HOPE FORWARD. CHILDREN FIRST!
WARM • SAFE • DRY
That’s the simple focus behind Hope Public Schools’ 2026 millage proposal — keeping our children learning in school buildings that are safe, stable, and dependable.
Hope Public Schools has announced plans to seek voter approval for a millage increase to address critical facility needs across the district. This proposal is student-centered and designed to prevent learning disruptions caused by building failures, emergency repairs, and aging systems that are nearing or beyond end-of-life.
A LONG-OVERDUE INVESTMENT
Hope Public Schools has not had a millage increase in more than 40 years — going back to at least 1985 — and our current millage rate ranks 207th out of 235 Arkansas school districts.
THREE PRIORITIES
PRIORITY 1: SAFETY & SECURITY
Secure entrances and vestibules, improved traffic flow and drop-off areas, and districtwide HVAC and air-quality improvements.
PRIORITY 2: RENOVATIONS & MODERNIZATION
Updated student restrooms, classrooms, and learning spaces — improving the environments students and staff rely on every day.
PRIORITY 3: COMPETITIVE & FUTURE-READY
Strengthening opportunities for college and career readiness through expanded programs like the Collegiate Academy, skilled trades pathways, STEM investments, and student wellness improvements.
WHAT COULD HAPPEN IF IT DOESN’T PASS…
Without approval, Hope Public Schools will continue operating with increasingly unreliable systems. HVAC failures are not a matter of IF, but WHEN, and emergency repairs can divert resources away from classrooms. The district also risks losing access to approximately $2.4 million in facilities partnership funding.
READY TO MOVE FORWARD
If approved, the district is prepared to begin work quickly — with some projects able to start as early as spring break.
ELECTION INFORMATION
Early Voting: Monday, February 16 – Monday, March 2, 2026
Election Day: Tuesday, March 3, 2026
📌 For full details, visit the Hope Public Schools website and click the tab:
“2026 Millage Information.”
#HopePublicSchools #HopeForwardChildrenFirst #WarmSafeDry
Let's Go Cats!!
#ENCOURAGE #CHEERTHEBOBCATS
Hope Public Schools tendrá salida temprana mañana (viernes 23 de enero) por precaución debido a condiciones invernales, incluyendo la posibilidad de hielo, nieve, lluvia y temperaturas bajo cero.
Horarios de salida:
Clinton Primary: 1:00 p.m.
Todas las demás escuelas / Distrito de Hope Public Schools: 1:20 p.m.
La seguridad de nuestros estudiantes, personal y familias es siempre nuestra mayor prioridad. Esta salida temprana permite que nuestros autobuses, estudiantes que manejan, familias y personal puedan viajar antes de que las condiciones empeoren, y también apoya la seguridad de otras personas en nuestra comunidad debido a posibles cambios en las condiciones de las calles.
Les pedimos a todas las familias que tomen precauciones, viajen con cuidado y se preparen para cambios en el clima durante el fin de semana.
También estaremos monitoreando las condiciones del clima el domingo y durante la madrugada del lunes, y compartiremos actualizaciones sobre si habrá clases el lunes por estos mismos canales de comunicación.
Gracias por su apoyo mientras tomamos medidas para cuidar a nuestros estudiantes, nuestro personal y nuestra comunidad.
Hope Public Schools will have an early release tomorrow (Friday, January 23) out of an abundance of caution due to winter weather conditions, including the possibility of ice, snow, rain, and freezing temperatures.
Release Times:
Clinton Primary: 1:00 p.m.
All other campuses / Hope Public Schools District: 1:20 p.m.
The safety of our students, staff, and families is always our top priority. This early release allows our buses, student drivers, families, and staff members to travel before conditions worsen, while also supporting the safety of others in our community who may be impacted by changing road conditions.
We encourage all families to use caution, travel safely, and prepare for changing weather this weekend.
We will also be monitoring weather conditions on Sunday, leading into Monday morning, and will update everyone through these same communication channels regarding school on Monday.
Thank you for your support as we take steps to care for our students, our staff, and our community.
Flyer created by Leslie Frayre, 8th grader at Yerger Middle School, showcases hints of blue creating a safe space for the 7th and 8th grade Hope Bobcats to battle the Junior High Prescott Curley Wolves. To see a great game, join the Bobcats on January 24 at 10:00 am.
#YMS #BOBCATS #WEAREYERGER
🏀 Varsity Games vs. De Queen
The Varsity games (Girls & Boys) originally scheduled for Friday, January 23 have been moved to tomorrow night.
🕕 Start Time: 6:00 p.m.
📍 Hope vs. De Queen
🚫 Jr. High Games Update
The Jr. High games scheduled for Saturday at Prescott have been canceled.
Thank you for helping us share this update and keep families informed.
—
Tony McClain
Communications & Public Relations Director
Hope Public Schools
Out of an abundance of caution due to weather conditions, Hope Public Schools is postponing the Athletic Hall of Fame celebration and ceremony.
✅ New Date: Friday, February 6, 2026
✅ Reception / Gathering: 1:00–3:00 PM (Hempstead Hall)
✅ Hall of Fame Game Ceremony: 6:00 PM
We sincerely apologize for the schedule change, but safety is our top priority. Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to honoring our inductees on February 6.
Basketball season is officially rolling, and our Bobcats are ready to compete! 🔥🐾
We’re proud of the work our student-athletes and coaches have put in—and we’re excited for another season of hard work, growth, and Bobcat pride.
📣 Families, staff, and community—come out and support!
There’s nothing like a home crowd bringing the energy.
Let’s have a great season, Bobcats! ❤️🖤
#HopePublicSchools #BobcatNation #HopeBasketball #GoBobcats
Are you ready for some Hope Bobcat basketball?? Yerger 8th grade student, Anaijah Armstrong, is ready and spirited for Bobcat action. Way to go, Anaijah! Great flyer supporting the Bobcats.
#YMS #Yerger #WEAREYERGER #IMPACT #EMPOWER #INSPIRE
At the center of the forum is one essential message: Warm • Safe • Dry — ensuring children learn in buildings that are protected from major disruptions caused by aging systems and emergency repairs.
A LONG-OVERDUE INVESTMENT
Hope Public Schools has not had a millage increase in more than 40 years, and the district’s current millage rate ranks 207th out of 235 Arkansas school districts.
EVENT DETAILS
What: Hope Public Schools Millage Community Forum
When: Thursday, January 29, 2026 — 6:00 p.m.
Where: Hempstead Hall, Hope, Arkansas — 2500 South Main Street, Hope, AR 71801
Who: Hope Public Schools leadership, staff, families, and community stakeholders
Cost: Free and open to the public
WHAT TO EXPECT
A clear overview of the facility needs facing Hope Public Schools
A breakdown of the district’s priorities under the “Warm • Safe • Dry” message
A public Q&A opportunity for community members
Information on how the community can stay informed and engaged moving forward
For additional information, please contact:
Tony McClain
Communications & Public Relations Director, Hope Public Schools
Phone: 870-703-9250
Email: antonio.mcclain@hpsdistrict.org
Hope Public Schools is proud to celebrate the Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2026 on Friday, January 23! Join us as we honor these outstanding Bobcats and the legacy they represent.
Class of 2026 Inductees:
C.J. Ellis • Jami Godwin • Jaidyn Simington • Ronnie Powell • D.D. Holyfield • Ricky Rhodes • Ronald Stuart • Bubba Powers • Randy Wright
📍 Event Details
1:00 p.m. — Public Reception
Hempstead Hall — 2500 S Main St, Hope, AR 71801
Approx. 6:00–6:15 p.m. — Inductee Recognition
Hope High School Gym
Recognition will take place during the Hope High School Bobcat Basketball game.
✅ This event is open to the public — alumni, families, staff, and the community are welcome!
Come help us celebrate excellence, tradition, and Bobcat pride! 🐾
Hope Public Schools is proud to celebrate Jaime, a student at William Jefferson Clinton Primary, who has been named the Hempstead County Spelling Bee Champion!
Jaime advanced through multiple spelling bee levels—from classroom rounds, to the campus bee, to the county competition—where he earned the top honor and brought home the championship for Clinton Primary and Hope Public Schools.
We also want to recognize Ethan and Nike (alternate) for representing Clinton Primary with pride and excellence. 👏
📍 Next stop: the State Spelling Bee in Little Rock!
Let’s cheer Jaime on as he represents our district at the state level!
#HopePublicSchools #ClintonPrimary #SpellingBeeChampion #StudentSuccess #WeCelebrate #BobcatPride
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🏆📚 ¡Tenemos un CAMPEÓN!
Hope Public Schools se enorgullece en celebrar a Jaime, estudiante de William Jefferson Clinton Primary, quien ha sido nombrado Campeón del Concurso de Ortografía del Condado de Hempstead.
Jaime avanzó por varias etapas del concurso—desde rondas en el salón de clases, al concurso escolar, y finalmente al concurso del condado—¡donde obtuvo el máximo reconocimiento y se llevó el campeonato!
También queremos reconocer a Ethan y Nike (suplente) por representar a Clinton Primary con orgullo y excelencia. 👏
📍 Próxima parada: el Concurso Estatal de Ortografía en Little Rock
¡Acompáñenos en felicitar a Jaime y desearle lo mejor mientras representa a nuestro distrito a nivel estatal!
#HopePublicSchools #ClintonPrimary #CampeónDeOrtografía #OrgulloBobcat #WeCelebrate
Great work Lahlea Barzar!
Kristiona Carr is BOBCAT PROUD with her flyer for Saturday, January 10th's game. Great work Kristiona!
Come support the Bobcats on Saturday.
TIME CORRECTION: 8:30 AM!!!!
#INSPIRE #YMS #WEAREYERGER
Your commitment, time, and thoughtful decision-making help guide our district forward and strengthen the future of Hope Public Schools. Thank you for serving with purpose and heart.
We appreciate you—this month and always. ❤️🤍
#SchoolBoardAppreciationMonth #BoardAppreciation #WeCelebrate #HopePublicSchools #BobcatPride
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Publicación de Agradecimiento a la Junta (Español)
Enero es el Mes de Agradecimiento a la Junta Escolar, y durante todo el mes reconocemos con orgullo a la Junta de Educación de Hope Public Schools por su liderazgo, servicio y dedicación a nuestros estudiantes, personal y comunidad.
Su compromiso, tiempo y toma de decisiones reflexiva ayudan a guiar a nuestro distrito y a fortalecer el futuro de Hope Public Schools. Gracias por servir con propósito y corazón.
Los apreciamos—este mes y siempre. ❤️🤍
#MesDeAgradecimientoALaJunta #AgradecimientoALaJunta #WeCelebrate #HopePublicSchools #OrgulloBobcat
We hope everyone had a restful and joyful holiday break. As we kick off the new year, we’re excited to welcome our staff back to campuses today, Monday, January 5, 2026, as we prepare for the weeks ahead.
Students will return to school on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, and we can’t wait to see our classrooms filled with energy, learning, and Bobcat pride once again.
Here’s to a happy New Year and an exciting second half of the 2025–2026 school year. We’re ready to learn, grow, and move forward together—Hope Forward. Kids First! ❤️🤍
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🎉 ¡Bienvenidos de regreso, Bobcat Nation! 🐾
Esperamos que todos hayan tenido unas vacaciones relajantes y llenas de alegría. Al comenzar el nuevo año, nos emociona dar la bienvenida a nuestro personal de regreso a los campus hoy, lunes, 5 de enero de 2026, mientras nos preparamos para las próximas semanas.
Los estudiantes regresarán a clases el miércoles, 7 de enero de 2026, y estamos ansiosos por ver nuevamente nuestras aulas llenas de energía, aprendizaje y orgullo Bobcat.
Brindemos por un feliz Año Nuevo y una emocionante segunda mitad del año escolar 2025–2026. Estamos listos para aprender, crecer y avanzar juntos—Hope Forward. Kids First! ❤️🤍
Thank you for the incredible community support for our Stuff the Bus Food Drive. Because of your generosity, we were able to provide essential food boxes to more than 125 Hope Public Schools families this holiday season.
Due to inclement weather, the district’s planned distribution event has been canceled. However, all donated food has been delivered to Hope In Action, where it will continue to be distributed directly to families in need throughout our community.
We are deeply grateful to our staff, students, families, volunteers, and community partners who gave their time, resources, and support to make this effort possible. Every donation and every helping hand matters, and we are confident these contributions will reach the families who need them most.
This effort is a powerful reminder of what can happen when our community comes together. Hope Public Schools is proud to support Hope families and stand alongside our partners — not just during the holidays, but all year long.
#HopePublicSchools #BobcatPride #StuffTheBus #CommunityStrong #WeCare
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📦 Actualización sobre la campaña Stuff the Bus Food Drive
Gracias por el increíble apoyo de la comunidad a nuestra campaña Stuff the Bus Food Drive. Gracias a su generosidad, hemos podido proporcionar cajas con alimentos básicos a más de 125 familias de las escuelas públicas de Hope durante estas fiestas.
Debido al mal tiempo, se ha cancelado el evento de distribución previsto por el distrito. Sin embargo, todos los alimentos donados se han entregado a Hope In Action, donde se seguirán distribuyendo directamente a las familias necesitadas de nuestra comunidad.
Estamos profundamente agradecidos a nuestro personal, alumnos, familias, voluntarios y socios comunitarios que han dedicado su tiempo, recursos y apoyo para hacer posible esta iniciativa. Cada donación y cada mano amiga son importantes, y estamos seguros de que estas contribuciones llegarán a las familias que más las necesitan.
Esta iniciativa es un poderoso recordatorio de lo que se puede lograr cuando nuestra comunidad se une. Las Escuelas Públicas de Hope se enorgullecen de apoyar a las familias de Hope y de estar al lado de nuestros socios, no solo durante las fiestas, sino durante todo el año.
#HopePublicSchools #BobcatPride #StuffTheBus #CommunityStrong #WeCare
