[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6603355,"mediaKeyId","3000347-100f0a264a87ff8241ca15682db3146f","parentId",3000347,"title","Rogers district outlines pre-K expansion, funding and enrollment ahead of 2025-26","audioSeconds",355,"startMs",2499000,"endMs",2854000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3000347-100f0a264a87ff8241ca15682db3146f&start=2499&end=2854","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3000347-100f0a264a87ff8241ca15682db3146f/thumbnail_2499000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6603355/Arkansas/Rogers-district-outlines-pre-K-expansion-funding-and-enrollment-ahead-of-2025-26","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6603355-a00b862b2003df267128d6c9a93770a2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770900283&Signature=SO~gkE2lA0bSfX-5G7z4J35-471QVvzAY0f~z70W2sZsLn93J9agI2X9P67KHYHNYPKgrAIMWk6rPOW-wOkF5PKYaJmqdNQNGD5hwdIGOKibX-~LxZZ5RRAFbEu56drhvz834LjkkSpjDjgxer4EvA9xaawUed2fDilC2x6ZM~7vvWi45aKpEmxLZA46NxqumbgSRQmt~BB5QYqOeyczDBEZBolJsAocojBGGrLmmB9CubRBqLyDZ2JwcnSWC6kXyBhUC9TcsSSJrA5zf58fn~SRa0cWc8xzuYU6kTO1GsdV5Dce3HkdOvbL3ufAVP96XUcu6Dp9o7byk5C5sLGSFA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","ROGERS SCHOOL DISTRICT","date","2025-04-16T00:36:15.693Z","article","Rogers School District staff on April 22 briefed the board on pre-kindergarten enrollment, funding and program expansion plans for 2025'1026.

Brandy Brooks, the district's pre-K director, said the program currently operates at two locations with approximately 325 enrolled pre-K students this school year. Brooks told the board the district had about 72 students withdraw after the tornado-related disruptions earlier in the year and that centralized registration has produced 170 students fully enrolled for next year and 78 pending files (missing one or more documents such as proof of residency).

Brooks said the district will open a third pre-K center at Westside at the start of next school year and expects to add three-year-old classrooms for staff in the initial phase, with a view to offering three-year-old spots to the community later. The program has a staff of about 45 people, including 18 certified teachers and additional assistants who must hold either a CDA or an associate degree, Brooks said.

Funding and partnerships

Brooks and district staff outlined funding sources for the program. The district's primary funding is the Arkansas Better Chance (ABC) grant; the administration reported total ABC funds of $1,633,600 and described a per-student figure of roughly $5,001. The program also holds 20 accelerated spots funded at $97,200, and 40 tuition-based spots with a staff discount for Rogers employees (district staff said teacher/staff discount rates and community rates are available). The district also receives snack reimbursements through the CACFP program at about 70% of billed snack costs.

Brooks listed community partners including Garden Club of Rogers, Trike Theater, Harley-Davidson and nearby high schools that provide childcare interns and job-shadowing supports. The district is piloting the Atlas assessment in May and will continue to use literacy and math curricula (3 Cheers for Pre-K, Launchpad for Letters, Math Expressions) and the DIAL and Launchpad assessments for screening and progress monitoring.

Special education and access

For special education services, Brooks said the district is partnering with Tita and Amy Faith (special education partners) so that Rogers will provide many SPED services directly in-district rather than outsourcing them to a coop. Brooks said hiring is underway and staff expect the in-house arrangement to improve early intervention access.

Brooks and Dr. Perry (superintendent) emphasized access as a district priority and highlighted that 152 incoming kindergarten students who were screened had not attended district pre-K this year; the district said increasing access for those families is a target.

Enrollment numbers shared to the board

- Current enrolled this year: ~325 students (two centers)
- Withdrawals since tornado: 72 students (district staff)
- Fully enrolled for next year (documents complete): 170
- Pending enrollment files (missing documents): 78
- Staff: 45 employees, including 18 certified teachers and assistants (CDA/associate degree requirement)
- Funding: Arkansas Better Chance total $1,633,600 (approx. $5,001 per ABC-funded student); Accelerate funds for 20 slots ($97,200); 40 tuition-based slots with staff discount

Board questions and next steps

Board members asked about enrollment processes, community outreach and planned facilities upgrades at the Westside site. District staff said new playground furniture will be purchased with leftover COVID grant funds, and Westside will include four classrooms at opening. The district also said the pre-K center will pilot Atlas assessment in May and will continue monitoring readiness and screening results for kindergarten placement.

Speakers (attributed in coverage): Brandy Brooks, Dr. Perry, Dan Kaley (facilities/operations staff referenced), and other school administrators who contributed statements in the presentation.

Why it matters: expanding pre-K access and adding on-site special-education services were presented as strategies to improve kindergarten readiness and close early-achievement gaps. The board was asked to note progress on enrollment ahead of the 2025'1026 school year.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Rogers Board of Education Meeting for 4/15/2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Rogers School District will open a third pre-K location at Westside for 2025-26, expand services to include three-year-old classrooms and shift some special-education services in-house, the district told the school board on April 22.","taxTitle","ROGERS SCHOOL DISTRICT, School Districts, Arkansas","taxId",13596,"location","Arkansas","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6603351,"District updates: capital projects on schedule; insurance negotiations continue after tornado damage",155,6000000,6155000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3000347-100f0a264a87ff8241ca15682db3146f&start=6000&end=6155","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3000347-100f0a264a87ff8241ca15682db3146f/thumbnail_6000000.jpg","/articles/6603351/Arkansas/District-updates-capital-projects-on-schedule-insurance-negotiations-continue-after-tornado-damage","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6603351-9b7c854c317b96239d03a91c9ddda1cf/orig.mp4?Expires=1770900283&Signature=BUXkUbPY7a~KSsDW7CEjdbt2GYHUVJlRV3KIONKf~fVqu6K8L13xBO8VgKH3JeFMAaVz7vngCy3xjyE9usjQQnGXIERynjoA-xTWP~-88SPKI8cbqKXq~eZdbbU3HUqgCbF9sAt8gDQOUFqhPhCAJHc9xyKwMSsSMn6LzieAtv~sgobUMwIrLZ7SObY5Shf700dBR1fkKZtlEU0Y3w-A3RmYinkdTPfFEbL0RaDPpdeccRFdLAiZoT4fU46lpxUGNxErKfcADRLE~Swoe-Cpgde0eVr5WYn6zTQtL1cGCT58cmex5uziuihku7tvfBttUhMMtEMW-RPJql5KIckTWA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Superintendent Dr. Perry updated the Rogers School Board on capital projects, ongoing tornado-insurance negotiations and a simulated set of school accountability scores tied to the state's transition to the ATLAS testing system.

Capital projects and timelines

District staff reported progress on multiple capital projects funded through previous bond and capital plans. Lingle Elementary remains under significant renovation; staff said the building will be enclosed and climate-controlled before continued work and that the project timeline extends into late 2025 for completion of the Fine Arts Center. Oakdale Elementary work is advancing, and administrators said they're pleased with design choices and the progress; Northside project work is also expected to be completed this summer.

Dr. Perry noted the district purchased an IT building on East/Eighth (referred to as the IT/administration building) and the board approved a $573,736 GMP for interior renovations. The district also reported rooftop HVAC work and AC installations in several elementary schools (Grace Hill, Reagan, Mathias, and Northside) and said playground furniture purchases for the pre-K program will be funded with leftover COVID grant funds.

Tornado insurance claims and FEMA funds

Dr. Perry and business staff said tornado-related claims remain under negotiation and are the district's primary unresolved fiscal issue. The district reported total claims (excluding a FEMA safe-room grant) are in the neighborhood of $23 million; the insurance companies have validated about $14.2 million and have issued about $10 million in checks so far. Dr. Perry said insurer responses and required documentation have slowed final settlement and that the district has engaged Sedgwick (a third-party administrator) to assist in negotiations across multiple insurers. Lingle's safe room project was described as a FEMA-eligible item with the federal agency covering 75% of its $4.5 million cost.

School letter grades and accountability transition

Staff outlined the state's move from ACT Aspire to the ATLAS assessment system and said the Arkansas Department of Education produced simulated school letter grades for internal analysis (not official). The district emphasized simulated scores are preliminary while cut scores and official grades remain pending state-board approval. District staff noted several schools improved on simulated measures and others were close to moving up a category; administrators said the simulated report helps target building-level supports.

Why it matters

Dr. Perry said that while the district is making construction progress, outstanding insurance negotiations remain a material financial question; he said district counsel has been engaged and that the administration expects continued discussions with insurers and may need to pursue legal remedies if settlement offers do not align with policy coverage. The capital projects and HVAC/AC rollouts are essential to facilities readiness for the coming school year.

Speakers (attributed in coverage): Dr. Perry (superintendent), Jake (finance staff), Dan Kaley (facilities), and other administrative staff who provided project updates and schedule notes.","Superintendent Dr. Perry told the Rogers School Board on April 22 that facilities projects across the district are proceeding and that tornado-related insurance negotiations remain unresolved, with insurers validating roughly $14.2 million of about $23 million in claimed losses and issuing $10 million to date.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6603360,"Rogers School Board approves discipline, AI and facility agreements, renames New Tech campus",0,3323000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3000347-100f0a264a87ff8241ca15682db3146f&start=3323&end=3323","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3000347-100f0a264a87ff8241ca15682db3146f/thumbnail_3323000.jpg","/articles/6603360/Arkansas/Rogers-School-Board-approves-discipline-AI-and-facility-agreements-renames-New-Tech-campus","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6603360-b17e5fe39ce95e9335bf2526359dd7bc/orig.mp4?Expires=1770900283&Signature=OsdASUi4gvP0Nb8EnHmlZYCcQ~eFRMM2RiDWTyKIW4PBb2E2eIww7qoTk~2L2~RsPRPQuHojNZf2nCcarwaNQNsKOQh1eG~dZQqmk3cyASJcuu13-Msdh3cuY-n6dUq32aUbcaT5W~TbPpNIqeWrfIsvlZR9nnXTYQumqhoLt0A7Fz6w0YvS0NqlRHKfXhgn8Wdg5N1dPqbbjJXV-C2GCZFJBQCGnhma36M8pnQEIByO1mJ1YWw-g~YyVKLo5~VAysnc2liLR0gJEBn-9aiZZ748-Qd7Q5G349DHMEpEMt1xhxoH~Peog1npGsg1S9eUYsC3lXmAe7s0u3izUJ9Pkg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Rogers School District Board of Education on April 22 approved a set of policy updates and administrative agreements, including revisions to the student discipline policy, a new student artificial-intelligence policy, a naming-rights sponsorship for district athletic fields and a construction guarantee for the district's newly acquired IT building. The board also voted to rename Rogers New Technology High School to the Rogers Academy of Leadership and Innovation for the 2025'1026 school year.

The board moved several housekeeping and governance items in a single meeting that ran through presentations, staff reports and public recognitions before reaching the formal votes.

The administration proposed revisions to Policy JK (student discipline) and accompanying guidelines as an annual compliance review. Key recommended changes included removing a requirement to send certified/registered mail for certain notices, clarifying language about \"zero tolerance\" for alcohol/tobacco/drugs to reflect progressive discipline, and changing disciplinary steps for tobacco-related violations (first violation proposed as three days in-school suspension, rising to potential alternative placement after repeated violations). The administration also struck and deferred cell-phone rules pending a model policy from the Arkansas School Boards Association to match new state law.

The board adopted the recommended revisions for Policy JK as presented. Board discussion clarified the changes would take effect July 1, 2025 (the 2025'1026 school year). Administration asked the minutes to reflect a 6-1 vote on the discipline policy changes.

Board members also adopted a new student artificial-intelligence policy (Policy JKB) intended as a framework for 2025'1026. District staff said the draft will be revisited when an ASBA model policy becomes available. The motion to adopt the AI policy passed without recorded opposition.

Other voted items included: acceptance of several policy and guideline updates (certified/classified retirement language, meal allowances, lane-change eligibility for dyslexia certification counted similar to ESL, and a revised grievance form/procedure aligned with model language); approval of school-level improvement plans; and approval of routine consent items (minutes and HR changes).

The board approved a naming-rights sponsorship and related memorandum of understanding with First National Bank of Northwest Arkansas to place bank logos on district athletic fields and provide a total sponsorship payment structured over multiple years (the administration described a total donation of $225,000, with $50,000 in each of the first three years, $25,000 in the next two years, and smaller amounts in subsequent years). Administration said the funds would be used for athletics generally (revenues are pooled and redistributed across programs). The board approved the sponsorship and directed staff to finalize an MOU; staff said the district retains termination rights and a 90-day exit clause.

The board accepted a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) of $573,736 from Cadell Construction to renovate the interior of the district's newly purchased IT building on East/Eighth Street, including remediation for winter water damage. The district had previously budgeted a lower amount and staff said the GMP exceeded optimistic estimates by about $73,000; the motion to accept the GMP passed.

The board approved the renaming of Rogers New Technology High School to the Rogers Academy of Leadership and Innovation (RALLY) beginning with the 2025'1026 school year. The administration said the school completed a process to become a designated School of Innovation and the new name aligns with that status.

The board also approved an E-rate resolution that allows the district to accept federal E-rate funds, approved school improvement plans submitted by individual schools and adopted multiple personnel and policy items on the consent agenda.

Votes at a glance

- Consent agenda (minutes, HR changes): Motion by Amy; second by Paige; outcome: approved (voice vote).
- Policy JK (student discipline) and guidelines: Motion to adopt by board member (recorded motion from Paige); second Suzanne; outcome: adopted; minutes requested to show 6 yes, 1 no by administration.
- Policy JKB (student artificial intelligence): Motion to adopt by Curtis; second Amy; outcome: adopted (voice vote).
- Policy/guideline revisions (certified/classified retirement, meal allowance DKC, lane-change/dyslexia, grievance alignment): outcome: adopted as presented (voice vote).
- Renaming Rogers New Technology High School to Rogers Academy of Leadership and Innovation: motion moved; second Amy; outcome: approved (voice vote).
- Field sponsorship and naming rights with First National Bank of Northwest Arkansas (site(s) and signage as detailed in MOU): motion moved; second Nathan; outcome: approved (voice vote). Administration described total structured payments totaling approximately $225,000 over the contract term; an MOU will be executed.
- GMP for IT Building renovation (Cadell Construction) $573,736: Motion moved; second Suzanne; outcome: approved (voice vote).
- School improvement plans (all buildings): outcome: adopted (voice vote).
- E-rate resolution (accept federal E-rate funds): motion moved (Paige); second Amy; outcome: approved (voice vote).

What this does and does not do

- The discipline policy revisions set the district's approach for the 2025'1026 school year and remove certain procedural language while clarifying progressive discipline steps for tobacco/vape incidents; staff emphasized the new cell-phone possession rules will be developed once ASBA issues a state-aligned model policy.
- The AI policy is a student-facing framework to guide classroom and student use of AI tools; staff expect to revisit it if ASBA issues a model policy.
- The bank sponsorship is a multi-year agreement that places branding on district fields; administration said sponsorship proceeds will be used for athletics across the district, and the MOU will include termination provisions.

Speakers (attributed in coverage) included board members (Paige Saltemeier; Amy; Suzanne; Curtis; Nathan) and district staff (Mr. Lee, administration; Jake, finance staff; Dr. Perry, superintendent; Paul, development/athletics staff; Charles/Joanne, administrative staff).","At its April 22 meeting the Rogers School Board approved updates to student discipline policy, adopted an artificial intelligence policy for students, accepted naming-rights sponsorships and construction guarantees, and approved several administrative items. The board also voted to rename Rogers New Technology High School to the Rogers Academy of ","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Rogers district outlines pre-K expansion, funding and enrollment ahead of 2025-26

District updates: capital projects on schedule; insurance negotiations continue after tornado damage

Rogers School Board approves discipline, AI and facility agreements, renames New Tech campus