Hearing set on proposed Norphlet-Smackover merger

SMACKOVER — The Arkansas Board of Education is to consider the proposed consolidation of the Norphlet and Smackover school districts at its hearing next month in Little Rock.

Both schools have approved the voluntary annexation of the Norphlet district into the Smackover district. The consolidation came about because Norphlet's enrollment is declining and nearing the state minimum of 350 students.

According to the El Dorado News-Times, the proposed merger would create the Smackover-Norphlet School District, beginning with the 2014-2015 school year. Kindergarten through 12th grades would continue to operate at both campuses with the school names and mascots remaining the same for one year.

The board is set to consider the proposed merger at its meeting May 8.

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