Hughes district explores consolidation options

HUGHES — A school district in east Arkansas is exploring options for consolidation after the state said it doesn't have enough students to continue as an independent public school system.

The Times-Herald reported that the 2014-15 school year will be the Hughes School District's last as an independent entity.

The Arkansas Department of Education said the district will have to consolidate or annex into another district next year because it's had fewer than 350 students for two years in a row.

Superintendent Sheryl Owens said officials are getting ready for this school year while reaching out to other districts to discuss their options. The school year starts Monday.

She said the biggest challenge is that the district is not really near others. She hopes to keep a campus in Hughes.

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