Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – The millage rate for Nettleton Public Schools (NPS) will increase, passing by just 19 votes.
According to election results, of 511 votes cast, 265 people, or 51.86%, were in favor, while 246, or 48.14%, were against the millage.
With the passage, the millage rate for NPS will increase by 4.8 mills, bringing the overall rate to 43.38 mills.
The millage will fund various capital improvement projects across the district. It was initially proposed due to the district’s increase in student enrollment.
Dr. Karen Curtner, NPS superintendent, said the millage increase would make a meaningful difference for the district.
“It will allow us to maintain safe, secure, and well-equipped learning environments,” she said. “It will help protect essential programs, support our teachers, add additional classrooms, a fine arts performance center, [which] we will call STEAM Hall, an end zone with dressing rooms, and a much-needed new arena at the high school. We are so excited that our students will have the tools they need – not just for today, but for the future they’re preparing to lead.”
Curtner said architectural drawings for these projects will be reviewed, and the first project the district would start on would likely be the arena. She anticipated beginning some of the projects next summer and estimated three years for the completion of all projects.
“Passing this millage reminds us that when a community invests in its schools, it invests in itself,” Curtner said. “Strong schools build strong neighborhoods, strong local economies, and strong futures.”
All other school millages will be renewed on the March 3, 2026, ballots.