The Arkansas School Boards Association (ASBA) announced that January is School Board Member Recognition Month in Arkansas. School board members play an essential role in our community. The Magnolia School District will join other districts in Arkansas in celebration of our board by thanking them for the time, talents, and knowledge they bring to our district and for their commitment to the families and children of our community. The elected school board members give our Magnolia citizens a voice in education decision making. Superintendent John Ward stated, “While we make a special effort to show our appreciation in January, their contribution is a year-round commitment.”
The members serving the Magnolia School District are Emily Jester, Roger Loper, Jason Ray, Steven Souter, and Mike Waters.
The school board member spotlight for today is Jason Ray. Mr. Ray is a native of Magnolia and is a 1997 graduate of Magnolia High School. Jason is currently the Commercial Loan Officer Vice-President with Farmers Bank & Trust Company. He is a very active supporter of the school district’s programs and activities and serves on the Magnolia Boys & Girls Club board. Jason and his wife, Mercedes, have two identical boys, Isaac and Judah, who are students at the Magnolia Freshman Academy. Ray was first elected to the Magnolia School Board in 2022. He serves Zone 1 and his term will expire in 2024.