Farmington Ranks Eighth In Teacher Salaries

FARMINGTON — Farmington School Board’s October meeting featured the district’s Annual Report to the Public presentation by superintendent of schools Bryan Law.

Law began by praising district personnel and staff, describing the privilege of interacting with these people on a regular basis, “To work where we work, to have the opportunity with so many wonderful staff members, we have a tremendous, a tremendous group of teachers, a wonderful group of principals.”

The meeting was held at the high school cafeteria, which Law pointed out that the new high school facility is yet another achievement for the district.

“I can’t come in this building and not take some pride in it, and the efforts by everybody in this room to get this to where it’s at,” Law said. “Just last week I was in Little Rock and ran into some people, who had been up to look at this building and what we’re building, and they were so complimentary. I am grateful for that and grateful for things that we have.”

According to Law, Farmington ranks eighth among school districts with the bestpaid teachers in Arkansas behind Springdale, Fayetteville, Rogers, Bentonville, Hot Springs, West Memphis and Gravette. Law said some of the larger schools generate more revenue based on their tax base and are able to pay higher salaries.

“I think that makes it a little bit more of a challenge for a Farmington and a Gravette to even be where they are,” Law said. “We are grateful. I wish it was where Springdale’s is, but unfortunately we can’t quite get it to there.”

Of the district’s annual revenue, Law attributed half of that being paid out in salaries with $1.8 million for debt service.

Other highlights of the Annual Report to the Public included:

A 44.6 percent pass rate for AP (Advanced Placement) exams. “That 44.6 percent pass rate is very high,” Law said. “Those are challenging examinations.”

Farmington currently has the highest graduation rate in the state, according to Law.