A Glimpse at the 2025 Cabot School Board Candidates

Cabot School Board is losing one of its ranking and longest running school board members in May. Corey Williams served for almost 16 years and holds one of the two at-large  positions.

While many citizens traditionally skip May school board elections because of the inconvenience and random timing, thankfully a new law passed in the most recent legislative session that will align future elections with regular voting dates. It’s puzzling – we constantly hear concerns about our schools and everyone talks about putting kids first, yet so few people show up to vote for who actually runs them. These elections matter deeply – both for parents guiding their children’s education and taxpayers investing in their community’s schools. That’s why staying involved and holding our elected officials accountable for school performance isn’t just important – it’s essential. Sadly, many citizens do not understand the responsibilities of these elected school board members.

According to Arkansas Law, A.C.A. § 6-13-620: The Key Powers and Duties of Arkansas School Board Members are to:

• Actively participate in board meetings and make decisions that guide the district’s direction while following all state and federal laws
• Hold full power to employ all district staff, including the superintendent, assistant superintendents, and all contract employees
• Control all district finances including budget, revenues, expenditures, contracts, property decisions, and annual audits
• Ensure proper maintenance and management of all district facilities and assets
• Approve curriculum and ensure students receive all state-required courses through regular school visits and event attendance
• Complete required training to serve as informed, effective board members
• Take all necessary legal actions to maintain efficient, free public schools serving the entire district

Note: These represent key school board responsibilities, but are not exhaustive. Recent legislation has expanded board duties, even allowing for a recall of board members. For a complete understanding of school board powers and obligations, please consult the current Arkansas Code. An informed community leads to better oversight of our public schools. 

So who are the three candidates running for Cabot School Board at-large position?

Sally Beebe, a wife and mother who seems to be a well liked member of Cabot society. Her social media page is filled with positive messages and pictures of her family. Sally’s Facebook photos shows she has children in Cabot schools and is closely connected to many teachers and administrators in the district. This raises an important question: Can she maintain independence and push for needed changes when her social circle is so deeply embedded in the very system that has struggles to produce proficient readers, writers, and critical thinkers? The current school board has fallen short of its legal responsibilities and must be held to a higher standard – so much so that they’ve faced lawsuits and found guilty of violating transparency and simple procedural duties. Even more concerning, several board members have expressed openly their belief that parents shouldn’t have the right to speak at public meetings. Whether Sally will stand up against the current status-quo is a great question – one that she herself chose not to address when given the opportunity to respond to interview questions.

Noah Welch, the youngest candidate, brings recent firsthand experience as a 2018 Cabot school graduate. He understands the school atmosphere, knows first hand what is being taught, and can help implement the changes that need to be made. Noah is completing his Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock this year while serving in the U.S. Air National Guard. His next goal is to attend Officer Training School to become a pilot. While some might question whether such a young candidate can drive needed change in our district, Noah’s commitment to openness is already evident – he was the only candidate who responded to my interview request. When asked what he would bring to the school board, Noah responded without hesitation: “transparency and honesty.” He expressed enthusiasm about Senate Bill 90’s passage, which guarantees public comment during school board meetings. 

The final candidate, Brad Tarvin, tried to withdraw from the election, but missed the deadline, so he will still be listed.  Brad is a retired Cabot school administrator who also spent a year as the transportation director.  The Lonoke County Clerk’s office and Arkansas Ethics Commission report that Tarvin hasn’t completed the required financial documents – paperwork he’ll still need to file if he wins. And why did Tarvin try to withdraw as a candidate? Initially, he agreed to answer my interview questions, but when I asked about specific legal documents uncovered on Arkansas Court Connect, his only response was that he was withdrawing from the race. Here’s what’s concerning: if Brad Tarvin wins and then chooses to resign, the current school board members – the same ones facing lawsuits and restricting parent input – would have the power to hand-pick his replacement. Thankfully, this won’s be the case next school year, since legislators changed this law during the current session. If he does win, will parents dig into his past? Will he maintain the status quo? Or will he take the nomination with transparency and help bring change where it is needed?

This isn’t just another civic position – it’s a sacred trust.

School board members are elected by local voters to serve as the ultimate governing body of their school district. While they hire superintendents to manage daily operations, the board members themselves hold the legal authority and responsibility for all district decisions. These elected officials take a solemn oath to uphold state laws and are legally charged with ensuring their district provides quality education while managing taxpayer resources responsibly. Each board member’s vote represents the voice and interests of every citizen in the district – not just school administrators. While educators bring valuable expertise, the board’s role as an independent oversight body provides essential checks and balances, bringing fresh perspectives from the community to ensure decisions truly benefit the entire district. To those seeking to serve on our school board: This isn’t just another civic position – it’s a sacred trust. Our children’s futures, our taxpayers’ resources, and our community’s values rest in your hands. If elected, you must have the courage to ask hard questions, the wisdom to listen to all voices, and the integrity to stand firm for what’s right for our entire district, even if it upsets your circle of friends.

The current board members, who will be up for reelection in the next couple of years, are: Joe Trusty (8 years), Sarah Owen (10 years), Marvin Jones (8 years), Pam Clem (7 years), Dr. James Hertzog (4 years), and Kevin Tipton (4 years). Now is the time for voters to decide: Are we satisfied with the direction of our schools? Your vote in this election isn’t just about filling a seat – it’s about shaping the future of education in Cabot. Early voting begins on May 6th, ending on election day May 13th. Will you be there to make your voice heard?

Click here to find your polling locations 

Missy Bosch

Missy is the author of “Crushed, but Not Broken”, a story detailing her daughter’s diagnosis and her family’s fight with CNS HLH. She has a passion to improve education and help children with disabilities receive the education and respect they deserve. Missy and her husband are AF veterans and have 4 children.