Little Rock School Board Supports Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program Expansion

The Little Rock School District Board meeting on August 28, 2025, focused on several key initiatives, including the approval of donations to address student lunch debt and the continuation of the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program at Dr. Mary Angie Lacy K-8 Academy.

During the meeting, board members recognized various community contributors who have supported the effort to retire student lunch debt. Notable donors included the Downtown Neighborhood Association and the Arkansas Community Foundation. The board emphasized the importance of acknowledging these contributions to foster community support for educational initiatives.

A significant discussion point was the motion to approve the ongoing implementation of the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program at Dr. Lacy Academy. This program, which has been in place for two years, aims to enhance student engagement and academic performance. The program's representatives reported an increase in cadet enrollment to over 40 students, highlighting improvements in both academics and character development. They also noted that cadets have participated in various activities, including flying airplanes and representing Arkansas at national events.

Board members raised questions regarding the absence of a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) related to the program, seeking clarification on whether board approval was necessary. The discussion indicated a need for further review of the program's documentation to ensure all procedural requirements are met.

Overall, the meeting underscored the district's commitment to enhancing student support through community partnerships and strategic educational programs. The board's next steps will involve addressing the MOU concerns and continuing to monitor the success of the cadet program as it seeks potential expansion to other campuses.