The Springdale Public Schools School Board met Jan. 13, 2026.
Regular monthly School Board meetings are held at 5 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at the District Administration Building at 804 W. Johnson Ave.
Meetings are livestreamed HERE monthly.
Above and Beyond
School Board member Randy Hutchinson was celebrated at the January meeting for serving as Arkansas School Board Association President from December 2024 to December 2025.
The ASBA is a private, nonprofit, membership organization that provides leadership, training, advocacy and specialized services to school boards throughout Arkansas.
School Board Recognition Month
The Arkansas State Board of Education has declared January as School Board Member Recognition Month, and Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders has issued a proclamation recognizing the service of Arkansas school board members.
This year’s theme, “Answering the Call,” honors school board members who step forward to lead and make decisions that guide Arkansas schools and support student success. Throughout January, districts are encouraged to recognize board members for answering the call to serve students, schools and communities.
Principal of the Year
The Arkansas Association of Middle Level Administrators has named Chelsea Jennings of Sonora Middle School as the 2026 Principal of the Year.
“I am incredibly honored and grateful for this recognition,” Jennings said. “It reflects the collective work of an extraordinary staff who show up every day for kids with purpose, heart and high expectations.”
Read the full story HERE.
Assistant Principal of the Year
The Arkansas Association of Middle Level Administrators has named Cara Sedberry of George Junior High School as Assistant Principal of the Year.
“I’m truly honored to receive this award. George is and has been an important part of my life for over 20 years, first in the classroom and now in a leadership role,” Sedberry said. “I’m grateful for the support, encouragement and collaboration of everyone who’s been part of this journey. This recognition means more to me than I can fully express!”
Read the full story HERE.
Instructor Impact and Excellence Award
APAC has honored Chad Burkett with the APAC Impact and Excellence Award for his transformative work as an instructor in agriculture mechanics, heavy equipment and construction.
Burkett pioneered a standalone high school Commercial Driver's License training program for Springdale Schools. Through community partnerships, the program currently trains 38 students and boasts a 100% student placement rate.
He's also developed a High School Heavy Equipment Operator Training program that currently serves 77 students. This program provides cutting-edge instruction on GPS site development systems, ensuring students are trained to industry standards.
In addition to his daytime roles, Burkett serves as an instructor for the Arkansas Construction Education Foundation night-time pre-apprenticeship courses.
Outstanding Music Educator Award
Alan Showalter, Southwest Junior High School Head Choir Director, was named the National Federation of State High School Associations Outstanding Music Educator Award recipient for Middle School or Junior High in Section 6.
This recognition reflects Showalter’s exceptional dedication to music education, his impact on students and his continued commitment to excellence in the fine arts.
Section 6 represents Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico and Colorado.
Martin Luther King Jr. Award
Bob Ruatake, a Hellstern Middle School sixth-grader, won the annual Springdale Public Schools Martin Luther King Jr. essay contest and was recognized for his essay honoring the civil rights leader.
Bob is in Julie Keys' class and received $50 and an invitation to a Walmart MLK luncheon for his essay, and Hellstern Middle School received $500.
Champions for Kids
School Board President Nick Emerson and Associate Superintendent Melissa Fink shared the impact Champions for Kids is having on district schools.
Champions for Kids provides resources for children in our nation’s highest poverty schools to be prepared for success in school and in life. The organization does so by providing teachers in K-8 public schools with resources, incentives and rewards to help children and youth reach and exceed school benchmarks in reading, health and fitness and STEM programs.
The nonprofit has served students at K-8 Connect and Bayyari, Elmdale, Jones, Knapp, Parson Hills, Smith and Westwood elementary schools this year.
Champions for Kids makes a lasting impact by improving student achievement through student accomplishment awards, a Polar Express Gift Delivery, holiday teacher staff gift boxes and a Holiday Festival.
