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HR 1018

TO RECOGNIZE MCGEHEE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AS A 2024 EXEMPLARY ACHIEVEMENT GAP CLOSING SCHOOLS NATIONAL BLUE RIBBON SCHOOL.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jeff Wardlaw

Recognizes McGehee Elementary School as a 2024 National Blue Ribbon Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing School for narrowing student gaps and strong family/community engagement.

READ AND ADOPTED.
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Bill Summary · HR 1018

Summary — HR 1018 (House Resolution)

Title: To recognize McGehee Elementary School as a 2024 Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools National Blue Ribbon School
Bill type: House Resolution (state-level)
Bill number: HR 1018
Sponsor: Rep. Wardlaw (primary)
Introduced: February 5, 2025
Status: Adopted by the House (read and adopted; placed on congratulatory calendar; reported enrolled)

Purpose / Intent

The resolution formally recognizes McGehee Elementary School (McGehee, Arkansas) for receiving the U.S. Department of Education’s 2024 National Blue Ribbon Award in the category “Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools.” It celebrates the school’s educational achievements, community engagement, and practices used to narrow achievement gaps among student groups.

Key provisions and content

  • Officially recognizes McGehee Elementary School as a 2024 Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing National Blue Ribbon School.
  • Recites reasons for recognition cited by the U.S. Department of Education, including:
    • Success in narrowing achievement gaps between student groups and the overall student body.
    • Strong collaboration among parents, families, teachers, administrators, and the community.
    • Holistic supports for students (provision of clothing/food, holiday assistance, mental health referrals, additional guidance counselors).
    • Use of systemic academic interventions (tutoring, inclusive practices, high‑quality instructional materials, effective teachers).
    • Emphasis on literacy and engagement of parents/community in reading initiatives.
  • Notes the school’s enrollment of 540 students (K–5).
  • Directs that, upon adoption, a copy of the resolution be provided to Principal Elizabeth Robinson by the Chief Clerk of the House.

Who or what is affected

  • Primary beneficiary: McGehee Elementary School (students, faculty, administration, and local community).
  • The resolution has no regulatory effect on other schools or state policy; it is ceremonial/recognitory in nature.

Procedural / timeline highlights

  • Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce (Feb 5, 2025).
  • Placed on Congratulatory & Memorial Resolutions Calendar; laid before the House.
  • Adopted by the House (non-record vote noted) — actions listed around May 22–24, 2025 (reported enrolled May 24, 2025).
  • Upon adoption, an official copy is to be delivered to the school principal.

Impact and notes

  • The resolution is symbolic and carries no direct fiscal or legal obligations.
  • Potential practical benefits include increased public recognition, community pride, and potential leverage for future grants, partnerships, or recruitment.
  • Text includes a line naming an unrelated act (“INSTRUCT Act of 2025”); the body of the resolution itself is clearly a ceremonial recognition of McGehee Elementary.

Related legislation

  • Companion bill: HR 1048 (listed as related).

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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