DECATUR -- Several changes are in store for those teaching and working in the Decatur School System in August as the 2018-19 school years gets underway. One of the most notable changes is the loss of the Decatur school superintendent, who recently tendered his resignation.
Jeff Gravette, who has been superintendent of Decatur Schools since July 2014, resigned his position in order to accept the assistant superintendent's opening in the Gravette School District.
Jeff Gravette came to Decatur in June 2012 as the principal of Northside Elementary after teaching eight years in Gravette as a sixth-grade and social studies instructor.
In a June 1 interview, Jeff Gravette reflected on his accomplishments while in Decatur and sees a positive future for the growing school district.
Q: Did you achieve most of your goals while in Decatur?
A: "I'm very proud of what we've accomplished together over the past six years. Our students have excelled academically, athletically, in the arts and our clubs have won many awards. It has been a pleasure to watch our students compete and perform. Our parents, teachers, coaches, sponsors and volunteers continue to help our students experience a great part of their childhoods. There is nothing as precious as the joy and excitement of childhood, you never get it back when it's gone. We have added so many quality programs and services for our students and community."
Q: What would you say was your greatest accomplishment as Northside principal and Decatur superintendent?
A: "I'm thrilled to have been a part of building two gyms and safe rooms. It was hard work, but knowing the opportunity it gives our students and the peace of mind it gives parents for the next 50, maybe 70, years makes it all worth the stress and sacrifice we have made as a district to see these projects become reality.
"The additional student programming we have added has been remarkable. Our board, the city of Decatur led by Mayor Bob Tharp and our community have always been there for us when a new need came. The city has been wonderful in helping with the safe sidewalks program, expanding our parks and adding school signs. We have taken our oldest building and renovated it to become a great centerpiece to our district. We have continued to be a leader in the region in the effective use of technology and we have invested in training our staff and supporting their professional growth through tuition assistance. We have created great partnerships with Bright Futures and the Boys and Girls Club. Our staff has the first payroll deduction model to support student health initiatives in the state. We meet challenge after challenge and continue to find ways to do more for our kids.
"I want to thank Governor Asa Hutchinson, Representatives Dan Douglas and Kim Hendren and Senator Jim Hendren for all their support to help our school districts in Western Benton County. With their help, we are consistently getting closer to achieving personalized learning with a focus on career paths for all students to become successful contributing members of our communities."
Q: What will be your duties as assistant superintendent at Gravette?
A: "I will work closely with Dr. Page, the principals and staff to continue to develop the best curriculum possible for our students. I'm very excited to assist with the new facilities projects that the voters in Gravette just passed. The new gym, renovations at Glenn Duffy Elementary and Gravette Middle School and the expanded career center are going to be great additions for the students and community in Gravette. Above all, I want to be an advocate for the students in Gravette. My wife and I will be active parents of a kindergartner. We want to support teachers so that all students get the same outstanding education we know our daughter will receive."
Q: What would you say is the future of the Decatur School System?
A: "Decatur is in great shape moving forward. We were recently awarded another $945,000 by the state for the expansion of Decatur High School. Kevin Smith, Amy Brooks, Darlene Holly, Ike Owens, Karen Davis, Aaron Owens and Loyd Smith have been great board members to work for. They do so much for our kids and community through countless hours of volunteer service. They have had a vision and the discipline to make much needed improvements to our district. I know they will find a great replacement for me. I tell all potential candidates about how supportive our board is. Our district leadership in place, with Toby Conrad, Cary Stamps, Terri Burden, Jacque Smith, Doug Holly and Devon Courtney, is as good a group of people as you will find. I don't think the district will miss a beat in the coming years."
Q: Do you have any comments you would like to convey to the community?
A: "I'm excited to continue to work for this community. I will continue my work with the Boys and Girls Club's local and state boards to continue to find ways to bring more opportunities to our kids. I will return next May to present an annual scholarship to a Decatur graduate. I have 15 more graduations to attend here to watch all of our kids grow, succeed and graduate. One of the most enjoyable parts of this profession for me has been to go back to where I have taught and watch all my kids graduate.
"I've loved my time here in Decatur. Everyone has been wonderful to my wife, daughter and me. I have lived a very blessed life being able to spend most of my career in Gravette and Decatur. The values of these communities and the support for education make both exceptional places to work and raise children. I want to thank the Westside Eagle Observer and its staff for all the great coverage of our students and athletes these past six years. This area is very fortunate to have a professional newspaper that is dedicated to covering local events."
Since posting the position May 28, several qualified applicants have applied for the job. At press time, Decatur was still conducting interviews to fill the school district's top post.
General News on 06/06/2018