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El Dorado School Board Talks Bonds, Achievements

Published

6 days ago

April 15, 2025

Jax Sanford

El Dorado School Board Meeting Highlights: Honors, Achievements, and Exciting Updates Across the District

El Dorado, AR — April 14, 2025
The El Dorado School Board convened on Monday evening to cover a packed agenda celebrating exceptional students, staff, and landmark decisions shaping the district’s future.

Bond Resolution Passes Just in Time

The board approved a key bond resolution, led by financial advisor Jason Holsclaw, locking in a favorable interest rate of 4.357% just ahead of a significant market shift. Holsclaw submitted the paperwork on April 1, narrowly avoiding an estimated 80-point increase in bond interest rates. The move was applauded as a smart financial step that could save the district considerable funds over time.

Legendary Coach Honored

Philip Lansdell Honored as Arkansas’ Top Athletic Director — Again

The board took time to honor Philip Lansdell, who was recently named both the 5A Athletic Director of the Year and Overall Athletic Director of the Year for the state of Arkansas — a rare and remarkable achievement. This marks Lansdell’s second time receiving the prestigious honor, having also earned it during the 2011–2012 school year, making him one of only two individuals to be recognized with both titles twice in the history of the awards.

Throughout his tenure, Lansdell’s unwavering dedication to El Dorado athletics has left a lasting legacy. Over the course of his career, he oversaw more than $5 million in facility upgrades, helping to create top-tier environments for student-athletes across multiple sports. His leadership helped El Dorado teams capture numerous state championships, building a reputation for both excellence and integrity.

One of the most telling examples of Lansdell’s commitment? In all his years of service, the only football game he ever missed was while recovering from knee surgery—and even then, he made an effort to travel.

When asked what kept him showing up day in and day out, Lansdell gave a simple, powerful answer:

“It’s called work ethic. It’s what you’re supposed to do.”

He expressed deep confidence in the district’s future, especially in his successor:

“I know that my replacement has the same work ethic.”

As Lansdell looks toward retirement, he shared a candid reflection:

“I’ve been in school since I was 6 years old, so retirement will be a whole new world.”

His colleagues and community members agree on one thing: there will never be another Philip Lansdell. But his influence, and the programs he’s built, will carry on through the countless students, coaches, and staff he’s impacted over the years.

Jennifer Michaels Named Arkansas Orchestra Director of the Year

The School Board proudly recognized Jennifer Michaels, who was recently named the Arkansas Orchestra Director of the Year — an award voted on by music educators across the state. Michaels, whose passion and dedication have become a cornerstone of El Dorado’s music program, received the award as both a personal achievement and a reflection of the excellence she inspires in her students.

In addition to her role as El Dorado’s Orchestra Director, Michaels serves as the South Region Chair and has also served honorably and favorably as Chair of the State Orchestra Board, advocating for high standards in music education across Arkansas. Her leadership in these roles has earned her widespread respect from her peers and deep appreciation from her school community.

During the meeting, Superintendent Jim Tucker took a moment to recognize Michaels not only for her professional accomplishments but also for the character she brings to the district, calling her:

“Brave, bold, and an amazing director.”

Michaels expressed gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing the collaborative spirit behind her success:

“I am humbled by the honor of the award, and it would have been impossible for this to happen without the support of the district, the students, the parents, the coaches… Everyone is welcome to come to every concert we have for the remainder of the year!”

And the El Dorado Orchestra will soon perform side-by-side with the South Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, offering students unique opportunities to perform and learn in professional settings. Her influence extends beyond technical skill — she fosters confidence, creativity, and a deep appreciation for the arts in every student who walks through her door.

Michaels’ recognition is not just a win for her — it’s a celebration of El Dorado’s thriving fine arts community and the district’s commitment to excellence in all areas of education.

Washington Middle School Spotlights

WMS took center stage during the meeting as administrators celebrated students and staff making a difference:

Student of the Month: Amelia Felton
Recognized for her perseverance, Amelia has made remarkable progress in reading, overcoming challenges through sheer determination. “She is the ideal model of what a Washington Knight should be,” said Mrs. Hale.
Classified Employee of the Month: Courtney Watkins
With eight years of experience and a joyful presence, Watkins was honored for her dedication to student well-being. Known for writing menus in multiple languages and lifting spirits every day, she’s seen as both a problem solver and the “life of the party.”
Teacher of the Month: Brinkley Ashcraft
A district educator since 2018, Ashcraft teaches Art and Fashion Design. Affectionately known as the “school momma,” her energetic and creative teaching—like using geometry in art lessons—helps students engage deeply in learning.

Washington Middle School Report: Achievements and Opportunities

Principal updates highlighted a vibrant school culture focused on academic and personal growth:

El Dorado Promise Pledge reinforced the generosity of The El Dorado Promise
Lion King Jr. play to debut in May
College field trips to SouthArk and SAU inspired future planning
Ron Clark Academy training awarded to two teachers for differentiated instruction development
Archery Teams: Double state champions in 5th and 6th grade; both teams advancing to Nationals
Academic Growth: 533 of 579 students showed improvement on interim assessments
Spring Family Night and anticipation of an Educational Assistance Animal rounded out an impressive update

The board closed the meeting by commending all honorees for their excellence and reaffirming their commitment to student success and community involvement.

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News

Pope Francis Dies At 88

Published

8 hours ago

April 21, 2025

Staff Reports

Vice President JD Vance met briefly with Pope Francis on Sunday, just hours before his passing (PHOTO: The White House)

VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis, the spiritual leader of more than a billion Catholics worldwide, has died at the age of 88. His passing marks the end of a historic papacy that began in 2013, making him the first pontiff from the Americas and the first Jesuit pope. Known for his humility, progressive tone, and focus on social justice, Francis leaves behind a legacy that reshaped the global Catholic Church in significant ways.

The Vatican announced his death early Monday morning, citing complications from ongoing health issues that had increasingly limited his public appearances in recent months.

Reaction to Pope Francis’ death poured in from around the world, including from Arkansas leaders.

“Our prayers go out to Catholics in Arkansas and across the world,” said Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders. “Rest in peace.”

Francis visited the United States in 2015 and maintained strong diplomatic ties with countries around the globe. He was widely praised for efforts to address poverty, climate change, and the global refugee crisis, though his papacy also navigated intense scrutiny over the Church’s handling of sexual abuse scandals.

Arkansas is home to more than 130,000 Catholics, many of whom gathered for prayer services across the state Monday morning in remembrance of the pontiff. Bishop Anthony B. Taylor of the Diocese of Little Rock is expected to issue a statement and lead a memorial Mass later this week.

Funeral arrangements will be held at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, with international dignitaries and religious leaders expected to attend.

News

Missing South Arkansas Resident Found After Multi-State Search

Published

8 hours ago

April 21, 2025

Staff Reports

CAMDEN – The Ouachita County Sheriff’s Department says that a vulnerable South Arkansas resident has been found safe following a search that extended into multiple states.

22-year-old Terry Bishop, described as a highly functioning and non-verbal autistic male, went missing over the weekend. Authorities implored the public for help, and following an extensive search, located Bishop’s vehicle in Southwestern Missouri on Saturday. He was found shortly thereafter according to updates on social media.

Bishop had last been seen on Wednesday.

News

El Dorado Council to Hear Updates on Fiberoptic Expansion, Community Events

Published

8 hours ago

April 21, 2025

Staff Reports

EL DORADO – The El Dorado City Council’s Water and Public Works Committee will meet Wednesday, April 23 at 10 a.m. at City Hall to discuss several community initiatives and infrastructure updates.

Among the announcements scheduled for the meeting is an update from TCW on its upcoming inground fiberoptic buildout. The project is expected to begin in mid-May and will mark a significant step forward in enhancing broadband access across El Dorado.

Also on the agenda is a presentation from Jill Weinischke on the upcoming Drug Take Back event, which aims to promote the safe disposal of unused prescription medications in an effort to combat misuse and environmental harm.

Judy Ward is also scheduled to address the council regarding preparations for this year’s National Day of Prayer observance, an annual community-wide event that brings residents together in spiritual reflection and unity.

Following routine business items such as roll call, minutes approval, and announcements, the council will move on to any unfinished or new business before concluding the session.

News

Camden Seeks Community Input on Park Improvements

Published

8 hours ago

April 21, 2025

Staff Reports

(PHOTO: Facebook/City of Camden)

CAMDEN – The City of Camden is inviting residents to share their ideas and feedback as part of a community-wide effort to enhance local parks and recreational spaces.

City officials say several upgrades are already underway, with visible improvements happening across town. Recent and ongoing projects include:

Playground renovations
Upgraded public restrooms at parks
A new beach volleyball court at Carnes Park
Indoor pickleball courts at the Plant A Seed facility
A new pavilion at Veterans Park, located on the old library lot
Upgrades to the city pool
Enhancements at the Camden Sportsplex

A volunteer parks committee is actively developing a five-year improvement plan and is now asking for community input to help guide future priorities.

“We would love to hear your thoughts or suggestions with anything so we can improve,” the city shared in a public notice. “Your voice matters as we work to create recreational spaces that reflect the needs and dreams of our community.”

Residents are encouraged to fill out an online feedback form to submit ideas and requests for future park upgrades. The form is available at: https://form.jotform.com/250994010984159

The city says community engagement will play a key role in shaping the long-term vision for public spaces in Camden.

News

SAU mathematics faculty present research at regional conference

Published

8 hours ago

April 21, 2025

Grant Merrill

MAGNOLIA – Three SAU faculty traveled to Edmond, Oklahoma, to present their research at the 86th Mathematical Association of America (MAA) Regional Conference at the University of Central Oklahoma in April.

Assistant Professors of Mathematics Dr. Muhammad Inam, Dr. Chong Li, and Dr. Jie Zhou from SAU’s Mathematics and Computer Science Department presented the following research over the two-day annual conference:

Inam presented a paper titled “The Word Problem for Adian Inverse Semigroups”
Li presented “Integer Flows on Triangularly Connected Signed Graphs”
Zhou presented “Unidimensional Distance Transformation for Efficient, Scalable Unsupervised Outlier Detection”

During the conference, SAU faculty engaged with fellow mathematics professors from neighboring states and exchanged research ideas.

According to the MAA website, the MAA serves the world’s largest community of students, faculty, and math enthusiasts with a mission to “advance the understanding of mathematics and its impact on our world.”

SAU is scheduled to host the MAA Regional Conference in 2028.

For more information about the Mathematica and Computer Science Department at SAU, please visit https://web.saumag.edu/cs/.