News

El Dorado School District Votes Down Alternative Calendar for 3rd Time

Published

11 months ago

September 23, 2025

Sandy Sanford

EL DORADO – The El Dorado School Board conducted a special-called meeting on Monday, September 22, 2025, to discuss two key topics. The first item on the agenda was to reconsider the vote for an alternative calendar that the El Dorado School Board voted to veto in favor of keeping a traditional calendar for the 2026-2027 School Year.

Superintendent Jim Tucker opened the meeting by thanking everyone for showing up and asking that respect be shown between all participants. He reassured attendees that every board member cares deeply about the district, regardless of differing opinions, and emphasized that “we are all here for the same purpose—giving the best to our students, staff, and parents.”

The podium then welcomed Hannah Cardin, the District Personnel Policy Committee Chair. Cardin thanked the board for hearing her again and bringing the meeting together. She described the district as superior, saying, “There is no district I would rather work for or send my kids to school in.” Speaking as the Chair for the committee and educator, Cardin explained that her role is to advocate for the staff who feel unheard while also representing her students. She stressed that everyone in the room shared a common goal: the well-being, learning, and safety of students.

Cardin detailed the many responsibilities teachers take on beyond instruction. Cardin spoke on her experience, saying that she often also handed out band-aids for students’ “boo-boo’s,” tissues to students who came seeking her mentorship in tough situations, and even gluing backpacks together. Cardin emphasized that the teachers were not making a selfish decision in recommending the alternative calendar, but that the teachers of El Dorado School District would be willing to lay down their lives for their students. Cardin reminded the El Dorado School Board that they don’t have to participate in a classroom as the schools conduct monthly Active Shooter Drills and invited them to attend one. She also noted that professional development includes training for child safety, reinforcing that teachers are more than subject instructors.

She emphasized that teachers are not asking for extra vacation time but rather for schedules that prevent burnout. Longer summer breaks, she explained, cause student regression and hinder progress. An alternative calendar would allow more time for doctor appointments without excessive absences for both students and teachers. Teachers often feel guilty for missing class due to substitute shortages, and substitutes cannot provide the same continuity. A more balanced schedule would reduce burnout and improve consistency by keeping regular teachers in front of students.

Cardin also explained that school improvement plans are only as strong as the teachers who implement them. Responding to a concern for the “voiceless,” she pointed out that teachers themselves are the voices of the unheard. She acknowledged both calendar options of 178 student contact days and 190 teacher contract days, and she reminded the Board of countless statistics and research findings that the committee was able to find. Cardin closed by thanking the board for their time. A round of applause followed.

73% of teachers voted for the 2025-2026 Alternative Calendar
76% of teachers voted for the 2026-2027 Alternative Calendar

The Public Comments

Vicky Dobson then read the rules for public comments, reminding attendees that each commenter had three minutes to speak, with a total of 30 minutes allotted.

Jessica Webb, a Dyslexia Interventionist for the District, recommended the alternative calendar with start dates of either August 3 or August 12. She explained that although teachers are contracted for 7.17 hours, they often work 8–10 hours daily. Students, she argued, benefit from more frequent breaks, and evidence shows alternative calendars reduce absences. Webb shared a personal example of missing school for a doctor’s appointment because it couldn’t be scheduled during spring break, stating that Calendar A was about sustainability rather than convenience.

Nichole McAdams said she did not attend the last meeting because she trusted community surveys, but was disappointed in the outcome. She explained that late afternoons and Fridays become difficult when breaks are too far apart, leading to student inattentiveness. McAdams shared her heartbreak over the last decision, stating she always believed the board supported staff. She urged the board to try the calendar for one year.

Laura Allen, a parent of two daughters in the district, expressed support for the alternative calendar. She said summer is often a struggle for families, with children continuing to grow and desiring to learn. She reasoned that if balancing summer is difficult for a director at SAAC, it must be harder for many other parents. She also shared that her students feel less anxious about school and are enthusiastic about the idea of more frequent breaks.

Shelby Goff, a first-grade teacher at Yocum Primary in her second year, admitted she is already feeling burned out. She explained that the district deserves teachers who are happy to show up and teach, warning that turnover will continue to rise if nothing changes.

Devin Patterson, father of three students, voiced frustration that surveys were disregarded. He felt distanced from the decision-making process, noting that over half of district families are economically challenged and that summer regression disproportionately affects this demographic. He added that teachers need time for rest since their schedules limit vacation opportunities to peak seasons.

Chester Passmore III, a local pastor, father, and mentor, thanked the board for serving. He criticized the lack of transparency, comparing it to refusing a spouse’s request without giving an explanation. He said he emailed his representative but never received a response. Passmore III expressed his grief with the disrespect he felt the Board had given the community, with a lack of explanation for their ruling against the public surveys.

Hannah Singleton, a substitute teacher who lasted only three weeks before leaving, also spoke. As an adjunct professor, she stressed that teachers are “the ones with boots on the ground.” She urged the board to adopt flexibility, warning that rigidity breaks when worn down. Since the calendar is voted on annually, she asked the board to try something new.

Willow Pumar explained that the Personnel Policy Committee’s alternative calendar addressed concerns about year-round school while offering better consistency, particularly for students with special needs. She said the approach could reduce absences and behavioral incidents, and that survey results showed the hardest challenges of community investment had already been addressed.

Lori Wilcox insisted that supporting the alternative calendar was not a selfish decision, countering claims that teachers were choosing what was easiest for themselves. She thanked board members who voted “yes” by name.

An El Dorado School District student came to the podium without permission, but was granted approval by the Board. The student asked why the board would go against the wishes of teachers and students, asking directly, “Did you forget about us?” The student argued that the alternative calendar would provide more time for catching up academically, working on areas of weakness, and allowing teachers preparation and recovery time.

Every community member who spoke at the meeting was given a round of applause.

The Board Votes

In the previous meeting, the Board Members voted as so:

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

In tonight’s meeting, the Board Members voted as so:

Wayne Gibson pointed out that board initiatives in the past, such as early Wednesday dismissals and moving ninth grade to EHS, were once predicted to harm the district but were ultimately successful. Gibson mentioned he had reached out to other Board Members for districts around the state that had made the switch, and he stated that the consensus was positive. He said the Board had trusted Tucker’s and Pruitt’s opinions then, so it should also listen when teachers present researched facts. Gibson pointed out he voted yes for the 2025-2026 Alternative Calendar and for the 2026-2027 Alternative Calendar. He remained with his vote of favoring the Alternative Calendar for the 2026-2027 calendar.

Keith Smith explained that he made the decision he believed was best and did not take it lightly. Based on his research, he concluded that neither calendar offered a complete win. He stated that children thrive on routine, which he felt the Alternative Calendar disrupted. Keith Smith voted against the proposed change.

Todd Whatley spoke briefly on his vote mentioning that he originally voted no for an Alternative Calendar for this school year back in the Spring, but he decided to look more into the numbers. Whatley stated that roughly 75% of the 350 teachers surveyed supported the Alternative Calendar. He said that if the teachers and administrators, with well over 1000+ hours of education in education believed in this, “Let’s give it a try.” Todd Whatley voted in favor of the Alternative Calendar.

Renee Skinner, who voted yes, acknowledged that opponents made compelling arguments but felt the numbers ultimately supported change. She stressed that if the Alternative Calendar did not work, the Board could pivot. The calendar is voted on yearly. Renee Skinner voted in favor of the Alternative Calendar

Kenneth Clemons thanked teachers, acknowledging that the profession often feels unrewarding or not as rewarding as you would hope. Clemons stated that he is a junior Board member, but his vote is casted by community, not seniority. Clemons stated that he knocked on the doors of those who signed the petition to get him on the ballot for School Board to ask for their opinions. He stated that many of his supporters were against the change. Clemons reminded those in attendance that the School Board serves for free, but the district can remain unified regardless of outcome. Clemons voted against the Alternative Calendar

Susan Tuberville stated firmly, that she was looking out into the public and seeing all of the faces staring at her angrily and that she would not change her vote. She argued that one of the primary justifications in the argument for the Alternative Calendar was less regression over summer due to a shorter break. She stated that an 8-day difference in start would not have the effect on regression that the Personnel Committee was hoping for. Tuberville also pointed out concerns for childcare costs, saying she “knows the price of a babysitter.” She stated she would be listening to her constituents and voting against the Alternative Calendar. Two audience members clapped following Tuberville’s remarks, drawing noticeable tension from supporters of the Alternative Calendar.

Vicky Dobson apologized for allowing only one teacher to speak at a previous meeting and acknowledged that fairness had been disregarded. She explained that she had spoken with teachers and administrators and received many emails and texts, most in favor of the traditional calendar. While her head told her one thing, she said her heart led her to cast the deciding vote for the traditional calendar, believing it was the best option “for now.”

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

Notably, the School Board presented none of the data they collected to the public. Many of those in attendance asked “where were the voices of those who opposed tonight?” as they walked out of the room. Others mumbled that they should “select board members on feelings instead of votes.”

Wayne Gibson made a personal statement of personal opinion, “Madame President, I fear this is the 3rd time we’ve made a mistake.” Mr. Tucker concluded this portion of the meeting by thanking everyone who came out to express their opinions. He praised the speakers, saying he was proud of their passion and emphasized that by continuing to work together, a solution would eventually be found.

El Dorado School Board Approves 2026-2027 Proposed Budget

The Board voted unanimously to accept the proposed budget by Shelly Pruitt, the Treasurer for El Dorado School District.

For more information on the proposed budget, please reach out to the El Dorado School District.

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News

Downed Power Line Has EFD Fighting Nighttime Fire

Published

3 days ago

August 15, 2026

Sandy Sanford

EL DORADO, AR – El Dorado Fire Department was called out late Saturday night when a limb crashed across an active power line inside the Racquet Club neighborhood on El Dorado’s North side.

At approx 11:00 P.M, residents in the area reported their lights blinking several times and then power going out. Shortly thereafter, neighbors reported smelling smoke and seeing flames coming from a power pole. Soon thereafter, flames were reported in the backyard of a home on Kenwood Street, with a subsequent fire happening on 19th street.

El Dorado Fire Department responded and found a downed power line. Knowing that the power line could present greater problems, the crews worked quickly to identify the line and if it was live. In the meantime, other fire fighters were working to extinguish the flames, which given the dangerously dry conditions, could spread quickly.

As of this posting, the EFD crews were still identifying any hot-spots that could be lingering in the debris of the fallen limb and power line.

News

Mulerider Football Enters Fall Camp With New Faces, High Expectations and Stadium Improvements on the Horizon

Published

6 days ago

August 13, 2026

Jax Sanford

MAGNOLIA, Ark. – Southern Arkansas University football is back on the practice field as the Muleriders prepare for the 2026 season, and Head Coach Brad Smiley believes his team is building toward something special both on and off the field.

Smiley recently invited South Arkansas Now to take a look at the Muleriders during fall camp and spoke about his expectations for the upcoming season, his players’ commitment to the community, and his goal of making sure every student-athlete has the best possible experience at SAU.

One of the points Smiley takes particular pride in is the Muleriders’ commitment to serving the community. Last season, the program was recognized as the national champion in community service, following back-to-back runner-up finishes the previous two years.

For Smiley, however, success extends well beyond what happens between the lines.

“I want to give every single one of our players the best experience possible at SAU,” Smiley emphasized, while also stressing the importance of helping his players grow academically and developmentally during their time in Magnolia.

On the field, the Muleriders enter the 2026 campaign following a strong 8-3 season in 2025. Southern Arkansas dominantly closed last season, defeating the University of Arkansas at Monticello 49-10 in the annual Battle for the Timberlands.

New Quarterback Leads New Faces

One of the biggest changes heading into this season comes at quarterback, where the Muleriders have added transfer quarterback CJ Montes.

Montes began his collegiate career at New Mexico before transferring to Fordham University. During his time with the Rams, he threw for more than 3,000 yards, 26 touchdowns and just one interception. He recorded five games with more than 300 passing yards, including a 400-yard performance, and led the Patriot League in passing touchdowns. His impressive season earned him recognition as a finalist for the Walter Payton Award.

Montes later transferred to Kent State, where he was named the team’s Week 1 starter and appeared in two games, completing 10 of 19 passes for 140 yards and a touchdown before suffering a season-ending injury.

The Muleriders will also look to Arkez Gomez to provide production in the backfield. Gomez served as the team’s starting running back last season while sharing carries with multiple players. He finished 2025 with 103 rushing attempts for 562 yards and three touchdowns.

Gomez was also a factor in the passing game, catching 19 passes for 257 yards and three touchdowns. He even added a passing touchdown to his stat line.

El Dorado’s JJ Samuel Joins the Muleriders

Among the familiar names on the Muleriders’ roster is El Dorado High School alumnus JJ Samuel.

Samuel comes to Magnolia after an impressive 2025 season with the Wildcats, rushing for more than 1,100 yards on fewer than 200 carries while accounting for more than 20 total touchdowns.

His addition gives SAU another local product with proven production at the high school level.

Wilkins Stadium Set for Major Facelift

While the Muleriders prepare for the season, changes are also coming to their home field.

SAU has announced a three-phase facilities enhancement project for the football program, with the first two phases already funded through private gifts and pledges from alumni and friends of the university.

The first phase will focus on revitalizing Wilkins Stadium’s exterior, including new metal, brick and signage designed to give the facility a more modern appearance.

The second phase will bring a significant change to the playing surface. SAU plans to remove the existing artificial turf and install Pivot Performance Turf, a newer turf technology designed to provide grass-like performance while offering consistent traction and controlled release for athletes. According to the university, Southern Arkansas will be among the first universities in the country to utilize the technology.

The final phase of the project will be announced at a later date as details continue to be finalized.

The renovations will be completed by GeoSurfaces, a Tencate Company that has previously worked on several SAU athletic facilities, including Walker Stadium at Goodheart Field, Dawson Field at the Margaret Downing Softball Complex, the Dawson Athletic Complex and the Mulerider Track and Field Complex.

The project is being funded entirely through private support, with donors set to receive recognition, including select facility naming opportunities, once all phases are completed.

Muleriders Open at Home in September

The Muleriders will open their 2026 home schedule on Saturday, September 12, at 6 p.m., when they welcome Southern Nazarene to Wilkins Stadium.

With a strong returning core, several new additions to the roster, a new quarterback and major improvements coming to their home facility, Smiley and the Muleriders enter the season looking to build on last year’s 8-3 campaign.

But for Smiley, the measure of the program will continue to be bigger than wins and losses.

The Muleriders will once again look to compete on the field while representing Southern Arkansas University through academics, player development and service to the Magnolia and surrounding communities.

News

Complete List of Candidates for Election This Fall

Published

6 days ago

August 13, 2026

Sandy Sanford

EL DORADO, AR – The field is now set for the November 2026 General Election in Union County, with the certified list of candidates finalized for county offices and municipalities. The election will be held Tuesday, November 3, 2026. The certified candidate list includes contests for Union County offices as well as races in several of the county’s cities and towns.

One of the most closely watched countywide races will be the contest for Union County Sheriff. Republican Michael Fife and Democrat Erick Meadows will face one another in November for the position. Both candidates are members of the Union County law enforcement community. Meadows is a captain with the Union County Sheriff’s Office, while Fife is a former Smackover Police Chief and currently serves as an investigator with the Sheriff’s Office. The sheriff’s race became an open contest following Sheriff Ricky Roberts’ decision to leave the office and return to the El Dorado Police Department as chief.

Other county offices on the 2026 ballot include positions involving county government and the quorum court. The certified list also includes candidates for municipal offices throughout Union County. The November election will provide voters with the opportunity to decide contested races while candidates running unopposed will also appear on the ballot as required by Arkansas election law. Arkansas law allows the County Board of Election Commissioners to certify certain unopposed candidates as elected without requiring them to appear in a contested race.

Contested Union County races include:

COUNTY JUDGE: Incumbent (R) Mike Loftin, Todd Dickson (I)

SHERIFF: Michael Fife (R), Erick L. Meadows (D)

QUORUM COURT DISTRICT 6: Jebb T. Young (R), Solena Sayer (D)

MAYOR – EL DORADO: Andre Rucks (D), Incumbent Paul Choate (R), Byron D. Miller, Jr. (I)

CITY ATTORNEY – EL DORADO: Incumbent Robert Rushing (R), LaQuetta S. Henry (D)

ALDERMAN – EL DORADO WARD 1 POSITION 2: Incumbent Jill Weinschke (R), LaQuita Rainey (D)

ALDERMAN – EL DORADO WARD 2 POSITION 1: Lance Greer Jr. (R), Veronica Smith-Creer (D)

ALDERMAN – EL DORADO WARD 2 POSITION 2: Incumbent Judy Ward (R), Amy S. Smith (D), Nathan L. Rainey (I)

MAYOR – HUTTIG: Emmit “Tony” Anthony Cole Jr. (I), Bennie Ford Jr. (I)

CITY COUNCIL – HUTTIG WARD 3 POSITION 2: Van Page (I), Edward Henson (I)

MAYOR – JUNCTION CITY: Sharon L. Williams (R), Steven Burroughs (I), James H. McClelland (I)

CITY COUNCIL – JUNCTION CITY WARD 2 POSITION 2: Paul Ennis (I), Keisha Noble (I)

CITY COUNCIL – JUNCTION CITY WARD 3 POSITION 2: Ricky Allen Watts (I), Bruce Green (I)

MAYOR – STRONG: Charles Perry (I), Tracie L. Thrower (I)

RECORDER / TREASURER – STRONG: Latosha Gatson (I), Patricia Warren (I)

CITY COUNCIL – STRONG WARD 1 POSITION 1: Arthemus Henry (I), Marcus Barr (I)

CITY COUNCIL – STRONG WARD 3 POSITION 1: Kenneth Harris (D), John L. Hicks (I)

SCHOOL BOARD – SMACKOVER NORPHLET ZONE 4: Derrick D. Goodwin, Cliff Preston,

According to the Arkansas Secretary of State’s 2026 election calendar, the General Election will take place November 3, with certification of election results following the election according to statutory timelines.

Voters can check registration information, polling locations and other election information through the Union County election office. The Union County election office is located at 101 N. Washington, Suite 102, in El Dorado. With the candidate filing period now complete and the certified list established, the next major chapter of the 2026 election season will be the campaigns leading up to Election Day.

News

El Dorado EATS Launches to Showcase Local Dining

Published

6 days ago

August 13, 2026

Sandy Sanford

EL DORADO, AR – Fourteen El Dorado restaurants have joined together to launch El Dorado EATS, a collaborative initiative designed to raise awareness of the city’s growing culinary scene and encourage residents and visitors to experience one of South Arkansas’ most diverse destinations for great dining. The project launched in August with the debut of a new website and dedicated Facebook and Instagram pages designed to promote El Dorado’s local dining scene. The launch coincides with the distribution of the new 48-page El Dorado Dining Guide, which showcases area restaurants, visitor information and dining opportunities throughout the community. The El Dorado Dining Guide features KTVE News anchor Cindy Langston, who will help bring the guide’s pages to life throughout October on a daily segment on NBC 10 News at 4PM, Langston will introduce viewers to local restaurants through interviews with restaurant owners and features that highlight El Dorado’s diverse dining options.

The new guide is an extension of the El Dorado Insider, a quarterly community guide published by The Diamond Agency of El Dorado. Both publications are designed to promote local businesses, entertainment venues, attractions and upcoming events while encouraging residents and visitors to experience more of what El Dorado has to offer. According to Don Hale, publisher, “El Dorado EATS provides a platform for restaurants to engage in a year-round promotion through digital media, social media, spotlight articles and feature stories in the El Dorado Dining Guide. Together, these efforts highlight El Dorado as a destination where visitors can enjoy a variety of locally owned dining experiences. The new website serves as a central resource where visitors can browse each of the restaurants, view menus, read about the owners and their stories, learn about signature dishes, along with hours, locations, and contact information. Throughout the year, the website and social media channels will feature individual profiles, favorite menu selections, seasonal promotions, and special events like the ELDO FOOD FEST, designed to keep local dining top of mind. “El Dorado has become one of the region’s best places to dine-out,” said Alyssa Avant, spokesperson for El Dorado EATS. “Whether you’re craving Southern comfort food, authentic Mexican cuisine, hickory-smoked barbecue, specialty hamburgers, fresh-baked pastries, or a great evening with friends and family, this city offers a variety of restaurants. El Dorado EATS invites you to discover new favorites while supporting the businesses that help make the El Dorado unique.”
The fourteen participating restaurants include, Antigua’s Bar & Grill, Black Cat Café, E&R Bar & Grill, Fernando’s Mexican Grill, Flying Burger & Seafood, Good Times Grill, JJ’s BBQ, Main Street Pizza, Mystic Grill, MAD House 101, Off the Rail Café, The Refinery, Timberlane Meat Market, and The Well Bar & Grill at The Haywood. By working together, these restaurants are enhancing El Dorado’s reputation as a leading destination for great dining in South Arkansas. Residents and visitors are encouraged to pick up a copy of the El Dorado Dining Guide, follow El Dorado EATS on Facebook and Instagram, and visit www.ElDoradoEATS.com to stay informed about special dining promotions and events.

Featured

Arkansas National Guard Recognizes Smackover Educators with Lunch Ahead of New School Year

Published

6 days ago

August 13, 2026

Jax Sanford

SMACKOVER, Ark. – Teachers and staff at Smackover High School received a special lunchtime visit Wednesday, Aug. 12, as the Arkansas Army National Guard stopped by to show its appreciation for the educators preparing for another school year.

SGT. Payten R. Tompkins, with the Arkansas Army National Guard Recruiting Office, brought Chick-fil-A sandwiches for the faculty and staff and briefly introduced himself to the group.

Tompkins has served with the National Guard’s recruiting office in Magnolia but recently transitioned into the recruiter role covering the El Dorado-Camden area. As he begins serving the area, Tompkins said he hopes his role will extend beyond simply recruiting young people to join the Guard.

Instead, he emphasized his desire to empower young men and women to serve their communities in whatever capacity they choose.

Tompkins also wanted to use the visit as an opportunity to recognize the teachers and staff for the work they do each day.

He expressed his appreciation for educators and noted that the work of teaching is often underappreciated despite the tremendous impact teachers have on their students and communities.

The visit came as the Smackover School District prepares to begin another school year. Smackover High School Principal Cody Cranford praised his faculty and staff for the work they have put in to prepare for the upcoming year.

With teachers and staff working behind the scenes to get classrooms, programs and students ready for another year, Wednesday’s lunch served as a small gesture of appreciation for their efforts.

As the new school year approaches, Smackover School District is looking forward to another successful year, supported by a faculty and staff committed to serving its students and community.