School begins millage campaign
Controversial millage investment quickly approaching
The Pea Ridge School District will attempt to pass a millage proposal of 3.9 mills on Feb. 13, 2018, for the construction of a new High School. The Pea Ridge High School facility is currently at capacity. Building a new high school will permit a complete reconfiguration of the structure for grade levels and provide a community-wide resource.
Since the failure of last millage proposal in May of 2017, the planning committee implemented several changes. Key alterations include the millage amount and the location. The last millage request was 5.1 mills and the current proposal is for 3.9 mills.
Previously, there was community concern for the proposed location on Hayden Road. The prospective school building will be located on Hazelton Road, near other campuses and allow the school to implement holding lanes for traffic directed to the schools.
“Pea Ridge is pioneering a new standard of education and we want to be considered leaders in innovation. Our primary goal is post-graduation success for all students,” school superintendent Rick Neal said.
According to the National Center of Education, 80 percent of college students change their major at least once, while the average of all college students change their major three times. The Arkansas Department of Higher Education (2015) concluded that the dropout rate for a four-year education in Arkansas is at 32 percent and 52 percent for a two-year post-secondary education. Studies illustrate that school systems may be failing to equip students for their post-graduation experiences. The U.S. Department of Education (2016-2017) published that the average cost of one year of college in Arkansas is $12,739 with in-state tuition. The Pea Ridge School District has intentions to
develop a system that will influence statistics and help high school graduates make a confident decision about their post-graduation intentions.
“Improving the nation’s high schools and engaging students will not only save the nation dollars, it will save students’ futures,” said Bob Wise, president of the Alliance for Excellent Education. Investments in education can reduce criminal activity by altering student behavior and improving labor market outcomes (Council of Economic Advisers 2016). Statistics and extensive research are said to be an influencer of the facility.
“The Pea Ridge economy will benefit in a myriad of ways; including reduction of (money) spent on crime, improved community aesthetics, increased community safety and various other direct influences,” said Pea Ridge Mayor Jackie Crabtree.
Research and planning led the Pea Ridge administration and the School Board to work with Lewis Elliott Architect and Engineering to create plans. The proposed facility will feature multi-functional learning environments and a 2,000-person-capacity event center. It will highlight industry-specific space for agriculture, food science, arts, technical and other career paths. If the millage passes, construction is set for July or August 2019. The Arkansas Public School Facilities Division is currently providing 52 percent of the project value. If the community cannot support the efforts, state funding will become unavailable after one more attempt to pass with state support.
The Pea Ridge School District invites the public to learn more at the scheduled Community Investment Informational meetings.
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Editor’s note: Kelsey Smith is CEO/owner at NWA Brand, a native of Pea Ridge, graduate of Pea Ridge High School and manager of the millage campaign. The opinions expressed are those of the writer.