BROOKLAND, AR — (BrooklandNews.com) — Dec. 3, 2025 — Brookland Public Schools is asking residents of Brookland to approve a mileage increase in March.

The Brookland School District is moving forward with plans to address its next phase of growth, having added more than 1,000 students since 2013. In a release written by Superintendent George Kennedy, the district outlined steps approved by the school board on Monday to address new facility needs associated with continued growth.

District growth over the past decade has prompted several major capital projects, including a new middle school, a 20-classroom addition to the primary school, expansions at the elementary and high schools, and the construction of Bearcat Arena. The district has also added a new track and field facility, upgraded baseball and softball fields, and built a press box at the football stadium.

Construction continues on a new intermediate school for third and fourth-grade students, scheduled to open in the 2026–27 school year. To prepare for future expansion, the district has purchased 103 acres for agricultural programs and the intermediate school site, as well as multiple residential lots on School Street, Hickory Street and a two-acre lot behind Brookland Baptist Church.

According to Kennedy, the board has identified two additional projects. The first is a new junior high cafeteria that would also function as a community tornado safe room. The shelter would be designed to hold students from both the junior high and senior high buildings and would open to the public after school hours during severe weather.

The second proposal calls for construction of the Bearcat Training Center at the south end of the football stadium. The facility would include new locker rooms, staff offices and weight and health training rooms for athletics, cheer and dance teams, ROTC, band and other student groups.

To finance the projects, the board approved a resolution calling for a millage election on Tuesday, March 3. Voters will be asked to consider a 3.95-mill increase. The district last sought a millage increase in 2013.

Kennedy said the district will release additional information about the proposal and its financial details ahead of the March election.