News
ESD Board Votes Down Calendar Changes
EL DORADO – After an extensive debate Monday night, the El Dorado School Board voted 4-2 to reject proposed changes to the 2025 school calendar.
Board members weighed a number of facts on both sides of the issue during their monthly meeting.
Board member Susan Tuberville voiced concerns about the potential negative effects of a proposed calendar change on vulnerable students. She highlighted that a significant number of students in the district live at or below the poverty line and that many require special education services. Tuberville worried that a week-long break could cause students to regress, undoing progress made during the school term. She also noted the emotional challenges such breaks might create for children from broken homes, as disputes over custody arrangements could be exacerbated.
Tuberville and Vicky Dobson also discussed the economic burden the changes could impose on families. Even with discounted childcare rates, the financial strain of extended breaks might be overwhelming for many parents. Additionally, Tuberville raised concerns about the impact on older students, suggesting that extended breaks could interfere with summer jobs and internships. These opportunities are vital for high school students, providing both income and valuable experience needed for college or career preparation.
Community feedback on the proposed changes has also been largely negative, according to board members Todd Whatley and Keith Smith. Many parents and community members have expressed worries about the disruptions to single-parent households and the logistical challenges of managing extended breaks. They also noted that students often require additional time to readjust when returning to school after longer breaks, with the initial days focused more on review than on new learning.
However, some board members pointed to reported benefits from other districts that have adopted similar calendars. Mr. Tucker cited examples from Marion, Hot Springs, and Magnolia, where schools saw improvements in attendance rates for both students and teachers. Despite initial resistance, Tucker claimed that these communities have since embraced the new calendar structure.
Wayne Gibson stressed the importance of supporting teachers, arguing that making education easier for educators ultimately benefits students. He urged the board to prioritize policies that improve teacher effectiveness and well-being. Meanwhile, Renee Skinner raised a critical issue about food security, emphasizing the need to continue summer lunch programs to ensure students who rely on school meals during the academic year have access to food during extended breaks.
Recognition and Achievements Highlighted at School Board Meeting
On Monday, January 13, 2025, the El Dorado School Board had an opportunity to recognize outstanding individuals and celebrate key achievements within the district. The following highlights showcase the commitment and accomplishments of students, staff, and administrators:
Zylks Honored for His Service
Tim Zylks, a respected leader in state transportation, was recognized for his service as the district’s director of pupil transport. Zylks has also served on numerous committees and boards, and he will be inducted into the Hall of Honor of the Arkansas Association for Pupil Transportation (AAPT) in 2024. Although Mr. Zylks retired a few years ago, the board extended their heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Zylks for his dedication and contributions and congratulated him on his induction to the AAPT Hall of Honor.
Barton Junior High Recognitions
- Student of the Month: Josey Camacho Josey Camacho, a 7th-grade student, was named Student of the Month for her exceptional reliability, dedication, and positive attitude. An avid reader and the school leader in Accelerated Reader (AR) points, Josey works in the library and is an enthusiastic cheerleader. Teachers describe her as a joy to have in class, embodying the “Wildkitten Way.”
- Classified Employee of the Month: Joyce Edwards Joyce Edwards was recognized for her dedication and impact as a food service employee. Having worked in the district for three years, Edwards transitioned from a substitute role to a full-time position, earning admiration for her helpfulness and positivity. She expressed gratitude to God and her colleagues for inspiring her to grow and contribute daily.
- Teacher of the Month: Earlene Burns Earlene Burns, a 7th and 8th-grade special education teacher with over 30 years of experience at Barton, was honored as Teacher of the Month. Known for her reliability, positive attitude, and commitment to her students, Burns attributes her success to the encouragement of past and present colleagues and administrators. She expressed deep gratitude to God for the recognition and reaffirmed her dedication to providing quality education.
Barton Junior High’s Principal’s Report: Michelle Henry
Barton Junior High demonstrated notable achievements in state ATLAS assessments:
- 7th graders scored above the state average in ELA (English Language Arts) and Science, while falling below in Math.
- Eighth graders outperformed in Math but scored lower in ELA.
- 100% of Algebra 1 students achieved proficiency on the ATLAS Algebra portion. The school’s performance surpassed many regional districts, underscoring the hard work of both students and educators.
Moving Forward
Board members and administrators emphasized their commitment to addressing the concerns raised during the meeting. Plans are underway to explore additional support for families and educators while maintaining a focus on academic success and community well-being.
EL DORADO – The El Dorado City Council met in a regular meeting today at 10:00 A.M. That meeting, which was originally scheduled for last week, had been postponed because of the inclement Winter weather predicted for South Arkansas. Mayor Paul Choate welcomed the council and the crowd and explained that while the weather wasn’t as bad as anticipated, he wanted to err on the side of caution.
NEW MEMBERS AND THANKING FORMER MEMBERS
Mayor Choate also formally welcomed Jill Weinischke to her first meeting as the Alderman elected last year to represent Ward 1, defeating former Mayor and incumbent Alderman Frank Hash. The Mayor also welcomed back Alderman Andre Rucks for Ward 3. Rucks had previously served on the Council and after a two year absence made his return.
The Mayor also presented the Council with two resolutions, permanently placing in the city’s records an official “thank you” to Frank Hash and Roy Bullock for their service. Bullock had previously represented El Dorado’s Ward 3 on the most recent council. Those resolutions passed unanimously.
“WELL WORTH YOUR TIME”
Not only was Ward 1 Alderman Jill Weinischke sitting in her first meeting in her official role but was also mentioned by the Mayor about her upcoming free training on Narcan. Narcan, is a brand name of the over the counter medicine naloxone and is given to rapidly reverse an opioid overdose. The Mayor said, “The training is fabulous, it’s to the point and really gets down to teaching what you need to know and I encourage anyone who wants to know more to be a part of that.” Ward 2 Alderman, Judy Ward, echoed the Mayor, saying the training, “is well worth your time.” Ward said the training generally takes about 45 minutes. Per literature available at the meeting, the training will take place Thursday January 23rd with a session at Noon and a second session at 5:30 P.M. The objectives of the training are listed as “What opioids are and how addictive they can be.” “How to use the nasal Narcan/Naloxone.” “How the Good Samaritan Law applies and protects you.” Also, the literature says that a free Narcan kit will be given to each participant at the end of training.
EVERYONE LIKES OPTIONS
Mayor Choate pointed the Council to their pre-prepared packets of information and asked them to review what he called a “Notice of Support.” These letters, which were prepared for the Council ahead of time, would show their intent to support two new fiber optic services offering to bring alternative internet sources to El Dorado. The Mayor said one of the major complaints his office regularly receives are citizens who complain that they don’t have options for internet service other than El Dorado’s Cable Service Provider, Optimum. The Mayor said the two companies were Right Fiber, which is based out of Jonesboro, AR and TCW Fiber, based out of Conway, AR. According to the Mayor both companies have expressed interest and he said, “I have looked at their plans and from a cost standpoint, they won’t hurt you.” He encouraged the Council members to read over the letters and if they were inclined to do so, sign the letters. “We want to offer our citizens options.” Mayor Choate said.
BRINGING THE ZONE INTO THE PRESENT
The Council heard from El Dorado Planning and Zoning Commissioner Devin Patterson. He presented them with a request to rezone two lots at the corner of North West Avenue and 19th street. Currently, according to Patterson, the lots are zoned as R-1 Residential lots and should be rezoned as C-2 General Commercial lots. “One lot is currently vacant and the other once was a law office.” Patterson told the Council. The lots in question are where the former fire sub-station once sat and the former law offices of Nolan and Alderson. Ward 1 Alderman David Hurst, who represents that area, asked if the lots were in the process of being sold or why the need for a change. Patterson said the lots were already being used when the City first adopted the current zoning and those lots were never addressed. Patterson said, “I have no information if they are selling or want to sell those lots, we are just trying to bring the zoning up to date.” The zoning request was approved unanimously but the resolution must be read before the Council three times before it can be officially put into action. After passing the vote of the Council, the first reading was done today.
EL DORADO WINS
The Council then yielded the floor to Ward 1 resident Greg Thomas who gave a brief history of two previous one-cent sales taxes in the city. The first one, El Dorado Forward, was approved by voters in 2007 and the revenue generated gave the city amenities like the Conference Center, a new Clubhouse at the Lion’s Club Golf Course, major upgrades to City Parks and the City’s Walking trail. In 2015, with the previous tax expiring, citizens then approved a one-cent sales tax called El Dorado Works. According to Thomas, the El Dorado Works revenue has been responsible for more than 20 miles of streets and improvements, four new baseball / softball fields at the El Dorado / Union County Complex, new walking and parking surfaces at other city venues and amenities like new Pickleball courts at Melor Park.That revenue stream is set to expire later this year.
Mr. Thomas presented the Council with a request for a new one-cent sales tax, called El Dorado WINS, to be voted on by the registered voters in the city limits and to have that election set for May 13th, 2025. The latest revenue stream would see allocations as follows”
- 25% for Parks & Recreation, expansion of current parks and more spaces made available for gatherings and events.
- 20% for Public Works, paying particular attention to streets, water and sewer.
- 20% for Public Safety, using those dollars for Police and Fire Services
- 20% for Future Development
- 10% for Economic Development
- 5% for South Arkansas College and their upkeep of the Conference Center.
Alderman Judy Ward pointed to a glaring difference in this request over previous ones. “I notice that we are setting aside 20% for Public Works but in the El Dorado Works budget, we have it set at 32%. Why are we cutting that when we are going to need to address aging water and sewer systems?” Audience member Don Hale stood and addressed the question saying the 20% for Future Developments is earmarked for just such instances saying that monies allocated to that category can be used for those issues.
The Council voted, after a brief discussion from both Ward 3 Aldermen Rucks and Willie McGhee. The vote was approved 7-1 with the lone vote against it being Alderman Rucks. The resolution had its first reading today as well.
PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE
The Mayor then directed the Council to their packets once again and asked them to choose a President Pro Tempore from among themselves. The vote was done by secret ballot and once collected and counted by City Secretary Heather McVay, it was determined Judy Ward had received the majority of the votes and would assume that role. The President Pro Tempore is to take charge of City Council meetings in the event the Mayor is not available to perform their duties. Mayor Paul Choate said, “Mrs. Ward, I will do my best not to M.I.A. on you.” to which the Council and those in attendance enjoyed a chuckle.
WRAPPING UP
The Council unanimously adopted the Arkansas Municipal League’s Rules of Order, the rules which dictate their actions and behavior on the Council and during the meetings. Following that vote there was an exchange between Ward 3 Alderman McGhee and the Mayor. However, there was no action required, requested or taken. The Council unanimously approved to adjourn and the meeting ended.
EL DORADO – Temporary street closures in downtown El Dorado will take effect on the morning of January 14, 2025, to facilitate work by Entergy underground crews.
Oak Street, at its intersections with Washington and Jefferson Streets, will be closed as crews perform necessary operations to ensure safety and infrastructure maintenance. Barricades will be placed at the affected areas to secure the work zones.
City officials are urging residents and commuters to plan their routes accordingly to avoid delays. The closures are part of ongoing efforts to maintain and improve underground utilities in the area.
For more information and updates, residents are encouraged to monitor city announcements and plan alternate routes during this period.
EL DORADO – The El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce is launching its 2025 Monthly Nonprofit Networking Meetings with a special session on Tuesday, January 14, at 9 a.m. at the Chamber of Commerce, located at 111 W. Main Street.
The first meeting will feature guest speaker Jean Hadley from the Union County Community Foundation. Hadley will provide an overview of the foundation’s 2025 grant cycle, including key details on eligibility, application procedures, and tips for crafting a successful grant proposal.
The networking event is part of a series scheduled for the second Tuesday of every month from January to November. It aims to bring together nonprofit leaders in the community to exchange ideas, foster collaboration, and gain resources to advance their missions.
Organizers encourage nonprofit representatives to attend this valuable session to connect with peers and learn more about funding opportunities.
For additional information or questions about the monthly meetings, contact Karen at Karen@goeldorado.com.
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