State Digest

US judge bars student’s transfer into Cabot school district

LITTLE ROCK (AP) — A federal judge says a student in Jacksonville cannot transfer into the Cabot School District because the new Jacksonville/ North Pulaski School District has claimed an exemption from the state's school choice law.

U.S. District Judge Price Marshall's ruling Monday reverses a state Board of Education decision last month that permitted the transfer. The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reports that Marshall said the state board must respect the wishes of the Jacksonville/ North Pulaski and Pulaski County Special school districts to not participate in the school choice law.

The state law provides an exemption if student transfers put a district in conflict with a federal court desegregation order or plan. Sixteen of the state's 235 traditional school districts have claimed an exemption.

Former Arkansas lawmaker has highway section named after her

ASHDOWN (AP) — A section of highway has been named in honor of former Arkansas state Sen. Barbara Horn.

The Texarkana Gazette reports that highway signs were unveiled Monday at a dedication reception in Ashdown.

Horn served for 17 years in the Arkansas Legislature, in both the House and Senate.

Little River County Judge Mike Cranford says Horn was able to secure millions of dollars for communities and industries in southwest Arkansas.

Highway signs will be places at the intersection of Arkansas Highways 32 and 41, and at the north Foreman city limits on Arkansas Highway 41.