Boundary Dispute Heads to Arkansas Board of Education
A contentious school district boundary battle between Prairie Grove and Lincoln Consolidated School Districts has escalated, prompting the Arkansas Board of Education to intervene. The dispute centers around a petition to annex approximately 200 acres from the Lincoln district to Prairie Grove, localized on Kelly Mountain Road. The residents of these areas have requested the change due to the closer proximity of their homes to Prairie Grove schools compared to Lincoln schools.
Responding to the petition, the Prairie Grove School Board voted on April 16 to forward the request to the state board, prompting a public hearing on June 13.
Superintendents Prepare for Hearing
Senior officials from both districts, including Prairie Grove Superintendent Lance Campbell and Lincoln’s Mary Ann Spears, plan to attend the hearing. Campbell will brief the board on the petition and the local residents’ perspectives. Spears, however, has strongly opposed the proposed boundary change in a letter, citing concerns over the impact on property assessments and bond payments.
Spears also argues that approving the petition could create a precedent for future boundary adjustments based on personal preferences. This highlights the broader implications of this decision for the educational and tax structures in the region.
Residents Voice Concerns
Residents of the affected areas have voiced their concerns about the logistical challenges they face if not annexed. For example, one resident would need to endure a 19.6-mile bus ride twice a day for her grandchild to attend school in Lincoln. By contrast, if annexed to Prairie Grove, the distance would be significantly reduced, making it a more practical and desirable option for many families.
Financial Impact
The proposed boundary change also carries a financial component. If approved, Prairie Grove would gain ,000, while Lincoln would lose ,000 due to the adjusted tax proceeds from the affected area. This additional burden could potentially strain Lincoln’s financial resources, making it harder for the district to accommodate its students.
