Community Voices and Policy Updates Shape Prescott School Board Meeting

Prescott, Arkansas — October 23, 2025 The Prescott School District’s regular board meeting on Thursday evening was marked by passionate public commentary, administrative updates, and key decisions affecting students and staff across the district.

Board President Michael Williams opened the meeting with a call to order, followed by an invocation led by Vice President Kathie Jones. T

The session then moved into the state-mandated public comment period, which drew heartfelt concerns from several community members. The first speaker raised an issue regarding access to school facilities, stating that his son and other former student-athletes had been denied use of the district’s athletic spaces. He expressed frustration over the board’s lack of response to previous inquiries. A more emotional appeal came from a family concerned about their daughter’s treatment by a teacher-coach. The student herself addressed the board, asking for acknowledgment and resolution of what she described as a personal and distressing situation. Her family emphasized that while coaching disagreements are common, this case involved deeper allegations and required attention. Another speaker proposed appointing an interim superintendent for the second semester of the 2025–2026 school year. She advocated for increased transparency and community involvement, suggesting a “suggestions box” to gather public input. She also questioned a policy involving local churches feeding students, which reportedly included a fee.

The meeting then entered a closed expulsion hearing at the request of the family involved. Attendees were asked to leave the room until the matter was resolved.

Upon reconvening, principals Kimberly Grimes (elementary), Jeffery Burton (junior high), and Tommy Poole (high school) presented data from the School Report Card. They outlined academic performance and shared improvement plans.

Athletic Director Colby Tillman introduced the updated extracurricular handbook, detailing expectations for student behavior, travel, and dress during school-sponsored events.

Among the approved items were the sale of a fuel storage tank and the district’s 2025 annual equity compliance report.

Principal Poole also addressed the need for a stricter phone policy, citing instances where students evaded device forfeiture by substituting non-functional phones. He proposed fines for non-compliance, which were approved by the board.

The board approved minutes from the September 29 meeting and passed the proposed budget and tax levy for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2027, through (and including) June 30, 2028, including the sample ballot.

Superintendent Angie Grant reported a modest enrollment increase of 20 students—nine each at the elementary and junior high, and two at the high school. She also noted that a recent tax check had positively impacted the district’s financial outlook.

The meeting concluded with an executive session to discuss employment matters. As the Prescott School District navigates complex challenges and community expectations, the October board meeting highlighted the importance of transparency, student advocacy, and proactive policymaking.