The De Queen School District School Board met in regular session Monday, April 13, 2020 in the high school cafeteria. Before discussing regular agenda items, the board listened to Superintendent Jason Sanders and High School Principal Bryan Blackwood as they presented several options being explored to reschedule graduation for the Class of 2020 and the junior/senior prom. The two events have been postponed due to the Covid-19 social distancing guidelines.

The district is taking direction from the state government so dates for the two events cannot be set until the Governor gives directives allowing group events to resume. Mr. Sanders and Mr. Blackwood explained to the board how they are looking at all options and hope to be able to hold both events in the near future. If the rescheduled dates land in the summer months, changes in venue are possible to avoid the summer heat.

The board and district are committed to honoring the Class of 2020 and understand how important graduation ceremonies are to these seniors and their families. Once a new date is set and if there is a change in venue, the school district plans to communicate with the public in a timely manner which allows students and families to make the appropriate plans.

The original graduation date was Monday, May 11th and was set to be held on Bill Blackwood Field at Leopard Stadium. In order to honor the seniors, the lights and scoreboard will be turned on this night until midnight as a show of support and appreciation for the Class of 2020. It is a small gesture by the district in hopes of bringing something positive the seniors can lean on during this difficult time.

The district is asking everyone in the community to join in and show support for the Class of 2020 on May 11th by dressing up your business windows and marquees with messages of support for this year’s seniors. In addition, the district asks community members to support the local businesses that are honoring the Senior Class of 2020.