A high degree of learning

In central Arkansas, Saline County school districts have become a beacon of excellence in the state. From new construction and technological advances to unique programs, districts have placed a stamp of significance on providing the ultimate educational experience for students.

Bryant

There is a lot going on in the Bryant School District.

There are currently four major construction projects that are aimed for completion next fall — a new Bryant High School complete with 40 classrooms, a new media center and all administrative offices; Hill Farm Elementary School that will house 624 students; and additions of classroom and cafeteria space to Salem and Springhill elementary schools.

There’s also the crowning achievements by students that have garnered a lot of attention. Not only were four Bryant High School students named National Merit semifinalists this year, but the

“We have a smalltown approach,” he said. “It’s that hometown feel that many people are searching for.”

— Jarrod Williams, Bauxite School District Superintendent

high school was named to the National Advanced Placement Honor Roll by the College Board.

“I truly believe our staff, our community and our kids set us apart from many school districts in the state and across the nation,” Superintendent Randy Rutherford said. “There is such a tradition and pride that runs throughout our town and our school district.”

The district is always looking to offer more opportunities for students to find their talent and excel, especially for those who have a passion for technology. Bryant High School is offering a new mobile application writing course that should be on the schedule next year, thanks to a $120,000 grant, Rutherford said.

“I believe that our district is one of the most progressive districts around,” he said.“we offer so many opportunities through elective classes on the high school level for our students, and are always on the lookout for more opportunities.”

Bauxite

South of Bryant is the town of Bauxite, which has a thriving school district that has a lot of big plans on its horizon.

According to the department of education statistics, Superintendent Jerrod Williams said, the Bauxite School District is the seventh fastest-growing district in the state.

Currently, the district has more than 1,520 students in kindergarten through the 12th grade and 20 in the pre-kindergarten program. A low turnover rate among the faculty is a positive thing for students, Williams said.

“We have a small-town approach,” he said.“it’s that hometown feel that many people are searching for upon moving from the larger districts. We’re known for our teachers’ caring and doing whatever it takes to help our students achieve.”

The superintendent said that with funding from the biennium Academic Facilities Partnership Program administered by the Arkansas Department of Education Facilities Division, he hopes to complete a remodel and addition of the Pine Haven Elementary School.

He also said the school district is anticipating beginning an Environmental and Spatial Technology program next year that will benefit middle school students, as well as high school students.

“We’ll be bringing our infrastructure with technology and our facilities up to 21st-century standards, which will really help and benefit the kids,” Williams said.

Haskell

In Haskell, the Harmony Grove School District, which consists of three schools on one campus, has a lot to be proud of. In 2010, the district completed a new Harmony Grove Middle School addition, and this past fall, the district began an addition on Westbrook Elementary School.

“It’s going to consist of seven classrooms, a music room, library and new cafeteria,” Superintendent Daniel Henley said.

Harmony Grove provides many academic opportunities to help give students a well-rounded education, like the unique hands-on vocational program that allows students to build a house from the ground up.

A new class that the district is looking to include at the high school is a medical vocation class that introduces students to the medical field, giving students even more chances to gain valuable experience. Henley hopes to have it on the schedule for the 2013 school year.

“We offer plenty of opportunities, but the school is small enough that if the student wants to be a part of something, they can be,” he said.

Benton

The Benton School District has long been known for its academic excellence through continuous school improvement.

This includes Benton High School, which, at the beginning of the 2011-2012 school year, opened its doors to students after an almost complete rebuilding. The two-story 300,000square-foot building features interactive “Smart Boards,” a state-of-the-art distance-learning lab, and a media center with modern technology and computer labs.