable performance” vendors. on how to order.
buildings, vehicles, and more. • Equalized purchasing power If you’d like to learn more about
By participating in the TAPS for smaller entities. TAPS, visit the TIPS website at
program, schools can communicate • Credibility and confidence in www.tips-usa.com.
Non-Profit
Organization
Arkansas School Boards Association U.S. Postage
R E P O RT E R
808 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive
PAID
Permit No. 2340
Little Rock, AR
Little Rock, AR 72202-3646