A school district in eastern Arkansas is exploring options for consolidation after the state said it doesn't have enough students to continue as an independent public school system.
The coming school year, which starts Monday, will be the last for the Hughes School District as an independent entity.
The Arkansas Department of Education says it will have to consolidate or annex into another district next year because it's had fewer than 350 students for two years in a row.
Superintendent Sheryl Owens says officials are getting ready for this school year while reaching out to other districts to discuss their options.
