The Little Rock School Board focused on student support during its meeting Tuesday, hearing from parents, coaches, and athletes from Central High School’s wrestling program. Advocates raised concerns that in-school athletic periods would be eliminated for wrestling while retained for major sports like football.
Head Coach Aaron Rodgers and parents urged the district to remove the “major/minor” distinction, calling for equity across programs. Superintendent Jermall Wright assured the board he would provide student athletes with necessary resources.
The board received a report on the Winter 2026 ATLAS interim assessment results in English Language Arts (ELA), math, and science. The Arkansas Teaching, Learning, and Assessment System (ATLAS) measures student performance against state standards.
Test results showed steady growth from October 2025. In ELA, third-grade proficiency doubled from 15% to 30%, fourth grade rose from 19% to 28%, and eighth grade increased from 19% to 24%. Math saw strong gains, including third-grade proficiency rising from 15% to 26%, fourth grade from 11% to 25%, and algebra from 4% to 22%. Science performance also improved across nearly all grades, with seventh grade increasing from 22% to 36%.
Early literacy and math (K–2) remain below state averages, prompting mandatory summer interventions for third-grade students who did not meet proficiency. Overall, the district reported meaningful gains in student proficiency and reductions in the lowest-performing categories.
Chief Financial Officer Kelsey Bailey reported that district finances remain strong, with revenues up and projected salary and benefits under budget by $3.5 million. The district continues efforts to cut $15 million in spending for FY27. Proposed reductions include administrative and instructional staffing adjustments, with estimated savings between $6.27 million and $6.89 million.
Board members also received updates on partnerships addressing student health needs. The Wakefield Future Smiles Dental Clinic provides care to Medicaid-enrolled and uninsured students, billing Medicaid directly.
From August to December 2025, the clinic recorded 735 visits for 532 patients, with reimbursement covering the dentist’s salary. To enhance sustainability, the clinic will introduce a low-cost fee schedule for uninsured patients starting August 2026, while continuing Medicaid coverage for eligible children.
Services include cleanings, sealants, fillings, crowns, and extractions, ensuring access to essential dental care. Board members emphasized that fees should not create barriers to care.
The board approved changes to certified personnel contracts, shortening the time to return signed contracts from 30 days to 15 days. A new section clarifies that grant-funded positions depend on external funding, with procedures for notice and hearings in case of termination due to funding loss.
The 2026–27 employee contract template also removed a provision allowing termination based on enrollment numbers after October 1 and extended the contract return window from 10 to 15 days.
The board’s meeting highlighted its commitment to student growth, health, and equitable opportunities. Members encouraged public participation and reminded residents that upcoming elections will reduce the board from nine to seven members.