January 29, 2026 at 9:00 AM - Charter Authorizing Panel
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I. Call to Order
Presenter:
Dr. Sonja Wright-McMurray, Chair
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II. Changes to Agenda
Presenter:
Dr. Sonja Wright-McMurray, Chair
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III. Action Agenda
Presenter:
Darrell Smith, Ed.D, Assistant Commissioner
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III.1. Little Rock School District Conversion Charter Application for Hall High School
Presenter:
Darrell Smith, Ed.D, Assistant Commissioner
Description:
The Little Rock School District is applying to convert Hall High School into a charter school. District staff Dr. Jermall Wright (Superintendent), Dr. Shay Loring, and Carlton McGee appeared before the panel in December 2025 to deliver a presentation about the proposed charter, and answered panel member questions.
The chair deferred the decision on the application until the January 2026 meeting.
Attachments:
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III.2. Charter Amendment Request—Cabot Panther Academy
Presenter:
Freddie Scott, Education Program Coordinator, ADE Charter School Office
Description:
The Cabot School District is appearing before CAP to request amendments to their existing charter for the Cabot Panther Academy to:
(1) Add a new campus/site to house the K-6 Cabot Panther Academy students at Magness Creek Elementary School in the district. (2) Increase their enrollment cap from the current 500 to 650. (3) Change grade levels served to add grades Kindergarten through Fourth Grade to the charter's current (5-12) authorized grade levels. These students would be served in a hybrid--not completely digital--instructional model.
Attachments:
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III.3. Review of District Strategic Plans for School Districts that Received a "F" Letter Grade
Presenter:
Darrell Smith, Ed.D, Assistant Commissioner
Description:
Schools will appear before the CAP to present root cause analysis for the F Letter Grades along with the school improvement plans.
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III.3.a. Friendship Aspire Academy Network
Presenter:
Darrell Smith, Ed.D, Assistant Commissioner
Description:
Representatives from the Friendship Aspire Academy Network will appear to present root cause analysis and school improvement plans before the Charter Authorizing Panel regarding four network schools:
Friendship Aspire Academy | Downtown Pine Bluff Friendship Aspire Academy | Hazel Street Pine Bluff Friendship Aspire Academy | Little Rock Elementary Friendship Aspire Academy | North Little Rock Elementary
Attachments:
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III.3.b. Future School of Fort Smith
Presenter:
Freddie Scott, Education Program Coordinator, ADE Charter School Office
Description:
Representatives from the Future School of Fort Smith will appear to present root cause analysis and their school improvement plan before the Charter Authorizing Panel.
Attachments:
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III.3.c. Garfield Scholars Academy
Presenter:
Freddie Scott, Education Program Coordinator, ADE Charter School Office
Description:
Representatives from the Garfield Scholars Academy will appear to present root cause analysis and their school improvement plan before the Charter Authorizing Panel.
Attachments:
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III.3.d. Institute for the Creative Arts
Presenter:
Freddie Scott, Education Program Coordinator, ADE Charter School Office
Description:
Representatives from the Institute for the Creative Arts will appear to present root cause analysis and their school improvement plan before the Charter Authorizing Panel.
Attachments:
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IV. Consent Agenda
Presenter:
Freddie Scott, Education Program Coordinator
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IV.1. Minutes
Presenter:
Freddie Scott, Office of School Choice and Parent Empowerment
Attachments:
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V. Reports
Presenter:
Darrell Smith, Ed.D, Assistant Commissioner
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VI. Public Comments
Presenter:
Darrell Smith, Ed.D, Assistant Commissioner
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VII. Adjournment
Presenter:
Dr. Sonja Wright-McMurray, Chair
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