The Eureka Springs School Board heard some good news Monday evening, as the elementary school, middle school, and high school all received an A grade for Atlas testing results from last year.
Supt. Bryan Pruitt explained that Eureka Springs is part of a cooperative with 16 schools. Of those schools, only Valley Springs posted similar scores. “I’m really proud of our staff and students,” he said.
Middle School Principal Caen Dowell noted that the middle school had improved from a C to an A. “Our staff worked really hard, and they’re finally getting the recognition they deserve.” Dowell drew a supportive laugh when he suggested that his leadership was an obvious factor in the success.
Dowell mentioned a good turnout at the recent parent-teacher conferences. He also commented on a grant-funded program to improve writing skills. Dowell said trainers have focused on new teachers, watching their lessons and providing feedback, and the program has been well received by teachers.
The Elementary School improved its grade from a B to an A, and the high school maintained its A grade.
High School Principal Jacob Hayward said a recent literacy audit provided a good summary of overall performance of students. Atlas testing is coming at the end of the month, and many students will take Advanced Placement tests in May. The prom was held the previous Friday, and Hayward said the Crescent Hotel was “a great host.” At the end of the meeting, Pruitt said Hayward will resign at the end of his first year here.
In other business:
- Graduation is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 17.
- Counselor Gena Wenger described efforts to improve opportunities for students planning to enter the workforce directly after high school. She said she had taken 20 students to Springdale for an industry expo. The seniors had been prepared for job interviews, and several received immediate offers.
- Pruitt said a legislative audit for 2023-24 had no negative findings, and he praised district treasurer Pam McGarrah.
- A contract with ESS Midwest to provide substitute teachers was extended for a year. Pruitt said the company takes care of assigning substitutes, with a very high success rate.
- The school calendar for 2025-26 was approved. Students will return on Aug. 13, and school will end on May 22. This schedule is tentative, however, because the state currently does not allow schools to start before Aug. 19. Pruitt said he expects to see that start date expanded.
- A licensed salary schedule was approved for next year, after approval by the Personnel Policies Committee. The new schedule favors teachers with longer service or advanced degrees. When the state set a minimum teacher salary of $50,000 two years ago, many districts were left with very small differences in pay for veterans or first-time teachers. Pruitt said Eureka Springs is one of the few districts in the state able to increase pay beyond the minimum for deserving teachers.
- The board voted to apply for a three-year program which will provide all students with free breakfast and lunch. Pruitt said 60 percent of students are typically signed up for free or reduced-price meals, but with recent reductions in program requirements, this district is now eligible for the Community Eligibility Provision. “We would have to make up a little difference, but I think this is a great investment for the district,” Pruitt said.
‘Outstanding level of excellence’ – Go Team!
School Supt. Bryan Pruitt sent this letter to school staff. The reference to the “Hold Harmless” bill means that many school districts performed badly, and the state will not send letters directly to parents with school grades:
I want to take a moment to express how incredibly proud I am of all three campuses for reaching such an outstanding level of excellence to receive a letter grade rating of A from last year’s test results.
I fully recognize the tremendous amount of time, effort, and dedication it has taken to achieve these results. That this success is being seen across all three schools speaks volumes about the unity, commitment, and shared vision of our entire district.
Our families are doing their part by ensuring students are present and ready to learn each day. Our students are stepping up—engaged, cooperative, and focused. And our educators are putting in the work—leveraging curriculum, PLCs, and team meetings to ensure high-quality instruction and prepare students to excel.
Additionally, with the recently approved “Hold Harmless” bill, the state will not be issuing letters to parents this year with this announcement. This gives us the unique opportunity to lead the narrative and proudly share with our community just how much you’ve accomplished.
While we still have a couple of important weeks ahead with the next round of testing, I didn’t want to wait to say congratulations! I’m proud to work alongside such dedicated professionals—you are the true heroes.