News

EL DORADO SCHOOL BOARD ADJUSTS CALENDAR BY A VOTE OF 4-1

Published

6 months ago

January 30, 2026

Sandy Sanford

EL DORADO, AR – Snow, ice, sleet, freezing rain and hazardous driving conditions postponed what was supposed to be a special called meeting of the El Dorado School Board. Citing the previous conditions, the meeting was moved to Thursday evening at the District Office. On behalf of Hannah Cardin, Superintendent Jim Tucker presented to the Board, an option that would move the District closer to a school year calendar that many experts in education and development say is better for student learning retention and minimizes faculty burnout. Previously the District had polled parents and faculty about the possibility of moving to a calendar with a shorter Summer break and more breaks throughout the school year.

THE PREVIOUS ATTEMPTS

Prior to implementing the 2025-2026 School Year calendar, the District had polled educators and parents, finding more than 50% of parents favored the change and 76% of teachers were in favor of it as well. However, the Board voted against it 4-3.

Then, prior to approving the 2026-2027 calendar, the District again reached out to faculty and parents. Again, more than half of the parents who responded to the polls favored the alternative calendar and 73% of the staff agreed. Prior to a vote, the board heard from local citizens. One of those was Chester Passmore, a local pastor, father and mentor who had thanked the Board for their service but then criticized them for their lack of transparency in denying the calendar change. Equating it with denying a spousal request and then giving zero explanation as to why. The Board also heard from Jessica Webb, a Dyslexia Interventionist for the District. 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. The Board again voted the alternative calendar down 4-3.

A NEW APPROACH

In an effort to make an incremental change, the Board heard from Superintendent Tucker about the change for the upcoming 26-27 school year. The proposal would have faculty returning the last week of July for training and students beginning classes the first Monday in August (August 3rd.) This would have students beginning classes one earlier than August 12th, as originally scheduled. However, what would have been a Friday/Monday holiday for students in October, would now be a full week break, October 12th – 16th. Students will still enjoy a week-long Thanksgiving break, more than two weeks for Christmas, a Friday/Monday break during February, Spring Break in March, another Monday break in April and the final day of classes for the 2026-27 school year would be May 26th.

THE DISCUSSION

After Mr. Tucker highlighted the minor differences in the previously approved calendar versus the iteration being presented, Board Member Wayne Gibson asked if this new calendar took into account things like the current five-day hiatus from classes because of weather. Mr. Tucker explained that the District is required to have students in attendance for “X amount” of minutes per day. He said with the District’s current time schedule, the students may not have to make up any of the missed time. Mr. Tucker said he would be getting with his local principals to make sure of that. Board member Kenneth Clemons who had previously voted against calendar changes asked about teachers who already had late July vacation plans. Mr. Tucker assured him that any teacher who had verifiable plans that were already paid for, the District would work with those teachers individually to make sure they were not penalized by the District. Board Member Vicky Dobson asked for public comment and when there was none, they moved to a vote. This time, the measure passed by a vote of 4-1, with Dobson, Gibson, Clemons, and Renee Skinner all voting in favor of the measure, while Susan Turbeville was the lone vote against it. District 4 Board Member Keith Smith and District 7 Board Member Todd Whatley were not in attendance.

SCHOOL BOARD DISTRICT BOUNDARIES

At the behest of parents and district employees, the El Dorado School District has posted a map of current district boundaries. That map can be found here.

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EL DORADO SCHOOL DISTRICT ANNOUNCES MAKE UP DAYS

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Extreme Cold Remains In Area This Weekend

News

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

Published

49 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

51 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

1 hour 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

21 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

24 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.