January is officially School Board Appreciation Month, but the weather put our January celebrations on ice. Instead, the School Board recognitions were postponed for February 2. While the calendar date may have changed, our appreciation has not. We are grateful for the time, thought, and care our school board members give to the Gravette Schools community.
To celebrate their work, we have compiled a series of personal profiles after a brief recap of the meeting. Following that, we have a short section about what a school board actually does and a look at the national history behind School Board Appreciation Month.
School Board Appreciation at the February 2, 2026 Board Meeting
The February 2 school board meeting opened with recognition of School Board Appreciation Month. Superintendent Jeff Gravette shared proclamations from Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, which officially recognized January as School Board Appreciation Month by the State of Arkansas.
To All To Whom These Presents Come - Greetings:
Whereas school board members play a pivotal role in ensuring general, suitable, and efficient public schools; whereas members work with educators, administrators, and community stakeholders to determine the mission and direction of their local school districts for students' formation and safety; and whereas the leadership and vision of school board members are essential to enact policy, adhere to the law, oversee curriculum, maintain facilities, and employ staff.
Now, therefore, I, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Governor of the State of Arkansas, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the laws of the State of Arkansas, do hereby proclaim January 2026, as "School Board Recognition Month In Arkansas." In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Arkansas to be affixed this 18th day of November, in the year of our Lord 2025.
Mr. Gravette also recognized board member Tim Craig, who was not pictured, for reaching 50 hours of service. The board plans to further honor his contributions at a future meeting.
A special call to action came from the students of Glenn Duffy Elementary, who wrote letters to the board with their own suggestions for improvement. Ideas included providing an ice cream truck every Monday, installing trampolines or a pool, allowing students to drive the buses, and permission to spray paint the walls. The board expressed great interest in the pool and trampoline initiative. The risk management assessment for student-led bus transportation remains ongoing. The board will conduct extensive feasibility studies before bringing the student suggestions to a vote.
School Board Member look at new band uniforms with a live demonstration from a student.
The meeting continued with a look at new band uniforms, some updates from technology, construction progress, and district finances, as well as a look ahead to student demographic trends and course pathways for the upcoming school year. You can view the agenda and minutes from all school board meetings on our documents section at this link: https://www.gravetteschools.net/browse/227399
Get to Know Your Board Members
Beyond the official business of budgets and policies, our school board is made up of neighbors, parents, and community leaders who volunteer their time for our students. To help you get to know the people behind the decisions, we asked each member to share a little about their lives, their families, and why they chose to serve Gravette Schools.
Brad Harris - School Board President
Brad Harris is a familiar face around the district. He even met his wife, Jeanelle, at Glenn Duffy Elementary. A "Class of 99" alumnus, Brad has worked for Walmart for 17 years, where he currently leads their Recommerce business. He and Jeanelle have four children: Kenlee, Hudson, Hayes, and Hatcher, who keep the Harris house busy with sports, band, 4H, and church. When he is not raising cattle on the family farm or spending time outdoors, Brad has spent the last 14 years coaching youth basketball, baseball, and softball, including leading the Gravette Peewee Basketball program.
Why did you decide to run for the school board?
My dad served on the school board for many years, and I saw firsthand both the sacrifice and impact he was able to have on the school district and community as a whole. My family is deeply rooted and invested in the community, and this was a good opportunity to get involved and try to do a small part in supporting our district.
What do you enjoy about being on the school board?
Some days are certainly more enjoyable than others but serving the students and staff is an honor. By far, my favorite part of being on the board is graduation day. Seeing the pride and joy when the teachers walk in and then seeing each student taking that important step in life is very rewarding!
What is something most people don’t know about school boards?
The school board is only responsible for one employee, that is the Superintendent. Our role is to create and support the vision and mission of the school district, ensure we are financially accountable to the taxpayers and support the administration to effectively lead our school district.
If you could share one message with every student in our district today, what would it be?
You have your whole life to grow up, get involved with something that interests you and brings you joy!
Heather Finley - Vice President
Heather Finley has spent her career in leadership, previously serving as a Director of Enrollment and Campus Director for University of Phoenix. She is a proud Gravette graduate who started here in kindergarten. Heather is the mother of two: Grayson, a GHS graduate, and Grace, a current sophomore. A passionate community volunteer, Heather serves as the president of both Bright Futures Gravette and GHS Project Prom, and she is an active mentor and member of the Gravette Day Planning Committee.
What do you love about Gravette?
Gravette is a gem! The values and beliefs that move individuals to be better is what I love most about Gravette.
What is a fun school fact about you?
I started kindergarten and graduated from Gravette. There were 76 in my graduating class and 25+ of us started school together.
Why did you decide to run for the school board?
Gravette Schools have been crucial in shaping me and others. I want to make sure there are strong ties between the school and all district stakeholders while sharing my time, talents and ensuring that others have a voice. Together we are better!
What do you enjoy about being on the school board?
Hands down, celebrating our students is the most enjoyable aspect of serving.
What is something most people don’t know about school boards?
School boards grew out of town hall meetings dating back over 200 years ago to the original 13 colonies. The basic foundation remains the same: to provide local citizen control over public education.
If you could share one message with every student in our district today, what would it be?
Knowledge is something that no one can take from you. Ask questions. Be curious. Your thoughts shape your life. You are loved.
Dani Madison - Board Secretary
Dani Madison is a lifelong resident of Northwest Arkansas who even got engaged on the basketball court at Bud Walton Arena! She holds a degree in Paralegal Studies and has coached student-athletes in cheer and dance for over 25 years. Dani and her husband, Dierek, have four "D" named children: Drew, Drake, Darbi, and Duke, and they are active members of Berean Ministries. When she isn't watching her kids compete or playing a game of pickleball, Dani also serves on the Gravette Planning Commission.
What do you love about Gravette?
My favorite thing about Gravette is our neighbors. Anyone who knows where I live knows what I'm talking about.
What is a fun school fact about you?
English was my favorite school subject. Mrs. Spicer made sure of that.
Why did you decide to run for the school board?
I ran for Gravette School Board to advocate for students, parents, teachers and taxpayers.
What do you enjoy about being on the school board?
The thing I enjoy most about being on the school board is having a better understanding of how the school system works.
What is something most people don’t know about school boards?
School boards aren't that complicated. The most important thing to me is being honest and transparent.
Chris Flynt - Legislative Liaison
Chris Flynt is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with over 20 years of experience and currently serves as the CFO at Built-Well Construction in Hiwasse. He and his wife are busy raising a large family of seven kids and stepkids, ranging from middle school to college. In addition to his professional work, Chris owns the Hiwasse Mercantile and serves on the Rural Development Board of Benton County. At home, his family cares for a variety of animals, including horses, goats, and chickens.
What do you love about Gravette?
I love that Gravette is still a pretty close community. To me, it's a perfect size community to be able to offer plenty of resources without compromising what makes the community great. It still has a strong set of beliefs and the community loves the school district.
What is a fun school fact about you?
I only had 30 kids in my graduating class and most of them only knew me by my nickname, Critter.
Why did you decide to run for the school board?
I decided to run for the school board to become more involved in the district and help ensure our policies within the district help support the education of our students for many years to come.
What do you enjoy about being on the school board?
I enjoy getting to see students grow throughout their time in Gravette. I love seeing kids come to the school board meetings and telling or showing us what they have accomplished either individually or part of a school club/group.
What is something most people don’t know about school boards?
School Board members aren't involved in day-to-day operations of the school. It's their job to set goals, manage finances and oversee the superintendent (among other things).
If you could share one message with every student in our district today, what would it be?
Don't rush past the struggles in your life; failure is a necessary part of success and learning. Growth happens in the valley!
Brandon Cravens - Disbursing Officer
Brandon Cravens works in Business Development for a technology services and logistics company, a field he has been in for over a decade. He has been married to his wife, Casey, for 17 years, and they have two children, Tess and Chris. Brandon is deeply involved in local sports, having coached for over 10 years and served on the Gravette Youth Baseball & Softball League board for eight years. When he has a rare moment of free time, he enjoys working on the family farm and exploring the Rocky Mountains.
What do you love about Gravette?
I love that Gravette is growing, but never losing who it is. Even as our community has welcomed people from all corners of the nation over the past 20 years, it still feels like the same small town where neighbors look out for each other and family values shape everyday life.
What is a fun school fact about you?
In High School I enjoyed all of the AG classes and being a member of FFA and the Livestock Judging team. FFA trips were always a lot of fun!
Why did you decide to run for the school board?
I have always believed in service to my community, and our children are essential to the future of our community and nation.
What do you enjoy about being on the school board?
I most enjoy being a part of an effective group of leaders who care about our kids' future and put the needs of our children first.
If you could share one message with every student in our district today, what would it be?
Kindness is contagious. A kind word, a small gesture can change someone's day. If you can't see the light, be the light!
Tracy Moorman - Alternate Dispersing Officer
Tracy Moorman is a veteran of the poultry industry with 34 years of experience, currently working as an outside sales rep for Georgia Poultry. He is a Gravette graduate whose three children, Bryce, Brady, and Ella, all graduated from Gravette as collegiate-level athletes. Tracy recently became a grandfather to Waylon and Marley and looks forward to spending as much time with them as possible. He grew up in Sulphur Springs and has a great love for the history and conversations found in the local barber shops and drug stores.
What do you love about Gravette?
The thing I like the most is fellowshipping with all the different people around town. Years ago, I loved running into the older folks at the drug store, the barber shop, or the gas station, the conversations that you would have were great.
What is a fun school fact about you?
Fun fact I wasn’t the model student, I might have pulled a prank or two but it was all in fun. I didn’t want to leave high school—best times in my life.
Why did you decide to run for the school board?
I was asked by a board member to run and figured it could be something I could do to give back to the community that helped mold me into the adult that I have become.
What do you enjoy about being on the school board?
I enjoy seeing the results and the success that our kids have. We have a great school and great kids, and I love seeing them be successful in the classroom, at their competitions, at their sporting events and in life.
What is something most people don’t know about school boards?
Being on the school board doesn’t win you any popularity contest, you always will have someone that is mad at you. It is a daunting task... I just try to listen to the people that have concerns and then ask people in the community what their thoughts are on issues.
If you could share one message with every student in our district today, what would it be?
Enjoy the time in school, slow down, enjoy being a kid, you have all the time in the world to be an adult. Get involved in as many activities as possible and build life-lasting relationships with your peers.
What is a School Board?
You’ve met the people, but what exactly does the job entail? Often surrounded by misconceptions, the role of a school board is specific. It isn't about managing daily operations, but rather about providing the vision and accountability that keeps our district moving forward. Here is a look at the core responsibilities that define their service.
A school board is a group of elected community members who work together to oversee and guide our schools. They are the highest level of direct authority in a school district. Teachers answer to principals. Principals answer to the superintendent. The superintendent answers to the school board.
Setting goals for the district and helping to make important decisions like hiring the superintendent.
Approving the district’s budget and deciding where resources like funding, staffing, and technology are focused.
Creating and reviewing policies to keep our schools safe and running smoothly.
Advocating for students, staff, and families to make sure education remains a top priority in our community.
School board members are elected by the community during local elections. Voters have a say in who represents the interests and values of their family when it comes to decisions about running a school district. School Board Members are the representatives that carry out their will. They are unpaid volunteers who take on extra responsibilities for the sake of their community.
This volunteer work often takes time away from their families, jobs, and personal lives. Yet, they serve because they care about making a positive difference in the lives of students, teachers, and families. That personal sacrifice is one of the many reasons our School Board deserves our appreciation.
Celebrating A Legacy of Local Leadership
The tradition of honoring the men and women who serve on local boards of education began in Michigan in 1989. Recognizing that school board members are the largest group of elected officials in the country, the state sought to create a formal period of public thanks.
By 1995, the National School Boards Association (NSBA) designated January as the official month for national observance. This timing was chosen to align with the start of many state legislative sessions and the beginning of the second half of the academic year, providing a moment to reflect on the impact of local governance. Since then, the movement has grown into a nationwide celebration, with school districts in nearly every state participating in annual recognitions.
In late 2025, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders officially proclaimed January to be School Board Recognition Month in Arkansas. The statement emphasized the "pivotal role" these members play in student formation and safety.
A Thank You to the Gravette School Board
While the weather may occasionally shift the timing of our celebration, the focus of the school board doesn't change. They uphold local culture and meet the needs of the Gravette community while ensuring an education for everyone that meets and exceeds national standards.
To the seven individuals who sit on our board: thank you. We know that the work you do is often complex and rarely ends when the meeting adjourns. From the early morning phone calls to the late-night policy reviews, your decisions ripple through our hallways every single day. But beyond the daily operations, you are building a legacy. The choices you make today are laying the foundation for the success of students who haven't even walked through our doors yet. For your time, your vision, and your heart for Gravette Schools, we are truly grateful.