Four Bryant Schools will receive their share of the approximately $7 million in reward money from the Arkansas School Recognition Program. Awards are based on assessment information from the 2017-2018 school year and graduation rates from the 2016-2017 school year.
The Arkansas School Recognition Program was created to provide financial awards to public schools with high student performance, student academic growth, and for secondary schools, high graduation rate.
An amount of $99.18 per student is awarded to schools in the top 5% in student performance or student academic growth. Two Bryant schools scored in the top 5%:
- Bethel Middle School (Top 5% Performance in State) $88,766.10
- Springhill Elementary (Top 5% Performance in State) $70,417.80
Based on student performance or academic growth (which includes high school graduation rates), schools in the top 6%-10% are slated to receive rewards of $49.58 per student enrolled. Bryant schools receiving this award include:
- Collegeville Elementary (Top 6-10% Performance in State) $27,913.54
- Bryant High School (Top 6-10% Growth in State) $133,568.52
“We are so thankful for the support of our parents and community, which contribute to our success. Congratulations to the students, faculty and staff who worked hard to make these achievements in performance and growth,” said Superintendent Karen Walters.
Schools receiving recognition funds are required to establish a committee to determine how to use the funds. Funds must be used for faculty and staff bonuses, educational equipment and materials, or personnel to assist with improving or maintaining student performance. The committee will include the principal, a teacher and a parent representative.
The 2018 ESSA School Index Reports, including school grades, were recently released by the Arkansas Department of Education. Bryant School had three A schools (Bryant High School; Bethel Middle; Springhill Elementary) and seven B schools (Bryant Elementary; Collegeville Elementary; Salem Elementary; Davis Elementary; Hill Farm Elementary; Hurricane Creek Elementary; Bryant Middle School).