The Arkansas State Board of Education has again voted to suspend the teaching license of Quitman High School football coach Danny Marrs for one year.
The board voted 4-1 Thursday to revoke Marrs’ license after a Cleburne County circuit judge vacated the board’s earlier suspension issued in June 2025. The judge ordered the case reconsidered after two board members were found to have had ex-parte communications with two women who filed the ethics complaint against Marrs.
During Thursday’s meeting, the board reviewed the existing record and again determined Marrs violated multiple educator ethics standards related to supervision, professional conduct and failure to report incidents.
The case stems from locker room bullying allegations involving junior high football players during the 2023-24 school year. Reports included students being subjected to inappropriate behavior and locker room bullying described as “humping,” along with allegations involving BB and gel-bead guns and other harassment.
An outside investigation found at least one student’s behavior rose to the level of sexual harassment and also concluded locker room supervision by coaches was lacking.
The board cited Marrs for failing to adequately supervise players and for not immediately reporting a May 2024 complaint involving alleged sexual contact among students to the Arkansas Child Abuse Hotline.
The state’s Professional Licensure Standards Board had recommended probation, a fine and training for Marrs, but the State Board of Education again opted for a one-year suspension.
The board said its decision was based on reviewing the evidence and applying the state’s educator ethics standards.
Follow the Link Below to view the Thursday Arkansas State Board of Education meeting.
State Board of Education Special Meeting- March 12, 2026
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