The following information was recorded in school board meeting minutes.
The Arkadelphia Board of Education met in regular session on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, at 6 p.m. in the Dawson Building #7 at 8th and Main streets in downtown Arkadelphia.
Board president Blake Bell called the meeting to order. Members present were Ida Tramble, Gina White, Kenneth Harris, Lori Smith, Matt Johnson and Clark Tennyson.
Badger Pride awards were given out to AHS students, Goza students, community partners and outgoing board members.
The board heard an instructional/data report from members of AHS Future Business Leaders of America. The data included the CTE courses at the high school.
There was no public comment made.
Jason Holsclaw from Stephens Inc. updated the board on the bond sale and went over a resolution the board would consider later in the meeting. The school board unanimously approved the resolution authorizing the issuance and delivery of bonds.
The board also heard an update on the new AHS plans from Clayton Vaden of Lewis Architects. Vaden reviewed some design updates for the new school.
Board members also gave unanimous approval of a revised 2025-2026 school calendar regarding makeup days from the recent winter storm. Upon a joint recommendation of the superintendent and the Personnel Policy Committee, White made the motion and Tramble offered a second to approve the revision to include 6 additional minutes to the school day to use as make-up time due to the snow days.
The board also gave nod to approval of the current list of monthly electronic funds transfers.
After reviewing reports from department heads and hearing the superintendent’s report, the board adjourned into executive session to discuss real property and personnel. Upon returning to open session, with the recommendation of the superintendent, Johnson made a motion, seconded by Harris, and carrying 7-0 for the following personnel:
Intent to retire
Certified
Steve Patterson, English Teacher, AHS; Jeremy Smith, teacher, Goza
Classified
David Turner, maintenance assistant; Karen Turner, special education paraprofessional, AHS
Resignations
Certified
Jill Hardin, instructional facilitator, AHS; Autumn Greenwood, AHS cheer coach; Jazmine Johnson, elementary teacher, Peake
Classified
Karen McClanahan, building secretary, Peake; Phyllis DeLoach, special education paraprofessional, AHS
Administrator hire list for 26-27
Peake
Mary Snowden, principal; Leah Clark, assistant principal
Goza
Tisha Hunter, principal; Brian Gibson, assistant principal
AHS
Callie Hunley, principal; Jonathan Trent Smith, assistant principal
District administration
Jeremy Bell, director of federal programs; Jimmy King, director of support services; Judy Talley, special education supervisor; Jeanette Turner, director of curriculum
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