Greenland: Do You Want the Good News or the Bad News?

Here's an update on the beleaguered Greenland Arkansas school district.

July 10: Fundraiser anchors efforts to keep Greenland School District independent
The Board of Education set a lofty goal to raise $ 321, 000 in donations or pledges by Sunday afternoon in its efforts to convince the state the district shouldn't be annexed due to financial shortcomings. A major piece of the fundraising will be the "Save the School" fundraiser [Ed Note: Nice name!] planned for Saturday on the school campus. The district is also asking for pledges in hopes that getting as close to the number as possible will convince the Arkansas State Board of Education not to annex Greenland to another system.

July 12: TIMELINE: Greenland's Financial Woes

July 12: Optimism The Word For Greenland Residents
Mounds of clothing and boxes filled with everything from puzzles to a pair of rubber boots is the last-ditch effort to save the Greenland School District. Optimism is the word for many in Greenland in the face of Monday's decision by the state Board of Education which could force a neighboring school district, such as Fayetteville, to swallow Greenland's. The rummage sale and auctions at the school's campus are all supporters have left to erase the district's negative balance of some $400,000.

Then came the decision from the state board of education yesterday: The Arkansas State Board of Education spared the Greenland School District from annexation and instead opted to place the district under state control for the foreseeable future Monday. Education Commissioner Ken James said he would formally notify the Greenland Board of Education of the decision by letter, which is standard procedure in a takeover. He will give the board reports on district progress with improving its financial situation every three months. He will appoint his own superintendent and dismiss the school board as part of the change, he said. The board voted 5-0 to defer annexation and assume control of the district.