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Calendar, Construction Updates Top El Dorado School Board Meeting

Published

9 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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Calling the Hogs Event Draws Strong Crowd in El Dorado

Published

10 seconds ago

June 5, 2026

J.W. Misenheimer

EL DORADO, Ark. — Razorback fans and community supporters packed the First Financial Music Hall at the Murphy Arts District Thursday evening for Calling The Hogs – Stories from the Booth, an event that brought together Arkansas sports stories, dinner, fellowship and fundraising.

The evening featured Chuck Barrett, the well-known voice of the Arkansas Razorbacks, who shared stories from his years behind the microphone and offered guests an inside look at some of the most memorable moments in Arkansas sports. Longtime Arkansas broadcaster and storyteller Rex Nelson served as Master of Ceremonies, helping guide the evening with humor, insight and plenty of Hog spirit.

The catered event, with dinner provided by Madhouse 101, drew a strong turnout, with venue tables filled throughout the evening. In addition to the program, guests also took part in an auction, where every auction item was sold.

Organizers said the event was a great success, bringing together Razorback fans, local supporters and community members for an evening centered on storytelling, sports nostalgia and South Arkansas hospitality.

Watch a quick highlight from the event!

News

El Dorado Man Faces Charges After SWAT Standoff

Published

1 day ago

June 4, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO — A 39-year-old El Dorado man is scheduled to make his initial appearance in Union County District Court on Friday after being taken into custody following a lengthy police standoff earlier this week.

According to the El Dorado Police Department, Gary Lee Moore was arrested Tuesday morning after officers responded to a reported aggravated assault and spent more than an hour attempting to negotiate his surrender.

Authorities said officers were first called to South Arkansas Regional Hospital at approximately 6:45 a.m. Tuesday after receiving information about a suspected aggravated assault. Investigators reported that the victim told officers Moore had threatened her life and warned that he would kill any law enforcement officers who attempted to intervene.

Following the report, officers went to a residence in the 2700 block of Mount Holly Road to locate Moore.

Police secured the area around the residence, including shutting down a portion of Mount Holly Road, while ensuring no other individuals were inside the home. Crisis negotiators then began efforts to persuade Moore to surrender peacefully.

According to police, negotiators used verbal commands and communicated with Moore several times by telephone during the standoff. Despite those efforts, Moore repeatedly refused to leave the residence.

After negotiations proved unsuccessful, the El Dorado Police Department’s SWAT team implemented tactical measures that ultimately prompted Moore to exit the home.

Moore was taken into custody without further incident.

He has been charged with aggravated assault, terroristic threatening, resisting arrest and several additional charges.

Moore remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in Union County District Court on June 5.

The investigation remains ongoing.

News

Youth Festival Of The Arts Set For This Weekend

Published

1 day ago

June 4, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO, — Young artists from across South Arkansas will have an opportunity to display their creativity and connect with the community during the upcoming Youth Festival of the Arts on Saturday, June 6.

The event, presented through a partnership between the South Arkansas Arts Center and the Boys & Girls Club of Union County, will take place from 10 a.m. until noon at the Boys & Girls Club, located at 1201 N. West Ave. in El Dorado.

Organizers describe the event as a one-of-a-kind children’s art marketplace designed to celebrate and support young artists while encouraging creativity and artistic expression.

The festival will transform the indoor Lanxess Gym at the Boys & Girls Club into an art fair featuring artwork created by children and youth from throughout the region. Community members will have the opportunity to view the artwork, meet young artists and show their support for the next generation of creative talent.

The event is part of an ongoing effort by both organizations to provide artistic opportunities for local youth and help foster an appreciation for the arts in South Arkansas.

SAAC and the Boys & Girls Club have partnered on numerous programs focused on arts education, and organizers say the Youth Festival of the Arts is designed to give young creators a platform to share their work while building confidence and developing their artistic skills.

Community members are encouraged to attend and help support the area’s emerging artists.

Event Details

What: Youth Festival of the Arts
When: Saturday, June 6, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to noon
Where: Boys & Girls Club of Union County, 1201 N. West Ave., El Dorado
Hosted By: South Arkansas Arts Center and Boys & Girls Club of Union County
Admission: Open to the public

The event offers families a chance to celebrate creativity, encourage young artists and enjoy a morning dedicated to the arts in El Dorado.

News

Juneteenth Celebration Set For June 19th

Published

1 day ago

June 4, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO — Families from across South Arkansas are invited to gather for a day of celebration, education and community as the Justice League hosts its annual Juneteenth Stop the Violence Family Fun Day on June 19 at the Murphy Arts District Amphitheater.

The free event will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the MAD Amphitheater and will feature food, entertainment, activities for children and community engagement opportunities designed to bring residents together while promoting peace and unity.

Organizers say attendees can enjoy free food, frozen treats, community vendors, a bounce house, water slide, poster contest, speakers, live entertainment and free T-shirts while supplies last.

The event is presented by the Justice League and made possible through support from title sponsor Clean Harbors.

Celebrating Juneteenth

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, and informed enslaved African Americans that they were free—more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.

Although Lincoln’s proclamation officially declared enslaved people in Confederate states free on Jan. 1, 1863, enforcement depended on the presence of Union troops. In many parts of the South, slavery continued until federal troops arrived and enforced the order.

The announcement in Texas marked one of the final acts of emancipation in the United States and became a day of celebration among formerly enslaved people and their descendants.

Over the decades, Juneteenth grew from local community gatherings into a nationally recognized observance. In 2021, Juneteenth became a federal holiday, officially known as Juneteenth National Independence Day.

Today, communities across the country celebrate the holiday with festivals, educational programs, cultural events, parades and family gatherings that honor freedom, resilience and African American history.

Bringing the Community Together

Organizers of the El Dorado event say the Family Fun Day is designed not only to celebrate Juneteenth but also to encourage positive community engagement and promote efforts to reduce violence through education, fellowship and outreach.

Residents of all ages are encouraged to attend and take part in the festivities.

Event Information

What: Juneteenth Stop the Violence Family Fun Day
When: June 19, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Murphy Arts District Amphitheater, El Dorado
Admission: Free
Activities: Food, frozen treats, vendors, bounce house, water slide, poster contest, speakers, entertainment and more

The event is open to the public and welcomes families throughout the region to celebrate Juneteenth and the spirit of community together.

News

“Calling The Hogs” Event With Chuck Barrett Set For Tonight

Published

1 day ago

June 4, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO — Razorback fans will have a chance to hear behind-the-scenes stories from one of the most recognizable voices in Arkansas sports tonight as “Calling The Hogs – Stories from the Booth” comes to the Murphy Arts District.

The special event, scheduled for June 4 inside the First Financial Music Hall, will feature legendary Arkansas Razorbacks play-by-play broadcaster Chuck Barrett, whose voice has become synonymous with some of the most memorable moments in Razorback athletics.

Barrett will share stories from his years behind the microphone, offering fans a unique look at the people, moments and memories that have shaped Arkansas sports. The evening is expected to include tales from the broadcast booth, locker room stories and insights into some of the biggest games in Razorback history.

Serving as master of ceremonies will be longtime Arkansas broadcaster and storyteller Rex Nelson, who will help guide the conversation and add his own blend of humor and perspective throughout the program.

Guests will also enjoy a catered dinner provided by Madhouse 101. Dinner service begins at 6:30 p.m. before the evening’s program gets underway.

Organizers say the event is designed to bring together sports fans, community members and supporters of Arkansas athletics for an entertaining night of storytelling and fellowship.

Tickets are $50 per person, plus applicable fees and taxes. Seating is limited.

The event will be held tonight at the First Financial Music Hall at Murphy Arts District in downtown El Dorado.