For Immediate Release
On Friday, August 5, Pulaski County Circuit Judge Tim Fox heard a case brought by the Little Rock School District, Marion School District, and parents challenging the state law that prohibits school districts from requiring masks/face coverings. Judge Fox granted a restraining order that temporarily blocks the state from enforcing the mask mandate ban. Further legal proceedings are expected. Those proceedings could begin in days or weeks.
As Arkansas’s highest court, the Arkansas Supreme Court will likely have the final word on this issue. Having the benefit of guidance from the Arkansas Supreme Court will allow the Searcy School District to make the best possible decision for the benefit of the district’s students, families and staff. Searcy School District’s administration will continue to closely monitor the legal proceedings in this case and provide further updates to the board. The timing and duration of further legal proceedings may dictate the timing of any review of this matter by the Searcy School District.