School board in Little Rock discusses governance following reported assault

Little Rock, Arkansas – The Little Rock School District is speaking to us publicly for the first time regarding an alleged incident that took place between board members this year.

A fight broke out between board member Vicki Hatter and board president Michael Mason.
Hatter remarked, “I thought he was going to hit me.” “I didn’t know what was going on.”

Documents from a police complaint stated that Hatter and Mason had a fight.

Mason reportedly said, “I can point,” in response to Hatter’s question about why he was pointing at her. I’m free to do as I choose.

Mason allegedly grabbed at Hatter and spoke angrily at her. It further says that one of the board members was standing between them and shouted at Mason to stop.

Board member Joyce Wesley read a statement addressing this recent news before Thursday’s agenda meeting.

“We want to reassure the public that the collective board is focused on and committed to the most important matter in LRSD which is improving outcomes for all students,” Wesley stated.

She went on to say that the LRSD Board of Education is working to strengthen the body in charge, and some of the measures being taken to do so are strengthening the board’s bond with the superintendent, providing additional board member training, and developing new parliamentary procedures.

Disagreements will be resolved politely, professionally, and in accordance with Arkansas law, Wesley continued.

Mason did not attend the meeting on Thursday night. We asked the district for a statement regarding his absence, but we haven’t heard back.

Director Sandrekkia Morning announced her resignation from the board following the alleged incident.

Morning’s resignation is effective at the end of November. After that, the board will have 30 days to schedule a meeting.

The superintendent stated during the meeting on Thursday that he intended to publish an announcement soon outlining the requirements for applying.

Those that are interested must reside in South Little Rock’s Zone 2. The tenure of such an individual is until November 2025.

The deadline for applications is November 1st, and on November 14th, the board will conduct interviews.