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.

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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.”

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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.”

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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.

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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!”

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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:

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• 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.

EL DORADO – The El Dorado School Board will meet Monday evening for its regular monthly session, with a full agenda that includes staff and student recognitions, financial decisions, and a bond resolution presentation.

The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. with approval of minutes from the board’s previous meetings held on March 10, March 17, and April 8. Trustees will then move on to routine business, including the review and approval of monthly financial bills.

A key item on the agenda is a presentation by Jason Holsclaw, who is expected to introduce a bond resolution. Details of the resolution have not been publicly released but could impact upcoming projects or funding for the district.

The board will also celebrate several honors across the district. Phillip Lansdell will be recognized as both the 5A Athletic Director of the Year and Arkansas Athletic Director of the Year, highlighting El Dorado’s strong presence in state athletics. In the arts, Jennifer Michaels will be honored for being named Arkansas Orchestra Director of the Year.

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Washington Middle School will be in the spotlight as well. Amelia Felton will be recognized as Student of the Month, Courtney Watkins will receive honors as Classified Employee of the Month, and Brinkley Ashcraft will be named Teacher of the Month. Principal Bethanie Hale is also scheduled to give her monthly report on the school’s progress and activities.

Other agenda items include the review of student transfer petitions and an executive session to discuss personnel matters.

The meeting is open to the public and will take place at the El Dorado School District administration building.

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EL DORADO – The Union County Sheriff’s Department is urging the public to avoid unnecessary boat traffic along the Ouachita River, where rising floodwaters are threatening homes and property.

In a public advisory issued Monday, officials warned that residents living near the river and the Moro Bay area are struggling to keep floodwaters from entering their homes following days of heavy rain. The situation is being made worse by the wakes caused by boaters navigating through the flooded areas.

“Every extra inch of water created by boat wakes can mean the difference between someone’s property being ruined or not,” the statement read. “While curiosity is understandable, the current river conditions are dangerous for boaters and harmful to residents.”

The sheriff’s department is asking boaters to consider the difficult circumstances of those affected and to stay clear of populated riverfront areas unless absolutely necessary.

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Officials continue to monitor the flooding situation and have not issued mandatory evacuations, but emphasized that the threat remains serious in low-lying areas.

CAMDEN – The District Court of Camden and Ouachita County, in partnership with the City of Camden, is offering residents a chance to clear misdemeanor warrants without the risk of arrest during a special Amnesty Night Court session on Tuesday, May 27.

The event will begin at 5 p.m. at the Camden District Court, located at 109A Goodgame Street. Judge Daren Nelson will preside over the evening session, which aims to provide a second chance to individuals with outstanding misdemeanor warrants.

Organizers are calling the event a “Get Out of Jail Free” opportunity, encouraging citizens to resolve their legal matters voluntarily and without fear of immediate consequences.

Those wishing to participate are asked to visit or contact the court in advance to schedule their appearance. Residents can call the District Court at 870-836-0331 or the District Court Probation Office at 870-836-8544. When calling or visiting, participants must mention the word “AMNESTY” to be scheduled for the May 27 session.

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The initiative is being supported by Camden Mayor Charlotte Oliver Young and Ouachita County Judge Robert McAdoo.

Officials said the effort is designed as a blessing to the community and a proactive way to help residents address outstanding legal issues in a constructive and supportive environment.

EL DORADO – The El Dorado Parks Commission is inviting residents to help shape the future of city parks through a series of community meetings and a public survey as part of the El Dorado Parks Comprehensive Plan.

Architect Michael Rogers, who is leading the planning effort on behalf of the commission, said the initiative is focused on gathering input from those who live, work or spend time in the El Dorado community. The plan aims to guide the continued growth and improvement of the city’s parks and recreation spaces.

Residents can participate by completing a short 10-question online survey available at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DKXSKLV.

In addition to the survey, a series of public meetings will be held to allow for open discussion and feedback. Upcoming meetings include:

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• Tuesday, April 22, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at El Dorado City Hall Council Chambers

• Thursday, April 24, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at the Murmil Education Center

• Tuesday, April 29, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. in the lobby of the El Dorado Municipal Auditorium

Each session will provide an opportunity for community members to voice their thoughts and suggestions regarding all city parks. Links to the individual events are available on the El Dorado Parks Facebook page.

Rogers expressed appreciation for those who have participated in previous meetings or shared their feedback at the parks, and encouraged all El Dorado residents to attend the upcoming sessions.

“Providing the community an opportunity for their voices to be heard through these events is critical in the work being developed,” he said.

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