Public meetings held for PCSSD superintendent search
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MEETINGS: A special call meeting of the school board for the North Little Rock School District is at 5:30 p.m. tonight. The North Little Rock City Council will meet next Monday night at City Hall. The School Board for PCSSD will meet next Tuesday.
EVENTS: Lyon College and the city of Cabot will unveil architectural renderings at 2 p.m. next Monday, Feb. 10, for the soon to be built School of Veterinary Medicine. Lyon is also opening a dental school and the inaugural class for it is starting next fall. The vet school meeting will be at the Cabot Justice Center, 805 W. Main St., and the school will be located near Exit 21 of Hwy. 67/167. WDD Architects of North Little Rock is project architect and Baldwin & Shell Construction Company of Little Rock is construction manager. Next Friday, Feb. 14, is Valentine’s Day. Plan accordingly.
PUBLIC NOTICE: MAUMELLE PLANNING COMMISSION VACANCY
The Maumelle City Council is accepting resumes from residents interested in serving on the Maumelle Planning Commission. The Council will make an appointment to Position 1 for a four year term ending Jan. 31, 2029. Resumes should be submitted to Tina Timmons, City Clerk/Treasurer, and 550 Edgewood Drive, Maumelle, Arkansas 72113 no later than 4 p.m. next Thursday, Feb. 13. Resumes can be emailed to cityclerk@maumelle.org. All applicants will be interviewed by the City Council at the next scheduled Council meeting, Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025 at 6 p.m. The City Council will appoint immediately following the interviews. For additional information please call Scott Grummer at 501-851-2500.
Public meetings held for PCSSD superintendent search
The TV show Seinfeld famously created Festivus (the holiday for the rest of us) during its broadcast run and a key aspect of Festivus was the airing of grievances.
There were also feats of strength and something about an aluminum pole. While those weren’t on display, the airing of grievances, some decades old, were heard at a recent public meeting for the new superintendent for Pulaski County Special School District.
The scene was Mills High School and it was Tuesday night. It was the third of four meetings held at the district’s four high schools that also represent the four feeder areas into PCSSD. The other three are Maumelle, Sylvan Hills and Robinson high schools.
What’s wild for someone who has been in and around PCSSD for four decades, the complaints, the grievances so to speak, haven't really changed since the late 1990s.
Every school doesn’t think they get what they deserve in support, either in terms of finances or buildings or staffing.
So what was said Tuesday night, could have been heard at a community meeting at North Pulaski or Oak Grove back in the 1990s and every decade since, or at least until those schools closed.
Getting a new superintendent in PCSSD is also an ongoing thing with only Bobby Lester, who seemed to manage the political headwinds as well as anyone, having an extended run.
Otherwise, the new superintendents get a three-year contract, then either move on or are asked to leave.
Another search firm, this time paid $19,500 for their trouble, has been hired to help. It was Keith Williams, above, who moderated the meeting and did his best to keep things on track.
Essentially, what he wanted to know from the roughly 30 people in attendance was what they were looking for in a new superintendent and any issues they should be aware of.
And there were plenty.
The most frequent issue aired was the pay schedule for classified personnel, with facilities in the Mills feeder, Harris and College Station elementary schools, being a close second.
Another issue was for the new superintendent to have a knowledge of the history of the district in both terms of race relations but also how PCSSD fit into public education in the relationships with the county’s other districts in Little Rock and North Little Rock, and with the state department of education.
Also in attendance were four members of the PCSSD School Board, who took questions and also provided insight into district operations.
Tuesday’s meeting also got some pitches for who PCSSD should hire.
Raymond Cooper, the athletics director and basketball coach at Mills, said it plainly, the School Board should promote Tracy Allen, currently the principal at Sylvan Hills and formerly the principal at North Little Rock, to be the next superintendent.
Of course, that assumes Allen applies.
The timeline is to have a new superintendent in place by July 1 and under a three-year contract.
All that would be School Board decisions and there’s a meeting next Tuesday to go over the online survey results as well as the findings from the public meetings with the deadline to apply coming in March, followed by meetings and interviews with an April School Board meeting to name the new hire, assuming the timeline stays on track.
Following along, at least not professionally, will be Cynthia Howell Oman, the long-time education writer for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. She was a surprising a no show at Tuesday’s meeting but because she had retired from the newspaper after 44 years earlier that day with an earned and well-deserved -30-. Happiest of trails to her and Noel.
Education News
Ole Miss names Fall 2024 Chancellor's Honor Roll
The University of Mississippi announced students named to the Fall 2024 Honor Roll lists. The following local students were named to the Chancellor's Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00:
North of the River students at Ole Miss honored were:
Alden Lee, of North Little Rock, in the B.A. in Public Policy Leadership program.
Clarence Matthews, of Maumelle, in the B.S.M.E. in Mechanical Engineering program.
Peyton Price, of North Little Rock, in the B.A. in Biological Science program.
Reagan Rabb, of Sherwood, in the B.A. in Allied Health Studies program.
Avery Stephens, of North Little Rock, in the B.A. in Psychology program.
Anna Tuxhorn, of North Little Rock, in the B.S. in Hospitality Management program.
"The remarkable students achieving Chancellor's Honor Roll are among the best and brightest at the University of Mississippi," Chancellor Glenn Boyce said. "I commend them for their hard work and dedication resulting in their outstanding academic achievements and this well-deserved recognition."
To be eligible for honor roll designation, a student must have completed at least 12 graded hours for the semester and may not be on academic probation during the semester.
North of the River students named to SAU Fall 2024 Dean's List
Southern Arkansas University has announced that 650 students earned a 3.5 GPA or higher for the fall 2024 semester and have been named to its Dean's List.
Mary Insalaco is a senior Management major from North Little Rock.
Shulamith Jaquez is a senior Marine Biology major from North Little Rock.
Mckenzie Landry is a sophomore Elementary Education (STEM) major from North Little Rock.
Janiah Wilson is a junior Pre-Professional Exercise Science major from North Little Rock.
Savannah Hibbard is a senior Nursing major from Sherwood.
Ethan Maddox is a senior General Business major with a minor in Finance from Sherwood.
Bailey McPherson is a freshman Agricultural Science (Animal Science) major from Sherwood.
Colton McPherson is a senior Pre-Health Biology major from Sherwood.
Patrick Neely is a senior Marketing (Sales Option) major from Sherwood.
A total of 650 students were honored on this semester's Dean's List.
SAU President's List Fall 2024: Southern Arkansas University has announced that 479 students earned a 4.0 GPA for the fall 2024 semester and have been named to its President's List.
Clayton Collins is a junior Pre-Health Biology major from North Little Rock.
Malachi Cox is a sophomore Marine Biology major from North Little Rock.
Leah Evans is a sophomore Pre-Nursing major from Sherwood.
A total of 479 students were honored on this semester's President's List.
Middle Tennessee names academic honors
Middle Tennessee State University is congratulating 6,478 students who appear on the dean's list for the fall 2024 semester.
To qualify for this distinction, an undergraduate student must maintain a current semester grade-point average of 3.5 or above and earn at least 12 semester hours.
North of the Rivers students who made the list include:
Clay McDonald of Maumelle
Hannah Welch of Sherwood
SNHU names Fall 2024 President's List
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) congratulates the following students on being named to the Fall 2024 President's List. The fall terms run from September to December.
Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.700 and above for the reporting term are named to the President's List. Full-time status is achieved by earning 12 credits over each 16-week term or paired 8-week terms grouped in fall, winter/spring, and summer.
Chris Porier of Maumelle
Elizabeth Tiger Roberson of Maumelle
Jeremy Rucker of Maumelle
Charlisa Stroye of Maumelle
Veronica Sanchez of Sherwood
Stefanie Rizer of Sherwood
Abigail Spann of Sherwood
Ajori Edwards of Sherwood
Corey Johnson of North Little Rock
Caryn Ianacone of North Little Rock
Tyler Brown of North Little Rock
Felicia Pearson of North Little Rock
Brittney McCraw of North Little Rock
Heather Witt of North Little Rock
Julia Moody of North Little Rock
Fall 2024 Dean's List: It is with great pleasure that Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) congratulates the following students on being named to the Fall 2024 Dean's List. The fall terms run from September to December.
Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.500 to 3.699 for the reporting term are named to the Dean's List. Full-time status is achieved by earning 12 credits over each 16-week term or paired 8-week terms grouped in fall, winter/spring, and summer.
Latalia Jeffries of Sherwood
Makenzie Johnston of North Little Rock
Alyssa Diaz named to Missouri State University's fall 2024 dean's list
Each semester, students at Missouri State University who attain academic excellence are named to the dean's list.
For undergraduate students, criteria include enrollment in at least 12 credit hours during the fall semester and at least a 3.50 grade point average on a 4.0 scale.
Alyssa Diaz from Maumelle made the list. Diaz was among more than 5,300 students named to the fall 2024 dean's list.
Dean's, President's Lists Students Named for UA Fall 2024 Term
A total of 14,631 students enrolled during Fall Semester 2024 at The University of Alabama were named to the dean's list with an academic record of 3.5 (or above) or the president's list with an academic record of 4.0 (all A's).
North of the River students include:
Kaitlin Arnold of Maumelle was named to the Deans List.
Mary Crow of Maumelle was named to the Deans List.
Grace Pitts of North Little Rock was named to the Deans List.
Evelyn Moran of North Little Rock was named to the Presidents List.
Kimberly Mcclendon of Sherwood was named to the Presidents List.
Students named to Dean's List at University of Maryland Global Campus
More than 16,000 University of Maryland Global Campus students were named to the Dean's List for the fall 2024 term. To be eligible for the honor, a student must complete at least six credits during the term, earned a grade point average of at least 3.5 for the term, and maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.5 at UMGC.
The following North of the River students were named to the Dean's List:
Brianna Hermann, Sherwood
Dustyn Hermann, Sherwood
Andrew Idenden, Sherwood
Shamorra Miller, North Little Rock
Brian Nieto, North Little Rock
Jazmine Pierce, Sherwood
Romel Saragena, North Little Rock
Kenita Winston, North Little Rock
Austin Wozniak, North Little Rock
North of the River basketball
Maumelle Charter boys
Conference: 3A-6
Record so far: 9-23 and 2-11 in league play
Last week: Beat Episcopal last Friday as the Falcons won for just the second time in league play.
What’s ahead: A trip to Rose Bud this Friday with the regular season-finale coming at St. Joseph next Tuesday.
For the roster, click here.
Date ... Opponent
Friday, Feb. . 7: At Rose Bud ... 8:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 11: At St. Joseph ... 8:30 p.m.
Maumelle Charter girls
Conference: 3A-6
Record so far: 11-19 and 1-10 in league play
Last week: Lost to Episcopal last week.
What’s ahead: Maumelle Charter’s last conference win was against Rose Bud and guess who they face this Friday? The Ramblers of Rose Bud. Hope springs eternal and the regular season-finale is next Tuesday at Conway St. Joseph.
For the roster, click here.
Date ... Opponent
Friday, Feb. . 7: At Rose Bud ... 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 11: At St. Joseph ... 7 p.m.
Maumelle boys
Conference: 5A-Central
Record so far: 19-6 and 9-1 in conference play
Last week: The Hornets reeled off two league wins, including a home dub against Little Rock Parkview.
What’s ahead: The Hornets host Jacksonville this Friday, then head to Sylvan Hills next Tuesday. Maumelle is currently in second place in the 5A-Central and a home matchup against league leader Little Rock Christian is Friday, Feb. 21. Winner of that game will be the conference champ and the No. 1 seed from the 5A-Central in the state tournament.
For the roster, click here.
Date ... Opponent
Friday, Feb. . 7: Vs. Jacksonville ... 7 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 14: At Sylvan Hills ... 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 18: At Greenbrier ... 7 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 21: Vs. Little Rock Christian ... 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 25: At Vilonia ... 7 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 28: At Catholic ... 7 p.m.
Maumelle girls
Conference: 5A-Central
Record so far: 7-16 and 2-6 in conference play
Last week: The Hornets beat Parkview on Tuesday to pick up the second win in league play.
What’s ahead: Jacksonville is this Friday, followed with a trip to Sherwood for Sylvan Hills next Tuesday.
For the roster, click here.
Date ... Opponent
Friday, Feb. . 7: Vs. Jacksonville ... 6 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 14: At Sylvan Hills ... 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 18: At Greenbrier... 6 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 21: At Little Rock Christian ... 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 25: At Vilonia ... 6 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 28: At Mount St. Mary ... 7 p.m.
Central Arkansas Christian boys
Conference: 4A-5
Record so far: 5-13 and 2-5 in league
Last week: CAC beat Lisa Academy West on Fridat to get the second conference win of the year for the Mustangs.
What’s ahead: A trip to Pulaski Academy is this Friday, with a home game against Morrilton next Tuesday.
For the roster, click here.
Date ... Opponent
Friday, Feb. . 7: At Pulaski Academy ... 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 11: Vs. Morrilton ... 7 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 14: Vs. Robinson ... 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 18: At Clinton ... 7 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 21: At Heber Springs ... 7 p.m.
Central Arkansas Christian girls
Conference: 2A-5
Record so far: 1-23 and 0-11 in conference action.
Last week: CAC is on a 20-game losing streak and last won in November.
What’s ahead: CAC travels to Bigelow tonight as there’s just three games remaining on the schedule.
For the roster, click here.
Date ... Opponent
Thursday, Feb. 6: At Bigelow ... 6 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 7: At Conway Christian... 6 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 14: Vs. Robinson ... 7 p.m.
North Little Rock Boys
Conference: 6A-Central
Record so far: 14-5, 5-1 in league play
Last week: North Little Rock beat Central in a thriller on Tuesday night and are solidly in second place in the 6A-Central behind Jonesboro.
What’s ahead: Conway is here Friday with the Hurricane of Jonesboro looming for a sweethearts game on Friday, Feb. 14, aka Valentine’s Day. Sandwiched in between is a Tuesday trip to Little Rock Southwest in a makeup game that had been previously postponed due to weather.
For the roster, click here.
Date ... Opponent
Friday, Feb. . 7: Vs. Conway ... 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 11: At Little Rock Southwest … 7:15 p.m. (Makeup game)
Friday, Feb. 14: Vs. Jonesboro ... 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 25: At Bryant ... 7 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 27: At Cabot ... 7:30 p.m.
North Little Rock girls
Conference: 6A-Central
Record so far: 16-8, 5-2 in league
Last week: North Little Rock beat Little Rock Central on Tuesday and the ‘Cats are in second place in the 6A-Central as a result.
What’s ahead: Conway is at home this Friday in a massive game for North Little Rock.
For the roster, click here.
Date ... Opponent
Friday, Feb. . 7: Vs. Conway ... 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 11: At Little Rock Southwest ... 6 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 14: Vs. Jonesboro... 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 25: At Bryant ... 5
Thursday, Feb. 27: At Cabot... 6 p.m.
Health
The journey
Neither up, nor down and a stuck in the middle for Week 5. Things look more promising as Benchuary has started in earnest. But that’s for next week.
Part 5 of a 12-part series.
Pandemic deaths climb
The state Department of Health updated the state’s dashboard this week, and added 18 additional deaths for 2024 for a total of 532 deaths for the past year. There’s no tab created for 2025 either. The virus has now killed 14,162 Arkansans since the pandemic began more than four years ago. That would mean the pandemic death toll has now passed Marion’s 13,635 people, the state’s 29th largest city.
Covid toolkit
There’s now a one-stop shop to learn about vaccination sites and other Covid related information. Click here to learn more.
If you don’t want to get sick and die, there’s some things you can do:
Get vaccinated
Get boosted
Wear a mask
Avoid crowds