May 21, 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. Fort Smith School District Conversion Charter Application for the Global Innovation Academy
Presenter:
Darrell Smith, Ed. D., Assistant Commissioner
Description:
Representatives of the Fort Smith School District present a proposal for a District Conversion Charter for the Global Innovation Academy in this district in Sebastian County, Arkansas.
Attachments:
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III.2. Renewal of Existing Charter for Arkansas Connections Academy
Presenter:
Sarper Turker, Ed. D., ADE Director of Charter Schools
Description:
Representatives of Arkansas Connections Academy (Benton County) appear before the Charter Authorizing Panel to renew the school’s charter which expires June 30, 2026.
Attachments:
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III.3. Review and Consideration of School Improvement Plans
Presenter:
Sarper Turker, Ed. D., ADE Director of Charter Schools
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III.3.a. Garfield Scholars Academy
Presenter:
Sarper Turker, Ed. D., ADE Director of Charter Schools
Description:
Representatives from the Garfield Scholars Academy, in Benton County, Arkansas, return to present their school improvement plan before the Charter Authorizing Panel.
Attachments:
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III.3.b. Friendship Aspire Academy Schools
Presenter:
Sarper Turker, Ed. D., ADE Director of Charter Schools
Description:
Representatives from Friendship Aspire Academy Schools return to present their school improvement plans for four schools in Jefferson County and Pulaski County, Arkansas before the Charter Authorizing Panel.
Attachments:
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III.3.b.1) Friendship Aspire Academy—Downtown Pine Bluff
Presenter:
Sarper Turker, Ed. D., ADE Director of Charter Schools
Attachments:
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III.3.b.2) Friendship Aspire Hazel Street Pine Bluff
Presenter:
Sarper Turker, Ed. D., ADE Director of Charter Schools
Attachments:
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III.3.b.3) Friendship Aspire Little Rock Elementary
Presenter:
Sarper Turker, Ed. D., ADE Director of Charter Schools
Attachments:
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III.3.b.4) Friendship Aspire North Little Rock Elementary
Presenter:
Sarper Turker, Ed. D., ADE Director of Charter Schools
Attachments:
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III.4. Future School of Fort Smith
Presenter:
Sarper Turker, Ed. D., ADE Director of Charter Schools
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III.4.a. Review and Consideration of School Improvement Plan
Presenter:
Sarper Turker, Ed. D., ADE Director of Charter Schools
Description:
Representatives from the Future School of Fort Smith, in Sebastian County, Arkansas return to review their school improvement plan before the Charter Authorizing Panel.
Attachments:
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III.4.b. Renewal of Existing Charter
Presenter:
Sarper Turker, Ed. D., ADE Director of Charter Schools
Description:
Representatives of Future School of Fort Smith (Sebastian County) appear before the Charter Authorizing Panel to renew the school’s charter which expires June 30, 2026.
Attachments:
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IV. Consent Agenda
Presenter:
Freddie Scott, Education Program Coordinator
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IV.1. Minutes of the April 16, 2026 Regular Meeting
Presenter:
Freddie Scott, Office of School Choice and Parent Empowerment
Attachments:
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V. Reports
Presenter:
Sarper Turker, Ed. D., ADE Director of Charter Schools
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V.1. Charter School Openings - Fall 2026
Presenter:
Freddie Scott, Office of School Choice and Parent Empowerment
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V.2. Charter School Closings
Presenter:
Sarper Turker, Ed. D., ADE Director of Charter Schools
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V.2.a. Founders Classical Academy of West Little Rock
Presenter:
Sarper Turker, Ed. D., ADE Director of Charter Schools
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V.2.b. Scott Charter Schools
Presenter:
Sarper Turker, Ed. D., ADE Director of Charter Schools
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VI. Public Comments
Presenter:
Dr. Darrell Smith, Assistant Commissioner
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VII. Adjournment
Presenter:
Dr. Sonja Wright-McMurray, Chair
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