Jacksonville residents will be able to vote on whether they want to detach from the Pulaski County School District.
The Arkansas Education Board on Thursday unanimously approved a measure promoted by several Jacksonville groups to establish a separate school district in the city.
A settlement of a lawsuit that will end special desegregation to the Pulaski County, Little Rock and North Little Rock school districts contains a provision that allows Jacksonville form an independent district.
If backers win at the ballot, the Education Board will appoint a seven-member Jacksonville school board and there will be a two-year transition period before the severance is complete.