What it is: A required agreement under federal Title I law that outlines how schools, families, and students will work together to support academic success. Every Title I school must have a compact that explains shared responsibilities for learning, communication, and support at home and at school.

Why it matters: Families should expect clear, two‑way communication from the school, opportunities to participate in their child’s learning, and support for academic growth. Students are encouraged to take responsibility for their learning, attendance, and behavior. The compact helps ensure everyone understands their role in helping students succeed.

What families can expect in the compact:

• How the school will provide high‑quality instruction

• How families can support learning at home

• How communication between home and school will happen

• What students are expected to do to stay engaged and prepared

• How the school will involve parents in decision‑making

Relevant link:
JNPSD Title I Information (District Parent & Family Engagement)
https://www.jnpsd.org/o/jnpsd/page/title-i

Parent-Student Compact form:

Title_I_Compact_2024-2025.pdf 

What it is: A nationwide effort passed in many states (including Arkansas) requiring public schools to teach child sexual abuse prevention education to students and staff. It focuses on helping students recognize unsafe situations and know how to tell a trusted adult. 

Why it matters: Parents should expect age-appropriate instruction in schools that teaches children about body safety, warning signs, and how to get help. Resources and training may also be provided to school staff and families. 

Relevant link: https://erinslaw.org/erins-law/ (general national info)

What it is:
A state law in Arkansas requiring all public schools to install audio‑recording devices in locker rooms and dressing rooms. The goal is to increase student safety, deter misconduct, and ensure there is an objective record when concerns arise. The law includes rules for how recordings must be stored, who can access them, and how long they must be kept.

Why it matters:
Families should expect schools to maintain audio monitoring in all locker rooms, follow required retention timelines, and have clear procedures for reviewing recordings when safety concerns or allegations are reported. This law is designed to strengthen accountability, protect students, and support investigations when needed.

Relevant link:
Arkansas Act 908 (Eli’s Law) – Arkansas General Assembly
https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Acts/2025/Public/908.pdf

What it is: The Jacksonville North Pulaski School District is legally required to provide equal opportunity to every student and employee. This includes all educational programs, services, activities, financial aid, and employment practices. Discrimination based on age, race, creed, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, or veteran status is prohibited under federal and state law.

JNPSD must ensure that no student is denied participation in, or the benefits of, any school program because of these protected characteristics. This includes decisions about:

• Student placement and class assignments

• Access to programs and services

• Discipline

• Use of school facilities

• Employment, hiring, and promotion of staff

The district is also responsible for preventing and addressing discrimination or harassment by employees toward students, including any situation where a student or group of students is singled out or treated differently because of a protected characteristic.

Reporting Discrimination or Title IX Concerns

Any student who believes they have experienced discrimination or harassment should report it immediately to their school principal or directly to the district’s Title IX office. JNPSD is required to conduct a prompt investigation.

All employees are legally obligated to report any allegation of sex‑based discrimination (Title IX) as soon as they become aware of it. Students or employees who engage in discrimination—or employees who fail to report it—may face disciplinary action, including suspension, expulsion, or termination. Retaliation against anyone who reports discrimination is also prohibited.

District Title IX Contact

Dr. Janice Walker
Assistant Superintendent / Title IX Coordinator
1414 W. Main Street, Jacksonville, AR 72076
Phone: 501‑241‑2080
Email: jwalker@jnpsd.org

External Contacts for Civil Rights & Equity

Arkansas Department of Education – Equity Assistance

Four Capitol Mall, Mail Slot 25
Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: 501‑682‑4213
Fax: 501‑682‑7288
Email: ADE.EquityAssistance@Arkansas.gov

U.S. Department of Education – Office for Civil Rights (OCR)

Kansas City Office
One Petticoat Lane
1010 Walnut St., 3rd Floor, Suite 320
Kansas City, MO 64106
Phone: 816‑268‑0550
Fax: 816‑268‑0599
TDD: 800‑877‑8339
Email: OCR.KansasCity@ed.gov
Website: www.ed.gov/ocr

What it is: A federal workplace law that was expanded to give lactating parents the right to break time and a private space to express breast milk for up to one year after childbirth. 

How this applies to schools: Although primarily a workplace law, it reinforces the need for schools to support lactating students and staff with reasonable break time and a private space (not a bathroom) to pump or breastfeed. 

Relevant link: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fact-sheets/73-flsa-break-time-nursing-mothers (Federal guidance on rights under the PUMP Act)

What it is: A state law that requires every public school district in Arkansas to prohibit students from using personal electronic devices (cell phones, smartwatches, earbuds, tablets, etc.) from the first bell of the school day to the last. 

How it works:

• Students may not use personal devices during school hours. 

• Devices must be powered off and stored out of sight (locker, backpack, etc.). 

• Exceptions exist for medical needs, emergency situations, school-issued devices for instruction, and accommodations in IEP/504 plans. 

Why it matters: This statewide rule aims to reduce distractions, improve focus, and create a safer learning environment for students. Families should know how their district’s policy implements the law and how to request exemptions when needed. 

Relevant link: (Arkansas Dept. of Education memo) https://adecm.ade.arkansas.gov/ViewApprovedMemo.aspx?Id=5755

JNPSD recently announced that drug‑detection dogs will be used on campuses as part of the district’s safety and prevention efforts. This practice is becoming more common in Arkansas and across the country as schools work to address concerns about student drug use, vaping, and campus safety.

Below is a clear overview of what this means for families, what to expect, and what questions you may want to ask your school.

What This Decision Means

• Drug‑detection dogs may be used during random, unannounced sweeps of school property.

• Searches typically include parking lots, lockers, hallways, and common areas.

• Dogs are not used to search students directly.

• If a dog alerts on a vehicle or locker, school administrators may conduct a follow‑up search according to district policy and Arkansas law.

Why Schools Use Drug‑Detection Dogs

Districts often implement K‑9 sweeps to:

• Deter drug possession on campus

• Address vaping and controlled substances

• Support a safer school environment

• Provide documentation when concerns arise

• Align with statewide school safety recommendations

What Families Should Expect

• Schools may notify families after a sweep has occurred, depending on district practice.

• Students may be asked to step out of classrooms or move temporarily while dogs check hallways or lockers.

• If a dog alerts on a student’s locker or vehicle, families will be contacted by school administration.

• Any disciplinary action will follow JNPSD’s Student Handbook and Arkansas law.

Questions Families May Want to Ask

To stay informed, parents may choose to ask:

• How often will sweeps occur?

• Will parents be notified before or after a sweep?

• What areas of campus will be included?

• How are alerts documented and reviewed?

• What rights do students have during a sweep?

• How does the district ensure searches are conducted fairly and consistently?

These questions help families understand how the policy is being implemented and how it affects students day‑to‑day.

Why This Matters for Accountability

Any safety measure—especially one involving law‑enforcement tools—should be:

• Transparent

• Consistent

• Non‑discriminatory

• Clearly communicated to families

The PAC encourages parents to stay informed, ask questions, and ensure that safety practices protect students without compromising fairness, privacy, or civil rights.