Tag Archives: community

Copenhaver addresses City Stars concerns

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Story by DDNS Reporter Jerry Don Burton

February 4, 2026

Jonesboro Mayor Harold Copenhaver.

 Jonesboro Mayor Harold Copenhaver addressed previous concerns and responded to new complaints about the City Stars booster club during the City Council meeting.

Public and council interest in City Stars remained high at the Tuesday, Feb. 3 city council meeting. Discussion began with Copenhaver’s response to Public Facilities Board Chairman Matt Modelevsky’s presentation at the last meeting.

Copenhaver’s response

“ My responsibility as mayor is to administer city-operated programs, which City Stars was not, in accordance with city council-approved budgets,” Copenhaver said. “I presented verifiable facts, not feelings, not understandings or beliefs like many of the documents presented at the previous city council meeting contained.”

At the previous meeting, Modelevsky said Copenhaver failed to respond to past concerns he raised about City Stars and Danny Kapales, the now-resigned parks director who ran the program.

The City Stars booster club, a youth sports program, was created in 2001. Copenhaver said the original agreement between Jonesboro and the booster club was approved by the council in 2004. He said this contract established mutual agreements, such as the shared goal of providing athletics at no cost for Jonesboro youth.

Despite a shared vision for youth athletics in Jonesboro, Copenhaver said City Stars operated independently.

“Their revenue was their money, their business, not the city’s,” Copenhaver said. “ Fiduciary duties fall to the boards and management of private nonprofit organizations and cannot be delegated, giving them full and exclusive authority over their own money and how it is handled and how their chart of accounts is organized and how their accounting entries are made. Look it up.”

Copenhaver said he asked the management of City Stars to voluntarily undergo an audit, to which they agreed. The Thomas Speight and Noble firm completed the audit and presented it in June 2025. 

“ The independent auditor’s report expressed the opinion that the City Stars financial statements present fairly in all material respects and assets, liabilities, net assets of the City Stars Booster Club,” Copenhaver said. “ In other words, clean audit.”

On Dec. 5, 2025, the City Stars board announced the club will cease operations as a private, 501(c)(3) nonprofit and will transfer operational responsibilities, including banking accounts, funds and sports equipment, to the city of Jonesboro.

Copenhaver said now should be an exciting time for the program and the upcoming generations who will make use of City Stars. 

“Moving forward means moving beyond the past, and now we need to focus,” Copenhaver said.

However, in the public comments that followed, several citizens expressed a desire to stay on the topic of City Stars. 

Public comments

Jeremy Terrell, who ran for Jonesboro mayor in 2024, addressed Copenhaver and said he does not understand why some act like the investigation is not a big deal. He said the mayor has the responsibility to ensure taxpayer money goes to organizations that act in the best interest of the public.

“This is about the responsibility that you hold and that the city council hold to make sure that taxpayer’s money is being dealt with in a manner that is proper and legal,” Terrell said. “So those of us that are asking questions, we deserve answers, period.”

Bill Campbell, who previously served as the mayor’s communication director, said citizens should exercise patience and not jump to conclusions during a federal investigation. 

“I don’t know what the answers are. I do know that you have a mayor who has had clean audits every time,” Campbell said. “So I think I would lean on that and we can’t pretend we know something different.”

Dean Macdonald, a Jonesboro native, said he agrees with Terrell that any allegations of misconduct are serious and should be investigated. However, he said some of the discourse surrounding the investigation has broken down recently. 

Following comments from the public, many city council members voiced support for Copenhaver, but agreed communication must be improved.

Council member comments

LJ Bryant, Ward 5, Position 1 council member, said the public clearly cares and the situation should not be dismissed as something minor. 

“Despite any of the gaslighting going on tonight, the FBI didn’t show up for no reason. So we’re in a very serious situation and as the stewards of the taxpayer’s resources, I feel like we have to take action,” Bryant said.

Joe Hafner, Ward 5, Position 2 council member, said while he supports Copenhaver, the mayor should not have let concerns go unresolved for so long.

“I think that’s one thing that definitely needs to be improved and that’s let something fester, it turned from a little snowball into a big avalanche,” Hafner said. “And now that we got the public here with eroded public trust, just frustrated, the problems have escalated. I don’t take that lightly.”

Ward 2, Position 2 City Council Member Chris Moore said many issues would be absent today if Copenhaver addressed concerns sooner. He said trust should be restored between the council, mayor and community.

Hafner said the relationship between the mayor and council is built on trust. He said they must be transparent with each other.

Copenhaver said he understands many people had honest questions about the City Stars operation. He said while he never meant to come off as dismissive of these questions, the city council never had the answers. 

“Those questions should be properly directed to its own officers and board of directors, which had the full fiduciary responsibilities and duties. The mayor’s office did not have answers about the accounting or handling of money of City Stars,” Copenhaver said. “Part of all the confusion has come from people asking questions or emailing or texting complaints and concerns about City Stars to the wrong place.”

Anthony Coleman, Ward 6, Position 1 council member, said while he appreciated Copenhaver sharing his side at the meeting, he believes the council does have a responsibility to ask questions and look into City Stars. 

“ Maybe not handling a lot of it fiduciarily, but we do have a responsibility to share, to talk, to ask questions, to make certain that we are doing what’s right for our children,” Coleman said.

Chris Gibson, Ward 3, Position 2 council member, said the council has a good platform to build on moving forward and the future is optimistic.

Copenhaver said he appreciated the input from the council and is always up for constructive criticism.

“I apologize to this city council because the last thing I ever want to do is draw a wedge between us because that does not benefit our community,” Copenhaver said. 

Looking ahead, Copenhaver said he is excited for the future of City Stars under the leadership of Jim Stearns, interim director of parks and recreation. 

Other business

In other business, Copenhaver announced InnovAsian Cuisine Enterprise Inc. will construct a frozen food manufacturing facility in Jonesboro. He said this development will create about 200 jobs.

The council also read the following ordinances:

  • On first reading:
    • Ordinance 26:004 would amend a zoning ordinance providing for changes in zoning boundaries from R-1 to RS-7 for a property at 1306 Charles Drive. 
  • On second reading:
    • Ordinance 26:001 would change the zoning boundaries from R-1 to C-3 general commercial district for a property at 2620 Alexander Drive.
    • Ordinance 26:002 requested approval of a private club permit for Monarca’s Mexican restaurant.
    • Ordinance 26:003 requested approval of a private club permit for Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux.

The Jonesboro City Council meets at 5:30 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at the Jonesboro Municipal Center. Meetings are also livestreamed on the City of Jonesboro Facebook page.

Food insecurity remains challenge for Food Bank of NEA

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Story by DDNS Reporter Jerry Don Burton

JONESBORO – Following the government shutdown and with the holiday season approaching, food insecurity in Northeast Arkansas (NEA) remains a challenge for food banks.

Arkansas faces the highest rate of food insecurity in the nation, according to a since-discontinued annual report published in 2024 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The USDA defines food insecurity as a household-level economic and social condition of limited or uncertain access to adequate food.

Terry Austin, development officer at the Food Bank of NEA, said the rural nature of Northeast Arkansas contributes to the high rates of food insecurity. Many areas of Arkansas are also classified as food deserts.

Food deserts are areas where access to affordable, healthy food is restricted or nonexistent due to the absence of grocery stories within convenient distances, as defined by Food Empowerment Project.

“Statistically speaking, 21% of Northeast Arkansas citizens are in food insecure households,” Austin said. “Which is a staggering statistic to me.”

The Food Bank of NEA entrance, located at 3414 One Place in Jonesboro. Photo courtesy of Food Bank of NEA Facebook.

Food deserts are not the only elements worsening food security in NEA, though. National factors have further increased demand for food banks.

Lingering Impacts of Government Shutdown
Austin said the latest government shutdown, which lasted from Oct. 1 to Nov. 12 put a spotlight on food insecurity. He said those who depend on food assistance, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and federal employees, were particularly impacted.

The Food Bank of NEA saw a 16% increase in SNAP recipients who received food assistance during the shutdown compared to that same period in 2024. 8% of those served were new households that had never received assistance from the Food Bank of NEA before.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law by President Donald Trump on July 4, is also expected to impact food security nationwide.

President Donald Trump displays the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, after signing it. Photo Courtesy of Leah Millis, Reuters.

“[The act] is estimated to reduce the number of meals for SNAP beneficiaries in the nation by some six billion meals year to year over the next 10 years,” Austin said. “We’re gonna see that kind of cut in food assistance and that’s going to mean a very steady rise in demand.”

Another factor influencing the increased pressure on food banks is the approaching holiday season.

Holiday Season Challenges
“Regardless of what your family’s financial picture may be, you still want to have those holiday gatherings,” Austin said. “You want to have a table of food to share with your loved ones.”

The holiday season further contributes to an increase in demand because, since many children will be on break, they’ll miss out on school-provided meals. One in three children are at risk for hunger in NEA.

Austin said the Food Bank of NEA orders traditional seasonal food during this time of year to give families in need the food to make a holiday meal.
Food insecurity is not an issue limited to NEA, either.

The River Valley Regional Food Bank entrance, located a 1617 Zero Street in Fort Smith.

Food Insecurity Affects Arkansans Everywhere
On the opposite side of the state, the River Valley Regional Food Bank in Fort Smith serves 140 pantries across eight counties in Western Arkansas.

Hattie Hamilton, interim food bank director and operations manager for the River Valley Regional Food Bank, said they have reached out to Feeding America for extra food. She said the additional product will help the food bank better supply the pantries as need increases.

Feeding America is a non-profit network of food banks nationwide that helps feed more than 46 million people.

“Our battle here to help fight against it is just to get the food in to help get to the neighbors in need,” Hamilton said.

State Funding Support
In an effort to combat SNAP cuts and relieve pressure on food banks, state funds have provided support to food banks across Arkansas.

On Oct. 31, Arkansas Governor Sarah Sanders directed $500,000 to be split among the six Feeding America partnered food banks in the state. On Nov. 9, with the shutdown still in effect, Sanders assigned $500,000 more to food banks.

“As the shutdown continues, my administration will stand with our partners in the legislature, at churches and in food banks to help Arkansans stay fed,” Sanders said.

Back in NEA, Austin said their food bank received about $83,000 from the state. He said the Food Bank of NEA priortized buying protein products with the funds.

“Protein is a critical part of a diet and it’s also part of a diet that’s hard for us to provide enough of in our distributions,” Austin said. “We get a lot of canned goods and a lot of dry goods. Protein can be tricky to fit into that parameter, so that’s why we focused using those dollars on protein purchases.”

Austin said he wants to stress that the food bank is grateful for the money, but more help is needed to meet the rising need.

Demand Rising in Northeast Arkansas
One of six food banks in Arkansas, the Food Bank of NEA serves a 12-county area in the northeast region of the state, serving about 8,000 square miles.

Austin said the Food Bank of NEA primarily raises money and food and then distributes products to 176 partner agencies. These agencies include churches, schools, food pantries and homeless shelters.

In 2024, the Food Bank of NEA distributed 8.2 million pounds of food to those facing food insecurity. 25% of that food was fresh products like meat, vegetables and fruit.

A Food Bank of NEA delivery truck, parked in the loading dock of the Food Bank of NEA. Photo Courtesy of the Food Bank of NEA website.

In addition to distributing food to partner agencies, Austin said the Food Bank of NEA travels to each of the 12 counties as least four times a year to hold a mobile distribution.

Through these distributions, Austin said the food bank arrives to a central location and hands out food themselves. He said the increased demand is felt even in these mobile distributions.

During a mobile distribution held in Craighead County in early October, Austin said the food bank brought 24 more boxes of food than normal and still had to turn away about 30 households because they ran out of food.
Similarly, during a distribution in Lawrence County, Austin said they brought 64 additional boxes of food and had to turn away 42 households.

“We simply ran out of food,” Austin said. “The demand has definitely spiked and it spiked in part because of the shutdown, but honestly, the demand was already beginning to climb.”

How to Receive Assistance and Offer Support
For those in need of food assistance, Austin said one of the best resources they offer is an interactive map on their website that allows users to find what food distributors in NEA are closest to them. Phone numbers, addresses and more information is included in the map to help guide users to help they need.

A screenshot of the Food Bank of NEA interactive map. The map allows users to search for food distributors in their location. Screenshot retrieved from the Food Bank of NEA website.



“We have done this a long time and we know all the ins and outs and the best way, the most efficient ways to get food to people who need it,” Austin said. “We stand ready to help if we need to.”

The Food Bank of NEA also has links under the “How to Help” section of their website for those interested in donating or volunteering. 1,157 volunteers donated 3,847 hours in 2024 to support the Food Bank of NEA.

Some of the most needed food items include peanut butter, canned soups, pasta, cereal, boxed meals, canned meats, and canned fruits and vegetables.

Austin said fresh food is always a challenge, so shelf-stable products are preferred. He also said popular foods that are flexible in meal prep are favored, such as spaghetti, corn, green beans and macaroni and cheese.

More than food, though, Austin said the Food Bank of NEA–and most food banks in general–actually prefer money donations.

Austin said donating money directly would serve the food bank more than canned goods, as the food bank buys product in bulk at reduced prices.
“We typically say that $1 donated can provide up to three meals,” Austin said. “We’re able to really stretch those dollars a long way.”

Austin said money donations can be used to pay for freight costs and other fees needed to keep the food bank running, too.

Still, Austin said any form of support–food donations, money donations, volunteer work or otherwise–is greatly appreciated.

The Food Bank of NEA is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and is located at 3414 One Place in Jonesboro. The food bank can also be reached by phone by calling 870-932-3663.
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Martin Luther King Junior Day Events Slated for Sunday, Monday

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JONESBORO –  Several events will take place around Jonesboro and the Arkansas State University campus to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as part of the annual NEA Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebrations. 

The NEA Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade Committee will host a youth program kickoff at 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19, at the Jonesboro High School Performing Arts Center, 301 Hurricane Drive.

“This program will highlight the voices and talents of our youth, fostering the next generation of leaders inspired by Dr. King’s values,” said Ashley Wilson, committee co-chairman.

The community is invited to attend and celebrate the legacy of the civil rights leader. 

The festivities will begin at 10 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 20, with the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade. The parade will start at the Lt. Col. Frederick Turner Jr. Military Science Building on the A-State campus. 

It will depart the military science building, travel up Marion Berry Parkway to Johnson Avenue, proceed down University Loop, and conclude at the Fowler Center.

Performances from the Forrest City High School Band, Osceola High School Band, Jonesboro High School Steppers, and Drumline will be featured during the parade. 

“We encourage community organizations to bring banners and participate in the parade to showcase their commitment to Dr. King’s vision of freedom, justice and democracy,” said Wilson.  

Following the parade, the public is encouraged to gather at noon at Fowler Center, 201 Olympic Drive, for the 23rd annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration. 

The theme for the program this year is “Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice & Democracy in the Spirit of Nonviolence.”

Jonesboro native Jervonne Newsome will serve as the keynote speaker for the event.

“As a licensed attorney, minister and community advocate, Elder Newsome will deliver an empowering and thought-provoking message aligned with Dr. King’s mission of unity and social justice,” said Wilson. “The program will also feature inspiring performances, reflections on Dr. King’s legacy, and a call to action for continued community activism.” 

Jonesboro Mayor Harold Copenhaver and A-State leadership will also speak during the program. 

Dr. Carlitta Moore, vice chancellor for access and institutional engagement, says it’s a time to unite, reflect and carry on Dr. King’s vision. 
 
“We are thrilled to be able to embark on this wonderful opportunity bringing together our community in partnership with Arkansas State University while honoring and celebrating the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This event not only serves as a chance to gather and strengthen bonds, but to reflect on the vision of Dr. King. Together, we look forward to creating a meaningful and inspiring experience which will continue to realize his ideals and ignite our shared values,” said Moore.

A-State receives HEED Award

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JONESBORO – INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine has recognized Arkansas State University as a winner of the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award. 

“Arkansas State University is dedicated to educating all students, and ensuring they have a home away from home. As we strive and continue to cultivate an environment where everyone belongs and thrives together, we must remember it starts with us,” said Dr. Carlitta Moore, vice chancellor for access and institutional engagement. 

Nationwide, 114 higher education institutions, including A-State, are recipients of the HEED Award. The HEED Award is the only national honor highlighting U.S. colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive campus environment. 

The impact is felt across the university, according to Moore.  

“We have seen under the leadership of Chancellor Todd Shields an increase in the number and diversity of students, as well as in leadership,” she said. “This award signals to prospective students, faculty and staff an academic community which values everyone, and can lead to improved retention rates, higher engagement and academic success. Additionally, it serves as both a symbol of progress and a motivator for continued work in a thriving environment.” 

It marks the seventh consecutive year A-State will take home the award. 

Moore says it was an honor to hear the university received the HEED Award again as it is the only institution on the list to represent the Natural State. 

“I was excited to know A-State is continuing to carry the legacy and remain the only school in Arkansas to hold this designation, a uniqueness which sets A-State apart and indicates we are leading by example,” according to Moore. “This honor reinforces we are genuinely committed to creating a welcoming environment, and the continuous efforts made over time.”

The HEED Award is a testament to the work taking place at A-State to foster a welcoming campus for students and the university community. 

“Our stakeholders take pride in fostering collaborations, enhancing partnerships with local, nation and international communities which benefit students, alumni, faculty and staff alike,” said Moore. “It is a representation of us actively taking steps towards making a real impact on the campus culture. It reflects successful efforts in fostering a sense of belonging, ensuring everyone has equitable access to resources, opportunities, and support systems.” 

A-State will be featured in the November/December issue of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the nation’s largest and oldest publication dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education. One can learn more about INSIGHT Into Diversity or the recipients online.

City of Jonesboro receives $1M grant for Community Park

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The City of Jonesboro has been awarded a $1,000,000 grant from the United States Department of the Interior’s National Park Services, through the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Program. This significant award will be administered by the State of Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism. Jonesboro City Council previously approved a local match of $1,129,675 which is represented in the 2024 Annual Budget. The Junior Auxiliary of Jonesboro has also committed $100,000 toward the development of this project.

“This is exciting news for our city and reinforces the great work of our Grants, Parks and Engineering departments who put together a great application for a long overdue park in Northeast Jonesboro,” said Jonesboro Mayor Copenhaver. “This park is a key investment in the well-being and quality of life for residents of Northeast Jonesboro. We are grateful to the National Park Service, the State of Arkansas, Junior Auxiliary, and both Cornerstone and Journey Churches for their partnership in making this vision a reality.”

The funds will be allocated to the creation of a new community park in Northeast Jonesboro, at the end of Disciple Drive. The park will cover at least 13 acres, with potential to expand to 23 acres, contingent on further land acquisition. Planned features will include:

  • A fully accessible adventure playground
  • Walking and biking trails
  • Tennis Courts
  • Pickleball Courts
  • A Dog Park
  • Multiuse Sports fields
  • An expanded entrance road
  • Parking lot
  • An abundance of natural greenspace

“When we first met with Mayor Copenhaver about how we could help improve Jonesboro, his pitch for a park in east Jonesboro was an immediate ‘yes’ as it lined up perfectly with our mission to improve lives for local youth. We are so proud to be a part of this wonderful project,” commented Junior Auxiliary President, Jessica Baker.

The City of Jonesboro’s Parks and Recreation Director Danny Kapales stated, “As the Master Parks Plan indicated, this location was lacking in park space and was a priority. This grant and future park represent what is possible to achieve as a collective group.”

This project aligns with the Social Determinants of Health Plan, with plans for the new park to be fully accessible to residents of all abilities. Notably, there is currently no city park within one and a half miles of the project site, making this development a resource for the surrounding community. Thousands of residents who live and work near the project area will have better access to outdoor recreation.

“This project is a culmination of more than two years of coordination between the City, the State of Arkansas, and the National Parks Service. We are excited any time we win a grant, but to secure the largest parks grant the City of Jonesboro has ever received is special and personal for our hard-working staff,” commented Jeremy Biggs, Director of Grants for the City of Jonesboro.

Next, the Jonesboro City Council will hear a resolution to accept the grant and purchase the property, to be presented to the Public Services Committee later this week. After approval from Public Services Committee, full council will consider next week. If approved, construction will begin in the Summer of 2025.

$3.5 Million in Federal Funding for Jonesboro Advances in U.S. Senate

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Courtesy of the City of Jonesboro/Johnathan Reaves, Delta Digital News Service

Copenhaver said the funding would provide additional resources to prevent and fight crime in the city and keep Jonesboro on the leading edge of incorporating technology into its policing efforts.  “When we talk about improving Jonesboro, public safety is a top priority,” he said. “This is reinforcement that we are on the right track, and I thank Senator Boozman for his efforts and for the hours he and his staff have dedicated to meeting with our Jonesboro team to discuss the wins and benefits of the system. He believes in it, and it shows.”

Jonesboro’s innovative Real-Time Crime and Intelligence Center now boasts more than 700 cameras strategically positioned around the area and has been referenced more than 600 times in cases this year alone. Data collected and retained also provides a valuable resource in building evidence to close cases, helping resolve accident disputes and identifying needed traffic and safety improvements, according to Jonesboro Police Chief Rick Elliott, “Our system provides officers and detectives with critical information that saves lives, immediately alerts us when a vehicle of interest enters the region and provides helpful information on the scene of an active incident or operation. The technology investment in policing is making a difference, and it shows.”

Craighead County Sheriff Marty Boyd talked about the importance of information sharing between agencies, “We work closely with the City of Jonesboro and share 911 facilities. Quickly transferring data, license plate alerts and video information is a huge benefit toward the safety of our area.”

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Paragould School District Approves Vehicle Purchase

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PSD School Board votes to purchase new superintendent vehicle

Delta Digital News Service

Friday, March 15, 2024

By Shelby Russom | Contributor

PARAGOULD, ARK. — The Paragould School District voted to approve the purchase of a new vehicle.

A 2019 GMC Sierra will replace the superintendent’s current vehicle, a 2014 GMC Acadia. The district will then transfer the previous vehicle to a different department within the school district for professional development, and the vehicle currently used for that purpose will go to the maintenance department. 

“We’ve got to be able to get our people around the district,” Superintendent Nicholas Jankoviak said. “With multiple vehicles, we’re able to divide and conquer.” 

“We’ve got to be able to get our people around the district, With multiple vehicles, we’re able to divide and conquer.” 

Superintendent Nicholas Jankoviak

It is the district’s responsibility to provide a vehicle for the superintendent’s business and personal use according to the PSD superintendent’s contract. The district will also assume all expenses related to this vehicle’s use, including insurance, fuel, maintenance, etc. 

During the March 11 meeting, the school board voted to purchase the vehicle. The vehicle, with just over 28,000 miles, combined with a six-year or 120,000-mile warranty, will cost the district $48,828.

Michael McBryde, senior vice president of Stephens Inc., presented a plan to the board concerning the district’s plan to sell their bonds and the next steps the district should take now since the bond restructure passed March 5. 

Michael McBryde, senior vice president of Stephens Inc., presented the board with a plan to sell the district’s bonds.
Shelby Russom | Delta Digital News Service

McBryde said it is important to have one final meeting with the school board before selling the bonds to ensure everyone is on the same page. 

“It’s just kinda always one of those things,” he said. “Before you sell a couple million dollars worth of bonds, it’s always nice to have a little touch-in meeting.” 

McBryde said he believes if the district sells its bonds in the current market, it will have a better interest rate.

 “That means you’ll get your $17 million and actually reduce your total annual payment,” he said.

Josh Honeycutt, school board secretary, said the proposal is fantastic and will save the district $3 million over 30 years. 

The bond sale will begin with the state-required publishing of the sale in the local newspapers. Currently, the bond sale will take place April 9. 

PSD school board motioned to approve an alternate calendar based on hours, not days. A traditional academic calendar requires a minimum of 178 instructional days. The board-approved alternate calendar requires the district to have 1,068 instructional hours, allowing them to save additional time for days off, such as inclement weather. 

Currently, the district is banking 1,101.42 hours, meaning the district will have 33.42 hours to bank. 

“We can bank over five six-hour days,” Jankoviak said. “So, what will happen is if we get bad weather, we can allow the students to stay home five times without having them make up any days at the end of the school year.” 

The district will utilize the extra days for professional learning communities (PLC), which act as teacher collaboration days. Jankoviak said this year, the district really focused on incorporating PLC days and believes they will help improve the district. 

He said PSD currently employs two of the only high-impact teachers in northeast Arkansas, and he believes allowing them to collaborate with their colleagues will help improve the district. 

Oak Grove’s principal, Jamie Dial, stated the academic achievement of the students of Oak Grove Middle School (OGMS). The school’s current enrollment is 503, with 234 fifth and 269 sixth-grade students. The average attendance is 91%. The school employs 32 certified teachers, with 22 having over six years of teaching experience in the district. 

“Our staff is strong,” Dial said. “They’re doing a great job; we’re doing everything we can for the kids.” 

Dial said the teachers within OGMS have gone above and beyond in grasping PLCs with math, science and language arts. 

Within the OGMS math department, the PLC meets every week to discuss remediation pathways from previous testing data. Dial said both sixth-grade math teachers show growth as high as 17% with their students’ ACT Aspire test scores. 

OGMS began Imagine Math Small Group on Demand Tutoring. This year-long virtual program will help 56 high-risk students bridge the gap in their math skills. 

In other business:

  • The school board elected Jeremy Hancock as president and disbursing officer, Teresa Hill as vice president and Josh Honeycutt as secretary. The remaining board members were elected as secondary disbursing officers. 
  • Due to law changes, the board approved policy updates from the Arkansas School Board Association effective July 1, 2024. 
  • The board expelled a 10th-grade student for the remainder of the 2023-24 school year for actions that violated student policies 4.18, 4.20, 4.21 and 4.22 and student rule two in the Paragould High School Student Policies Handbook. 

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Shelby Russom

Shelby Russom is a senior in the School of Media and Journalism at Arkansas State University. She can be reached at shelby.thompson1@smail.astate.edu

NOTE: Feature photo of Paragould School District School Board meeting by Shelby Russom.

Valley View School Board discusses progress on construction projects

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Board addresses 2-year construction project.

Delta Digital News Service

Thursday, February 8, 2024

By Laila Casiano | Contributor 

JONESBORO, Ark. — The Valley View Public School Board addressed progress on a 2-year construction project aimed at building new classrooms, a wing in the intermediate school building and a new cafeteria. 

Valley View Public Schools District initiated the construction project two years ago with expectations to complete the initial phases at the same time. The newly constructed STEM wing in the administration building finished in mid-July, just before the academic year began and the developments of the intermediate school wing, new cafeteria and 15 additional classrooms remain ongoing.

“It’s definitely not in an area that everybody knows about,” Valley View Superintendent . Roland Popejoy said. “It’s south of an existing building and is a much-needed addition for our growth, for our intermediate building that serves students in grades three through six.”

“It’s definitely not in an area that everybody knows about,” Valley View Superintendent Roland Popejoy said. “It’s south of an existing building and is a much-needed addition for our growth, for our intermediate building that serves students in grades three through six.”

Supt. Roland Popejoy, Valley View School District

     Justin Shrable, project manager, and Adam Seitor, executive vice-president of operations at Nabholz Construction, attended the school board meeting to update progress. 

     “We finally got things moving well over there (the intermediate wing),” Shrable said. “Right now, we are back filling, painting dry walls and we finished the last pouring of concrete for the courtyard.”

     Shrable and Seitor addressed an issue regarding a connection between the new addition and the existing structure, which proved unfeasible due to different materials being used. They collaborated with architects, their construction company and engineers to devise a solution accommodating the existing structure.

     Unexpected delays occurred due to issues with the geothermal heating, cooling and ventilation (HVAC) field and existing utilities, postponing construction by a year and a half. Completion estimates suggest that one part of the cafeteria/classroom will finish in April, while the other will be completed in August.

     The board also sought approval for a lawn care and grounds maintenance contract, along with a project to replace the bus fuel station.

     “Lawn care is an area that we have been discussing over the last year or so,” Popejoy said. “Potentially looking to outsource that as opposed to having grounds served by the staff of Valley View but by a contractor provider.”

     The approved contract will ensure well-maintained grounds without ongoing overhead maintenance. However, the bus fuel station in the Valley View bus depot currently holds an older diesel tank which does not meet the code requirements, in regards to containment. The Jonesboro fire marshall spoke to the board about needing to replace it. 

     They identified solutions by various contract providers (in diesel and fuel) but tabled the proposal for a replacement project because they want to be “good stewards of the communities’ tax-paying money,” and are looking at all available options before making a final decision.

     Upon returning from executive session, the board approved superintendent evaluations and the superintendent’s contract extension. 

     In other business, the board:

  • Denied two student transfers due to capacity constraints.
  • Approved six personnel resignations.
  • Adopted the 2024-2025 school choice capacity resolution.
  • Approved Winter Arkansas School Board Association Model Policy.
  • Adopted a resolution to submit an inclement weather calendar waiver, in regards to calendar submission deadlines. 
  • Adopted revisions and approved the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 calendars.
  • Adopted resolutions to submit Act 1240 waiver regarding early academic year entry.
  • Approved purchase of 150 band uniforms for the Valley View Public Schools’ marching band.

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Laila Casiano

 Laila Casiano is a junior in the multimedia journalism program in the School of Media and Journalism at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. She can be reached at: laila.casiano@smail.astate.edu

NOTE: Featured photo shows from left, Valley View Public School Board members, Todd Reed, disbursing officer; Kristy Rowe, secretary;  Sara Osment, assistant superintendent; Judy Clampit, chief financial officer; Roland Popejoy, superintendent; Richard Rogers, president;  Lee Lane, vice president; Brant Tosh, Tyler Watkins and  Ryan Gibson, alternate disbursing officer.