By Randy Moll
WESTSIDE -- Arkansas state Sen. Jim Hendren presented checks to schools in Gentry and Gravette last week, rewarding schools that were in the top 10 and 20 percent of Arkansas schools with some additional education funds.
In Gentry, the Gentry Middle School was awarded a check for $16,190.97 for being in the top 20 percent of Arkansas schools.
In Gravette, checks were presented to Glenn Duffy Elementary in the amount of $36,540.70, to Gravette Upper Elementary in the amount of $35,238.14, and to Gravette Middle School in the amount of $41,134.51. The three Gravette schools ranked in the top 10 percent of Arkansas schools.
The school rewards come from the Arkansas School Recognition and Reward Program, made possible by the state legislature through Arkansas Code §6-15-2107, which authorizes rewards in the amount of up to $100 per student who attends a public or public charter school ranking in the top 10 percent of all Arkansas public schools in combined student performance and student academic growth. For high schools, the graduation rate must also meet criteria set by the state board of education -- a likely reason the local high schools didn't qualify for the additional funds.
Schools which rank in the top 20 percent but not within the top 10 percent are authorized to receive up to $50 per student.
Schools classified as "Needs Improvement Focus" and "Need Improvement Priority" are ineligible for the awards.
Schools ranking in the top 10 and 20 percent of schools in the state were identified by assigning a percentile rank for each school's performance, growth and (if applicable) graduation rate, according to a release from Arkansas Learns. The release states that 215 public schools were among those recognized as high performing and gaining schools.
Schools receiving recognition funds may use them for faculty and staff bonuses, educational equipment and materials or for personnel to assist with improving or maintaining student performance. A committee consisting of the school principal, a teacher elected by the faculty and a parent selected by the local parent-teacher organization decide on the best use of the funds.
The Gentry Middle School planned to use the money to purchase a cart of 28 to 30 Chromebooks for students. Gravette schools used the money to reward teachers and classified staff with a bonus.
General News on 06/17/2015