Two rural schools in Stone County are moving to break away from the Mountain View School District.
Little Rock television station KATV reports the Timbo and Rural Special schools took action after learning the Mountain View district was considering closing at least one of their campuses.
A new state law, Act 919, sponsored by state Sen. Missy Irvin, could lead to their independence.
The law redresses the effects of a 2003 state act that led to the consolidation of smaller schools.
Parents and community members in Timbo and Rural Special are preparing to petition to form their own isolated school districts, hoping to preserve the smaller learning environments they value.
Stone County Judge Stacey Avey told KATV the secession process could be complete by the 2026-27 school year.
Officials are examining old maps to redraw the former district boundaries.
The Mountain View School District has postponed its vote on closing Timbo for another year, giving the two communities critical time to pursue independence.
Click here for the full KATV report.
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