New School Board Members Sworn In for Timbo and Rural Special Districts

Stone County takes steps to split Mountain View School District into three independent entities.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 9:19am

The Stone County Quorum Court has appointed new school board members for the Timbo and Rural Special school districts, which are preparing to separate from the Mountain View School District and become independent entities on July 1. County Judge Stacey Avey swore in the five-member boards for each new district, marking a rare move by the quorum court to appoint school board members during a district reorganization.

Why it matters

This transition represents a major shift in Stone County's educational landscape, as the Mountain View School District will be divided into three independent districts. The quorum court's involvement in appointing board members highlights the unique nature of this reorganization under Arkansas law.

The details

The newly appointed Rural Special board includes Renee Carr, Dustin Stewart, Daniel Morrison, Trilla Kennedy, and Roger Hipp. The Timbo board consists of Melissa Sutton, Ilse Jordan, Karen Ross, Jonathan Schrock, and Brenda Lewis. The districts are preparing for their first meetings on March 17 (Rural Special and Mountain View) and April 6 (Timbo).

  • On March 16, 2026, the Stone County Quorum Court moved to seat new leadership for the Timbo and Rural Special school districts.
  • The new board members were sworn in by County Judge Stacey Avey.
  • The Timbo and Rural Special districts will officially separate from the Mountain View School District on July 1, 2026.

The players

Stacey Avey

The Stone County Judge who swore in the new board members for the Timbo and Rural Special school districts.

Renee Carr, Dustin Stewart, Daniel Morrison, Trilla Kennedy, Roger Hipp

The newly appointed board members for the Rural Special school district.

Melissa Sutton, Ilse Jordan, Karen Ross, Jonathan Schrock, Brenda Lewis

The newly appointed board members for the Timbo school district.

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What they’re saying

“The transition is focused on providing the best educational opportunities while maintaining community relationships.”

— Stacey Avey, Stone County Judge

What’s next

The Rural Special and Mountain View school boards are scheduled to meet on March 17, while the Timbo board will meet on April 6 to begin the process of separating from the Mountain View School District.

The takeaway

This reorganization of the Mountain View School District into three independent entities highlights the complex challenges and opportunities facing rural school districts in Arkansas as they work to provide the best educational outcomes for their communities.