News

Calendar, Construction Updates Top El Dorado School Board Meeting

Published

10 months ago

September 10, 2025

Jax Sanford

EL DORADO, AR—The El Dorado School District board meeting on Monday, September 8, 2025, provided a comprehensive look at the district’s progress, honoring its top students and employees and addressing key issues like ongoing construction and the contentious vote on the 2026-2027 school calendar.

Construction Update

The district’s new construction projects are moving along, with most of the concrete foundation already poured. Officials anticipate the remaining foundation work will be completed within the next couple of weeks. Following that, a significant amount of metal framing will be installed.

A random drawing was also held to stagger the board members’ six-year terms following a mandate from the State of Arkansas. The 6-year terms per seat were divided into 3-2-2 for the years 2026, 2028, and 2030, respectively. Vicky Dobson’s position will be up for election in 2028, while board member Wayne Gibson’s seat will be on the ballot in 2030. Mr. Gibson, who has served on the board for 35 years, expressed his thanks to the board and the district remotely after a recent medical procedure.

El Dorado High School Spotlights

Student of the Month: Senior Samantha Huddleston, daughter of Sarah and Bobby Huddleston, was recognized as Student of the Month. A standout in the top 5% of the Class of 2026, Samantha was honored for her dedication, good attitude, and resilience. Principal Jameson noted that she is “dedicated to being the best” and that she “goes above and beyond as a student and a person.” He described her as resilient, responsible, and respectful, with a heart to serve. Jameson said she is a “shining example” and that her “maturity, wisdom, and kindness” make everyone around her better.

Classified Employee of the Month: Valorie Jacobson, a 14-year veteran at EHS, was named Classified Employee of the Month. Married to her husband Jay for 37 years with four sons and a daughter, Jacobson has served in nearly every role at the high school, short of superintendent. Her coworkers come to her for solutions, and Principal Jameson said she is a “pillar for the high school” and that his own job is easier because of her. She is described as being the first person in the building to ensure everything is done so that she can help others, as “nothing is below her.”

Teacher of the Month: LaPorsha Carter received the Teacher of the Month award. Now in her 17th year in education, with seven at EHS, Ms. Carter was lauded for her “amazing energy.” Principal Jameson shared that she didn’t originally set out to be a teacher, but wanted to be “part of something bigger than herself where she can serve others.” She supports and uplifts others daily, even “when it’s not convenient,” and students know she wants them to succeed both inside and outside of the classroom. Carter is also known for building bridges in education and for being a positive impact on students, parents, and coworkers. She is a “truly an asset to the school district” who goes “above and beyond for EVERYONE” and is often treated “like a mother, nurse, and therapist.” Principal Jameson described her as “most beloved, real, and able to connect with students nobody else can.”

EHS Academic and Career Readiness Highlights

Principal Jameson also shared some impressive statistics about the educational opportunities at EHS:

Course Offerings: The school offers 245 classes, significantly more than the 38.5 required by the state. This includes 21 AP courses and 60 concurrent credit courses.
Career Readiness: EHS has robust programs, including a career fair with over 30 businesses, a “Be Pro Be Proud” initiative with a mobile unit, and a manufacturing day at the Southern Arkansas College. The school’s agricultural program has 315 students and nearly 50 animals, an increase from nearly 300 students and 10 animals from the previous school year.
Welding Program: The school’s welding program has produced eight nationally certified welders.
College Readiness: Over 15 college visits have already been scheduled for the year, and a college fair that will host 31 colleges. The district’s Renewing the Promise program has 178 students from the class of 2025 attending 40 universities nationwide.
AP Scores: El Dorado experienced their highest average scores in the last 5 years in; AP Biology, AP Calculus BC, AP Chemistry, AP Language and Composition, Ap Literature and Composition, AP Physics 1, AP Precalculus, and AP World was .02 from being the highest.
- EHS had 118 students, out of 310, score a 3 or higher.
- 39- AP Scholars
- No student enrolled in the AP Calculus BC, Chemistry, Physics 2, or Precalculus scored a 1 on their AP Exams. The grade scale for these test is 1-5, with 5 showing a mastery of the subject.
EHS was awarded the U.S. News and World Report “Best High Schools”

Principal Jameson also went on to speak of the District’s performance when compared to other schools around the state and neighboring districts.

ACT Scores for 2026 Graduates

2026 Graduates	Composite Score	English Score	Math Score	Reading Score	Science Score
ESD	17.9	16.8	17.6	18.1	18.7
Neighbor 1	14.7	13	15.2	14.9	15.3
Neighbor 2	18.1	17	18	18.4	18.5
Neighbor 3	17.3	16.4	16.3	18.5	17.8
Neighbor 4	17.4	16	17.5	17.3	18.5
Neighbor 5	17	16.3	16.8	17.4	17.2
Neighbor 6	13.2	11.8	13.8	12.5	13.6

*Neighboring school districts were not named in the presentation.

ATLAS Data
- Individual Student Growth
  - 80% of students improved in Algebra 1
  - 70% in Geometry
  - 51% in Biology
  - 44% in ELA 10
  - 42% in ELA 9

Principal Jameson thanked the board for their continued support of El Dorado High School and said he has never had more fun during a school year than getting to be the principal for El Dorado High School.

Student Recognition and Upcoming Events

The top 5% of the 2026 Class and State Champion Athletes will be recognized on Friday, 9/12/25, @ 6:30 p.m. before the first home football game of the season, facing off against an out-of-conference rival, Texarka, AR.

Homecoming will be on Friday, 10/10/25 with a parade before the game.

Calendar Vote Sparks Frustration

The school board meeting ended with a controversial vote on the proposed 2026-2027 school calendar. ESD Personnel Policy Committee, Hannah Cardin, presented two options, a traditional calendar and an alternative calendar, with the alternative calendar favored by both district staff (74.3%) and the community (57.7%). The community survey was shared and circulated on district social media pages. Both calendars included 178 school days for students with 190 contract days for teachers. The Personnel Policy Committee pointed out that there would be a week-and-a-half difference in the start date for each proposed calendar, but there would be more frequent breaks throughout the school year. Proponents of the alternative calendar noted that other districts using it haven’t discontinued it and that it’s been shown to lower student absences.

However, board member Susan Tuberville shared concerns for the “unheard who don’t speak up.” The motion to accept the alternative calendar was made by Renee Skinner and seconded by Wayne Gibson.

The roll call vote was as follows:

Keith Smith: No
Wayne Gibson: Yes
Susan Tuberville: No
Vicky Dobson: No
Kenneth Clemons: No
Todd Whatley: Yes
Renee Skinner: Yes

With a final vote of 3-4, the motion failed, and the alternative calendar was not approved. The decision sparked visible frustration among the district staff and personnel in attendance. Following the vote, Mr. Gibson voiced his concern over the board’s decision to go against the wishes of the district’s educators. It was also stated by others in attendance of the School Board Meeting to contact their School Board Representative to voice their opinions on the matter. For more information on who your representative is on the El Dorado School Board and how to contact them, you can contact the District Office @ (870)-864-5006 or visit https://www.eldoradopublicschools.org/page/school-board

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News

El Dorado School District To Offer Free Breakfast, Elementary School Supplies

Published

36 minutes ago

July 22, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO, Ark. — As families prepare for the start of a new school year, the El Dorado School District is working to ease some of the financial burden by providing free meals and classroom supplies for students.

District officials announced that all El Dorado School District students will receive free breakfast during the upcoming school year. In addition, students in kindergarten through fourth grade will receive free instructional school supplies, helping ensure they have the materials they need on the first day of class.

The district says the initiative is part of its ongoing commitment to supporting families, removing barriers to learning and helping every student begin the school year ready for success.

By providing essential resources such as breakfast and classroom supplies, school leaders hope students can focus on learning rather than worrying about basic needs.

The district encourages families to take advantage of the programs as they make final preparations for the new school year.

“At ESD, Every Student Deserves a great start,” the district said in announcing the back-to-school support initiatives.

News

City of El Dorado Seeks Applicants For Airport Commission

Published

38 minutes ago

July 22, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO — The City of El Dorado is accepting applications from residents interested in serving on the El Dorado Airport Commission.

City officials are seeking qualified applicants to fill a position on the commission, which helps provide oversight and guidance for the operation and future development of South Arkansas Regional Airport at Goodwin Field.

Those interested in serving are encouraged to submit an application before the 5 p.m. deadline on Thursday, Aug. 20.

Residents who would like more information about the position or the application process can contact City Clerk Heather McVay at 870-881-4877 or by email at [email protected].

The City of El Dorado encourages community members who are interested in contributing to the future of local aviation and economic development to apply.

News

Heat Advisory Continues For South Arkansas Counties

Published

53 minutes ago

July 22, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO — Dangerous heat will continue across South Arkansas today, with the National Weather Service warning that heat index values could climb as high as 109 to 115 degrees in some locations.

Much of Union County and the surrounding South Arkansas region, including El Dorado, remains under a Heat Advisory, while areas farther south and west across East Texas and northern Louisiana are under an Extreme Heat Warning.

Afternoon high temperatures are expected to reach the upper 90s to lower 100s, but the combination of heat and humidity will make it feel significantly hotter.

The National Weather Service says prolonged exposure to these conditions can quickly lead to heat-related illnesses, especially for older adults, young children, people with chronic health conditions and anyone working or exercising outdoors.

Residents are encouraged to:

Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Limit strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the afternoon.
Stay in air-conditioned buildings whenever possible, as fans alone may not provide enough cooling during extreme heat.
Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing if spending time outside.

Officials also remind residents to check on neighbors, relatives and pets during the prolonged stretch of dangerous heat and never leave children or animals unattended in vehicles.

The heat advisory remains in effect through this evening, with forecasters expecting another round of dangerously hot conditions later this week.

News

El Dorado Business Leader Madison Murphy to Receive Statewide Leadership in Free Enterprise Award

Published

20 hours ago

July 21, 2026

Sandy Sanford

Madison Murphy being honored as tourism person of the year at the Governor's Conference on Tourism. Photo from GoElDorado.com

LITTLE ROCK, AR – Throughout his career, Madison Murphy has earned a reputation as one of Arkansas’ most respected business leaders, with decades of service spanning corporate leadership, education, philanthropy, and the arts. This fall, that legacy will be recognized on a statewide stage.

The El Dorado native has been named one of two recipients of the Leadership in Free Enterprise Award, presented by Economics Arkansas, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to advancing economic and personal finance education across the state.

Murphy graduated from Hendrix College in Conway in 1980 with a degree in economics and business administration before returning to El Dorado to begin his career with Murphy Oil Corporation as a junior accountant. He quickly advanced through the company’s ranks, serving as a junior auditor and associate auditor before accepting international assignments in London, England, with Murphy Eastern Oil and in New Orleans, Louisiana, with Murphy’s Ocean Drilling and Exploration Company.

Despite opportunities abroad, Murphy chose to return home in 1988, joining Murphy Oil as vice president of planning. Over the years, he held several executive leadership positions, including treasurer, chief financial and administrative officer, and ultimately chairman of the board. He continues to serve as a member of the Murphy Oil Board of Directors.

Beyond Murphy Oil, his leadership has extended across Arkansas’ business and civic landscape. Murphy served for a decade on the Arkansas Highway Commission, spent more than 11 years on the board of BancorpSouth, and also served on the board of Deltic Timber Corporation.

He is a founding member of the Murphy Arts District (MAD), co-owner of Presqu’ile Winery, president of the Murphy Foundation, and has served as chairman of the board of Murphy USA since the company’s 2013 spinoff from Murphy Oil.

Economics Arkansas selected Murphy for the Leadership in Free Enterprise Award in recognition of his commitment to promoting the principles and success of free enterprise throughout Arkansas.

Formerly known as the Arkansas Council on Economic Education, Economics Arkansas equips PreK-12 educators with the training and classroom resources needed to teach economics and personal finance. The organization believes that preparing teachers creates a multiplier effect, allowing generations of Arkansas students to gain practical financial knowledge and a stronger understanding of the marketplace.

Murphy will be honored during the organization’s annual awards ceremony on Nov. 4 at the DoubleTree Hotel in Little Rock. Also receiving recognition that evening will be Walter Hussman Jr., chairman of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.

Tickets for the event are $125 and may be purchased online or by calling 501-682-4230.

Featured

Murphy-Pitard Jewelers Joins Downtown El Dorado’s Christmas in July Celebration

Published

23 hours ago

July 21, 2026

Jax Sanford

EL DORADO, Ark. – Christmas is coming early to historic downtown El Dorado as Murphy-Pitard Jewelers invites the community to celebrate the Christmas in July festivities, taking place Thursday, July 23, through Saturday, July 25.

Following the success of last year’s event, Murphy-Pitard is bringing the celebration back with an even greater focus on festive fun, holiday planning, and the excitement of brand-new jewelry arrivals.

Throughout the three-day event, customers will have the opportunity to get a first look at the store’s newest collections, recently hand-selected at market, while shopping the best selection before the holiday season begins.

“The response to Christmas in July last year was incredible, and we couldn’t wait to bring it back,” said Amanda Pitard, owner of Murphy-Pitard Jewelers. “It’s such a fun way to celebrate with our community, introduce the new pieces we found at market, help customers start their Christmas wish lists early, and remind everyone it’s never too early to start planning for the holidays. Whether you’re beginning your Christmas shopping or simply enjoying the festivities downtown, we hope you’ll stop in and celebrate with us.”

Guests can enjoy holiday treats, festive decorations, Christmas music, and plenty of Christmas cheer while exploring the store’s newest arrivals. Murphy-Pitard Jewelers is proud to join the Downtown Business Association and Main Street El Dorado, celebrating Christmas in July as downtown businesses spread holiday cheer with festive activities and create a fun shopping experience throughout historic downtown El Dorado.

Customers are encouraged to create their Christmas wish list during the event for a chance to win a $500 Murphy-Pitard Jewelers shopping spree through a special Christmas in July Wish & Win giveaway.

For the first time, Murphy-Pitard Jewelers is introducing a special Christmas layaway program during Christmas in July. The three-day offer allows customers to reserve gifts with 0% down, NO interest, and five equal monthly payments, making it easy to plan ahead for the holidays while securing the store’s newest arrivals. (Restrictions apply. See store for complete details.)

Additional highlights include Santa Savings, featuring select merchandise specially marked for the event, as well as a visit from Summer Santa on Saturday.

Murphy-Pitard Jewelers’ Christmas in July will take place during regular business hours:

Thursday- Friday, July 23- July 24: 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 25: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

For more information about Murphy-Pitard Jewelers, visit the store in historic downtown El Dorado, call (870) 863-8818, or follow Murphy-Pitard Jewelers on Facebook for event updates and sneak peeks of the newest arrivals.