At its recent meeting, the Izard County STEM School Board approved the proposed budget for the 2028-29 school year. Superintendent Fred Walker reported that the district remains in excellent financial condition, having maintained a millage tax rate of 36 mills for the past 22 years. Walker noted this millage rate is the lowest in Izard County and is more than three mills below the state average.
The board also approved a $500 Christmas bonus for all staff, to be distributed in November.
Walker highlighted academic improvements across the district, sharing that all schools had shown progress on their ATLAS test scores, with the district earning an overall grade of B. He credited staff, students, parents, and guardians for their efforts in achieving this distinction. Additionally, Walker announced that the district had recently received 14 Outstanding Educational Performance Awards from the Office for Educational Policy at the University of Arkansas.
Construction projects aimed at enhancing safety and classroom space are advancing on schedule, according to Walker. The elementary school’s classroom and safe room project is expected to be completed by January 2027, while the middle school project is anticipated to finish in March 2027. The district received $2.4 million in state funding to support these projects.
High School Principal Billy McBride reported the district has secured three new grants, totaling $176,490.72. These include a High Impact Tutoring Grant of $160,781.50 from the Arkansas Department of Education, an $8,709.22 grant from the Second Amendment Legacy Foundation to support the shooting sports team, and a $7,000 grant for STEM education. McBride recognized Eve Hatman, Brett Stevenson, and Courtney Selph for their roles in successfully writing these grant applications.
The board’s actions and updates underscore the district’s ongoing commitment to financial stewardship, academic excellence, and enhanced educational facilities.