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Citizen Portal News Arkansas
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The Conway City Council's bold move to reallocate $500,000 from sales tax into the general fund sparks intense debate over public safety funding priorities!

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#ConwayCityFaulknerCounty #AR #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #ConwayCityCouncil #CivicAccountability #BudgetAllocation
Council reallocates $500,000 of pay-as-you-go sales tax to general fund after debate on public-safety priorities
Council voted unanimously to reallocate $500,000 (a quarter-cent portion of the city's sales tax) previously assigned to police and fire vehicle purchases into the general fund; members debated directing the funds to public-safety salaries versus holding for the budget, and staff said the change would free funds for future budget decisions.
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November 28, 2025 at 8:12 AM
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Conway City Council just approved a groundbreaking $86.4 million in revenue bonds for Conway Corporation, paving the way for significant telecommunications and electric improvements!

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#ConwayCityFaulknerCounty #AR #PublicFinance #CitizenPortal #EconomicDevelopment
Conway Council approves telecom and electric revenue bonds for Conway Corporation totaling roughly $86.4 million
The council unanimously adopted ordinances authorizing telecommunications bonds (up to $37.8 million) and electric revenue bonds (up to $48.6 million) for Conway Corporation; bond insurance and debt-service reserve policies were included as economically advantageous, and council was told proceeds must be spent within statutory timelines.
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November 28, 2025 at 8:03 AM
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The Hot Springs Board of Directors has renewed its contract with the Metro Partnership after a heated debate on transparency regarding the future of the former Majestic Hotel site.

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#HotSpringsCityGarlandCounty #AR #CitizenPortal #CivicAccountability #EconomicDevelopment
Hot Springs board renews Metro Partnership contract after contentious Majestic-site debate
After hours of public comments about transparency and developer outreach for the former Majestic Hotel site, the Hot Springs Board of Directors renewed a one-year extension of its contract with the Hot Springs Metro Partnership, adopted several amendments to increase local vetting and consulting outreach, and set a March 31, 2026 deadline for the Metro Partnership’s Majestic vetting process.
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November 22, 2025 at 2:04 PM
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Jonesboro's committee is pushing for a $1.2 million contribution to secure two vital fire trucks, promising improved response times and better parts availability for the Fire Department!

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#JonesboroCraigheadCounty #AR #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CommunityFunding
Jonesboro committee forwards request asking City Water and Light to contribute $1.2M toward two fire trucks
A committee forwarded a request that City Water and Light contribute $600,000 in 2025 and $600,000 in 2026 toward purchase of two replacement fire trucks; the Fire Chief described parts availability and shorter Rosenbauer build times as reasons for vendor change.
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November 15, 2025 at 11:25 AM
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The Siloam Springs School District is redefining special education with innovative bridge classrooms and crucial support services for 625 students, but they face significant challenges in staffing and retention.

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#AR #CitizenPortal #EducationInclusion #TeacherSupport
Special-education leaders outline services for 625 students and staffing goals
Special-education staff reported serving about 625 students (roughly 14.5% of district enrollment), added two bridge classrooms, described specialized transportation for 93 students, and outlined goals for staffing, Department of Education monitoring and instructional coaching supports.
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November 15, 2025 at 9:29 AM
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The Alma School District is gearing up to secure funding for crucial renovations that will ensure schools remain "warm, safe, and dry"—but what does that mean for the future of education in the community?

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#AR #CitizenPortal #InfrastructureImprovement #CommunityDevelopment
Alma School District board approves plan to pursue second‑lien financing for state partnership facility projects
The board voted to move forward with a financing plan that would let the district pay its 25% share on state partnership "warm, safe, and dry" projects. Staff estimated $7.4 million in qualified costs; the district's share was estimated at about $1.8 million and members discussed issuing up to $4 million.
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November 15, 2025 at 1:19 AM
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A groundbreaking proposal for a hydroponic farming pilot at Little Rock Southwest High School promises to revolutionize STEM education and provide students with real-world skills in nutrition and technology.

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#AR #CitizenPortal #STEMEducation #WorkforceDevelopment
District hears proposal to pilot hydroponic farming at Southwest High to link STEM, nutrition and workforce pathways
A private group proposed a hydroponic "living laboratory" pilot at Little Rock Southwest High School that its leaders say will pair STEM, robotics, drone operation, nutrition and higher-education partners; organizers asked the district to host the pilot and said partner letters commit in-kind resources and grants rather than a district cash ask.
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November 14, 2025 at 1:49 PM
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The Little Rock board faces a crucial decision: should they fully commit to the troubled Academies of Central Arkansas partnership or redefine their approach amid alarming implementation gaps?

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#AR #EducationalFidelity #CitizenPortal #CostBenefitAnalysis #LittleRockEducation
Little Rock board presses foundation, district over Academies partnership, cost and fidelity
Board members and foundation representatives debated District participation in the Academies of Central Arkansas (Ford NGL) partnership, questioning a foundation scorecard that rates LRSD implementation at roughly 29% and the $35-per-student fee. Superintendent Wright said the Ford NGL model does not align with some LRSD operations (notably student
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November 14, 2025 at 1:31 PM
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Little Rock School District is paving the way for a groundbreaking conversion charter at Hall High School, promising a flexible, competency-based education model that lets students thrive at their own pace.

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#AR #CitizenPortal #LittleRockSchools #EducationInnovation
Little Rock district outlines plan to convert Hall High into a small, competency-based conversion charter
Superintendent and Hall West administrators told the board they plan to ask the Little Rock School District board to approve a district-run conversion charter for Hall High, citing accreditation and staffing waivers that would let the school use mixed-grade competency-based classes, Edgenuity curriculum and internships. The district intends to seek
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November 14, 2025 at 12:40 PM
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The city board has hit pause on a shocking $17.7M sewer project bid, raising questions about trust, transparency, and the future of local contracting.

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#FortSmithSebastianCounty #AR #FortSmithProjects #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CivicAccountability #InfrastructureDevelopment
Board tables $17.7M remedial sewer bid and directs staff to explore rebidding and project packaging
After engineering bids exceeded estimates by roughly $6 million, the board voted to table multiple construction awards (items 2–5) and asked staff to examine splitting large projects into smaller packages and to assess program management options for consent-decree work.
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November 14, 2025 at 10:10 AM
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Debate erupts in Washington County as a proposed daily fee for housing prisoners faces fierce pushback from mayors who warn it could cripple municipal budgets.

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#WashingtonCounty #AR #CitizenPortal #CriminalJustice #WashingtonCountyMunicipalities #CommunityDebate
Washington County debate over proposed jail per‑diem draws bipartisan municipal opposition
A proposed ordinance to charge municipalities a daily fee for housing prisoners prompted sustained debate at the Washington County Finance & Budget Committee. Mayors and municipal staff warned the rate would be hard to budget, argued state law limits use to actual costs, and the sponsor later withdrew the proposal for further study.
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November 14, 2025 at 8:25 AM
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Fort Smith's Board of Directors is pressing pause on a $5.3 million Motorola radio purchase as they explore cost-saving alternatives and raise questions about facility choices.

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#FortSmithSebastianCounty #AR #InfrastructureInvestment #CitizenPortal #EmergencyCommunications
Fort Smith board pauses decision on $5.3M Motorola radio purchase as members press for alternatives
Board members questioned a $5.3 million Motorola radio-and-infrastructure purchase tied to the River Valley Communications Center consolidation, asking why the county would not share capital liability, whether the Burrell Road facility is required, and whether temporary options at Carnell or the police department could reduce cost. A one-month bid‑
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November 14, 2025 at 1:33 AM
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Conway City Council just greenlit major upgrades to electric and telecom services, paving the way for a citywide fiber transformation over the next three years!

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#ConwayCityFaulknerCounty #AR #CitizenPortal #EnergySustainability #TelecommunicationsUpgrade #ConwayCity
Council extends Conway Corporation franchises and leases, clearing way for fiber conversion
Council unanimously approved 10-year extensions of Conway Corporation's electric and telecommunications franchise and lease agreements to align with planned bond financing and a three-year citywide conversion from hybrid coax to fiber.
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November 13, 2025 at 3:49 PM
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Major changes are on the horizon for Hot Springs as the city board prepares to discuss significant contracts and budget adjustments that could impact multiple departments!

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#HotSpringsCityGarlandCounty #AR #HistoricPreservation #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #HotSpringsCity
Board to consider consent items Nov. 18 including contracts for radios, airport hangar and police shelving; Metro Partnership renewal recommended
Staff previewed the Nov. 18 consent agenda including a $420,276 three-year Motorola service agreement (budget amendments requested), a $924,554 airport hangar construction bid award, a $96,148 police evidence shelving purchase, a professional services award for code updates, a certified local government preservation grant, and a $100,000 renewal to
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November 13, 2025 at 3:39 PM
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Hot Springs is on the brink of a major economic boost with a $9 million acquisition set to create 50 new jobs, alongside a massive 200,000-square-foot facility from Primo Brands and Mountain Valley Water!

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#HotSpringsCityGarlandCounty #AR #CitizenPortal #WorkforceInvestment
Hot Springs Metro Partnership reports new investments: ORG chemical purchase, Primo/Mountain Valley project and local workforce outreach
The Hot Springs Metro Partnership recapped multiple economic developments including a reported $9 million-plus investment tied to the sale of ORG Chemical that the Partnership said will add 50 jobs, and an announced 200,000-square-foot Primo Brands/Mountain Valley Water project; the group also highlighted workforce and education outreach.
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November 13, 2025 at 5:16 AM
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Fort Smith just committed over $77 million to critical sewer repairs, but questions loom over high bid discrepancies that could impact the city's future projects.

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#FortSmithSebastianCounty #AR #CitizenPortal #PublicInfrastructure #CommunityEngagement #CivicAccountability
Fort Smith moves to obligate bulk of $100 million bond for consent‑decree sewer repairs amid questions over high bids
After closing on $100,007,564 in sales and use tax bonds, staff presented roughly $77 million in construction and design contracts for consent‑decree sewer repairs. Multiple large bids exceeded engineering estimates; the board approved many contracts but tabled several high‑variance projects for study and requested written explanations from the est
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November 13, 2025 at 3:58 AM
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The Fort Smith Board of Directors has hit pause on a crucial 9-1-1 services consolidation that could cost the city millions—time is ticking on state incentives!

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#FortSmithSebastianCounty #AR #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CivicAccountability #FortSmith911
Fort Smith tables River Valley Communications Center vote, calls special meeting to resolve costs
Directors voted to table the proposed River Valley Communications Center (consolidated 911 dispatch) equipment and construction authorization after staff said state incentives would expire Nov. 20 and that construction could cost around $5 million; board scheduled a special meeting/study session Nov. 10 to pursue more information and discuss long‑r
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November 13, 2025 at 3:52 AM
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The Huntsville School District just approved a $500 Christmas bonus for every employee, sparking excitement and discussions about vital infrastructure upgrades!

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#AR #CitizenPortal #TransportationInitiatives #HuntsvilleSchools #EmployeeBenefits #EducationFunding
Huntsville School District board approves $500 holiday bonus and reviews bus purchases, roofing grant and paving change order
At its August meeting the Huntsville School District board approved a $500 Christmas bonus for all employees and discussed two used-bus purchases, potential state roof-matching funds, and a contingency-funded paving change order; an attorney advised the district it may need to compensate an RN who oversees personal-care services.
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November 13, 2025 at 3:47 AM
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Pulaski County Special School District is just 4.4 points away from improving its D letter grade, focusing on growth for its lowest-performing students to turn things around!

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#AR #CitizenPortal #StudentGrowth #AcademicAccountability #EducationReform
PCSSD earns a D under Arkansas's new district letter-grade system; district targets lower-performing students
Pulaski County Special School District received a district letter grade of D (381.57 points), 4.4 points short of a C. Dr. Justin Luttrell outlined appeals that were granted and a strategy focused on growth for the lowest-performing students and monthly data-driven improvement reports.
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November 12, 2025 at 7:47 PM
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The Hot Springs Metro Partnership is racing against the clock to finalize proposals for the Majestic site, with a crucial Dec. 31 deadline looming!

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#HotSpringsCityGarlandCounty #AR #CitizenPortal #CommunityEngagement #CivicAccountability #HotSpringsCity
Metro Partnership asks board to extend Majestic site deadline, committee proposes Dec. 31 submission date
The Hot Springs Metro Partnership's Majestic Site Committee told the board it expects two final proposals for the city-owned Majestic site and requested a Dec. 31 submission deadline plus an extension of the committee's review timeline through March 31, 2026. Board members asked for access to the committee's ranking model and discussed allowing the
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November 12, 2025 at 7:34 PM
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The Pulaski County school board just tightened rules on student cell phone use, with refusal to surrender a device now possibly leading to expulsion!

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#AR #CitizenPortal #StudentDiscipline #DigitalResponsibility #EducationPolicy
Board tightens student cell-phone rules; refusal to surrender device can trigger expulsion recommendation
Trustees amended Policy 4.47 for secondary students to add a 5-day suspension for recording disruptive incidents and to change refusal to surrender a device from a 4-day suspension to a recommendation for expulsion; the measure passed 6-1 after substantial debate about enforceability and alternate consequences.
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November 12, 2025 at 7:03 PM
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Faulkner County justices approved the sheriff's budget while trimming an $80,000 overtime request, raising concerns over staffing shortages and jail medical funding.

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#FaulknerCounty #AR #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #FaulknerCountySheriff #MentalHealth #BudgetAccountability
Faulkner County justices trim sheriff overtime request, sign off on jail medical funding amid staffing shortfalls
Quorum Court justices approved the sheriff's 2026 budget requests after trimming an $80,000 overtime ask, discussed staffing shortages that left the jail tens of positions short, and reviewed a nearly $956,000 annual jail medical and mental‑health contract split across county general and special jail funds.
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November 12, 2025 at 1:29 PM
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Public defenders rallied for the Faulkner County Library as budget cuts threatened vital community programs, igniting a passionate debate on the importance of inclusive access to resources.

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#FaulknerCounty #AR #CitizenPortal #PublicAccess #CommunityEngagement
Faulkner County committee hears public defense of library funding; advances most 2026 budget items and tables key library amendments
Public commenters defended Faulkner County Library amid allegations of viewpoint-driven defunding; the Budget & Finance Committee advanced multiple departmental funds by voice vote, debated zeroing two library capital lines and agreed to table written amendments for final review Thursday.
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November 12, 2025 at 1:09 PM
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Interim Superintendent Mr. Black reveals a bold vision for Conway Public Schools, highlighting a B rating and ambitious initiatives aimed at enhancing academic success and community engagement.

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#AR #CitizenPortal #AcademicAchievement
Interim superintendent outlines Conway Public Schools priorities after five months: B rating, enrollment, and 'Project Conway Forward'
Interim Superintendent Mr. Black told the board Conway Public Schools earned a DESE district grade of B and outlined priorities (academic achievement, culture of excellence, transparency, stakeholder-driven planning), demographic shifts, a roughly $109 million budget, and initiatives including RBTs, a preschool collaborative, Project Conway Forward
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November 12, 2025 at 12:59 PM
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A local patron confronts the Conway School Board over alleged hypocrisy in their handling of racial slur accusations, sparking a heated debate about discipline and accountability.

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#AR #CitizenPortal #PublicComment #CivicAccountability #RacialEquity
Patron tells Conway board 'hypocrisy' drove inconsistent discipline; board asks speakers to avoid personnel specifics
At public comment, patron Jimmy Kevin accused the district and certain officials of hypocrisy over handling alleged uses of a racial slur around a coaching incident, asked why more student discipline had not been pursued and invited board members to a podcast; the board president intervened and reminded the speaker to avoid personnel matters in a 5
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November 12, 2025 at 12:57 PM