Hope School Board Honors Excellence and Achievement at October Meeting

HOPE, AR — October 21, 2025 —The Hope School District’s October board meeting, held at the Garland Campus on October 21, 2025, was a vibrant reflection of the district’s commitment to excellence in education and community engagement.

The evening began with the Annual Report to the Public, followed by a full agenda that included both routine business and heartfelt recognition.

Superintendent Jonathan Crossley presented the October Superintendent’s Awards of Excellence, honoring individuals who have made outstanding contributions to Beryl Henry Elementary (BHE). Among the student honorees were Gracelynn Hoglund and Sanaa Henry, both recognized for their leadership as student ambassadors during Grandparents Day and for assisting the district’s magnet grant writer. Gunner Tallman was praised as a perfect gentleman who consistently goes out of his way to help others. Certified staff members Caren Duncan and Chelsea Ewing were commended for their immediate impact and public outreach efforts, while Regenia Woodberry, a classified staff member, was acknowledged for her dedication to teamwork and campus spirit. Parent April Anderson was celebrated for her proactive communication and advocacy for all students, and the Experience Counseling Clinic, represented by Mrs. Grace and Ms. Leeper, received recognition for its unwavering support for BHE students. The board also recognized Mr. Bill Hoglund, longtime educator and current Zone 5 board member, for his service and dedication. Hoglund, who previously served as principal and activities director at Hope High School, was honored by the Arkansas School Boards Association (ASBA) for his contributions to student success and ethical leadership.

Another highlight of the evening was the celebration of Monica Bobo, a senior at Hope High School, who recently earned State Runner-Up in the Arkansas 4A Girls Singles Tennis Championship. Bobo’s performance at the Clarksville tournament secured her a spot in the Overall State Tournament at Burns Park in Little Rock, where she will compete against top athletes from across Arkansas.

Superintendent Crossley also provided academic updates and introduced several action items for board approval. These included quotes for STEAM-based playground equipment, basketball goal replacements, and windscreen fencing at the high school.

The board reviewed a recommendation to auction district vehicles (e.g., 21-year-old buses) and approved amendments to personnel contracts, including a change in job title from “Athletic Trainer” to “Sports Medicine/First Aid.” This adjustment was made to more accurately reflect the responsibilities of the position and to align with “accreditation” expectations from the district’s athletic manager. including updated language for athletic trainers to reflect “sports medicine” responsibilities.

A facilities master plan and a rental request for district facilities were also discussed and approved, with clarification that adjustments could be made to correct scheduling conflicts, prioritizing student activities and events.

The meeting concluded with personnel updates and a reminder of upcoming events, including a work session at Beryl Henry Elementary focused on budget planning and principal walkthroughs. As Hope Public Schools continues to prioritize student achievement and community engagement, the October board meeting served as a testament to the district’s ongoing dedication to excellence.