The Board of Directors meets every two months to receive updates from committees/ officers and discuss association matters. In addition to the discussion on committee restructure, a Lifetime member community, and a virtual summer camp, the following outlines updates from the Board’s January 5th Winter Meeting.

Print Ballots & Event Rules

The Board discussed the recent reports of inconsistencies in NSDA event rules and community practice with the event descriptions on the print ballots published on the website. Since the pandemic, transitioning away from paper ballots, and the 2022 restructure of the website, the paper ballots have not been updated or monitored. Inconsistencies include variations in time limits, use of chairs/ costumes, etc. Jessica Skordal, as chair of the Arkansas State Championship committee, volunteered the committee to review the ballots and recommend updates for Board approval at the March board meeting.

2025 Recommended Legislation

With the start of the legislative session this spring, the Advocacy & Public Engagement Committee (formerly Professional Standards Committee), working with the president, presented to the Board several draft resolutions to recommend for members of the 95th Arkansas General Assembly, 2025 Regular Session, to promote the association's strategic goals. The three documents included a resolution recognizing March as Arkansas Theatre Education Month, November as Arkansas Speech & Debate Month, and granting Arkansas Student Congress use of the housing chambers for the upcoming competition November 9-11, 2025. The Board approved the following draft legislation, and Zackery Tucker agreed to share the documents with Representative Brian S. Evans of Cabot, who recently was elected Speaker of the House of Representatives.

College Intern

Executive Director Martene Campbell presented the idea of creating a college intern position to the Board. The concept would include providing experiential learning to a college student in a potential task like social media, soliciting donations, event support, etc. Although the Board did not vote to approve the concept, the discussion ended with a consensus for Campbell to draft a written proposal for the Board to consider at its next meeting or via email if ready beforehand.

Fall Conference

First Vice President Laure Harrison reported on progress for the Fall Conference 2025, which will be held August 28-30 at The Hotel Hot Springs. The theme was presented as: “Branching Out: Cultivating Voice, Stories, Connections.” Harrison presented a draft budget and schedule for review by members post-meeting for final discussion and approval at its March meeting.

Other items

In addition to the above, the Board discussed the committee restructuring amendment, the creation of a Lifetime member community, and endorsing a virtual summer camp proposal from the Student Advisory Board. More information about each item can be reviewed in the following links: