Gentry Public Schools 2013-14 Annual Report to the Public

Gentry Public Schools held its Annual Report to the Public on Monday, September 23, 2013, in the Gentry High School Library. Presentations were made by Dr. Randy C. Barrett, Superintendent and Judy Winslett, Federal Programs Coordinator. Ms. Winslett began the Annual Report to the Public by presenting, via Power Point, testing scores and information related to the Arkansas Consolidated School Improvement Planning model (ACSIP), as well as explaining the information reported on the Annual School Report Card. Dr. Barrett’s presentation included a Master Plan Facilities Review as well as a fiscal year 14 budget review which provided longitudinal data relating to average teacher salaries, per pupil spending, percentage of students eligible for free and reduced lunches, revenue funding sources, and a fund expenditure summary. All electronic presentations can be found on the Administration page of the Gentry Public School website at http://www.gentrypioneers.com.

The Arkansas Consolidated School Improvement Planning model (ACSIP) is an annual comprehensive planning and fund distribution design that must be used by all Arkansas public Schools, as defined by Ark. Code Ann 6-15-419. Using the Arkansas Consolidated School Improvement Planning (ACSIP) model, each school in Arkansas develops a comprehensive school improvement plan. This plan serves as the school’s application for all federal programs administered by the Arkansas Department of Education under No Child Left Behind.

Three primary goals pervade the district ACSIP, all of which strive for improvement relating to academic scores in literacy and math, and improved health and wellness for all students. School improvement plans (ACSIP) for all building, including the district plan, may also be read in their entirety on the district website.

Each year the Arkansas Department of Education reviews data submitted by individual districts to determine an accreditation status. Districts, on a rotating basis, host in-depth on-site-reviews conducted by the Arkansas Department of Education. The Gentry School District has been fully accredited, with no deficiencies or citations, issued by the department. In addition to state accreditation, Gentry Schools has met the requirements established by the AdvancED Accreditation Commission and is accredited by the North CentralAssociation Commission of Accreditation and School Improvement.

Dr. Barrett and the other presenters offered an opportunity for questions from both the school board and the audience.

Dr. Barrett noted “The Gentry School District is doing a good job in carrying out the district’s mission for all students. We have made significant progress in providing the infrastructure and equipment to ensure our students have access to 21th century technology. We have been good stewards of our resources and facilities.

But most important of all, the district has maintained a highly qualified support and instructional staff to serve our students and parents.” In closing, Dr. Barrett invited parents to remain actively involved in their children’s education. He also,on behalf of the school administration, staff, and school board, thanked all parents, patrons, and students who took part in September Parent-Teacher Conferences.

Published 11/13/2013 in the Westside Eagle Observer

Opinion, Pages 8 on 11/13/2013