Little Rock School District faces enrollment crisis as board seeks solutions for underfunded schools

The Little Rock School District (LRSD) Board Meeting held on December 19, 2024, focused on critical issues affecting the district's enrollment and financial stability. The meeting began with a discussion on the implications of the upcoming LEARN Act, which is expected to exacerbate the district's ongoing decline in student enrollment. Board members highlighted that the district has experienced a decade-long loss of students, leading to significant revenue challenges.

A key point raised was the current underenrollment of 13 schools within the district, which are reportedly costing more to operate than the funding received from the state. This situation is particularly pronounced in the eastern part of the city, where census data indicates a demographic shift, with families moving towards the middle and southern areas. The board acknowledged the need to reassess the distribution of schools to better align with population trends.

Additionally, the board emphasized the demographic makeup of the district, noting that 81% of students are non-white. This statistic underscores the importance of considering the impact of any decisions on these communities, particularly as the district has been predominantly non-white since 1977. Despite the current financial stability of the district, concerns were raised about future financial distress if the loss of students and revenue is not addressed.

The meeting also touched on the district's capacity, with approximately 23,000 to 24,000 seats available for a student population that has remained around 19,000 for the past decade. Board members stressed the necessity of reallocating resources to better serve the neediest students, particularly those from African American, Latino, and special needs backgrounds.

Following these discussions, the board moved on to committee reports. The certified personnel policy committee reported on the progress of a multi-year contract proposal, which faced disapproval due to concerns about diminishing teachers' rights. The committee aims to collaborate with administration to refine the proposal in the new year.

The meeting concluded with updates on the approval of the academic calendar for the 2025-2026 school year and discussions regarding retroactive stipends for staff, which will be paid out in June. The board expressed gratitude for the approval of these stipends, while also acknowledging the need for clearer communication regarding payroll timelines.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the LRSD's commitment to addressing enrollment challenges and ensuring equitable resource allocation for all students, while also navigating the complexities of staffing and policy development. The board plans to continue these discussions in future meetings, focusing on strategies to enhance student services and community engagement.