2023- 2024 Annual Report to the Public

The 2023 - 2024 school year is the sixth year for the Pulaski County Special School District (PCSSD) to be under the leadership of Dr. Charles McNulty.

School Board Members’ Service Hours

Each year, the board members receive a minimum of nine (9) hours of training and instruction in this state’s school laws and the laws governing school boards’ powers, duties, and responsibilities.

Desegregation Plan 2000/Education Plan

On May 06, 2021, after 39 years of federal court supervision, United States District Court Judge D. Price Marshall declared Pulaski County Special School District unitary in all areas except facilities. PCSSD submitted its required proposal of truing-up inequities between Mills High School and Robinson Middle School in August of 2021. During the August 8, 2023, school board meeting, the proposal to accept Plan B for construction at Mills University Studies High School was approved regarding compliance with the Desegregation court order for facilities.

Accreditation Standards

The Arkansas Department of Education has accredited all PCSSD schools.

Elementary Education

The District has 16 elementary schools. This year, 14 of the 16 campuses have Pre-K classes that serve three and four-year-olds. All schools in PCSSD strive to take each child’s education personally.

  • Student learning data, including Aspire, NWEA Maps, and district and campus formative assessments, are regularly reviewed in professional learning communities and school improvement leadership teams to improve student learning experiences.

  • PCSSD uses the Performance Matters Platform to host many common formative assessments, interims, and summative assessments as a tool to guide student learning.

  • Multiple data are routinely analyzed, and strategies are selected at each school to meet their unique student population needs throughout the year to ensure continuous school improvement.

  • K-5 campuses implement Everyday Math and IXL programs while supplemented with initiatives to increase higher-order thinking skills, rigor, and writing.

  • PCSSD added Studies Weekly for science and social studies instruction in grades K-5.

  • K-5 campuses implement Mystery Science to enrich science instruction. In addition, IXL science will be implemented starting the 23-24 school year.

  • 10 of the 16 elementary schools received grants for PLTW Launch to pilots throughout the next year, implementing at least one additional module during this second-year pilot.

  • K-5 implementation of Benchmark will help meet Science of Reading guidelines from ADE. LEXIA will be implemented in K-8 to supplement reading needs such as phonemic awareness and comprehension.

  • RISE, Phonics First, and the Science of Reading are intentional initiatives that further increase students’ reading ability.

  • Alternative Learning (AL) classrooms provide Tier 2 interventions and additional support by outside service providers when needed at each school. The Center of Innovation serves as our tier 3 initiative for AL.

  • DRIVEN Virtual Academy (DVA) is a full-time, 100% online school for students in K-12 within the Pulaski County Special School District. Driven Virtual Academy will distinguish itself from other schools in the area by providing flexibility in coursework with self-paced options, mentoring programs, and curriculum delivery flexibility.

Secondary Education

PCSSD has ten (10) secondary schools on nine (9) campuses, including DVA and the Center of Innovation. The four middle, one junior, and four high schools provide rigorous learning opportunities for all students. The District has developed school improvement plans to monitor and improve student achievement following the Desegregation Plan 2000.

  • Reveal Math and ALEX programs are used at 6-12 campuses while supplemented with initiatives to increase higher-order thinking skills, rigor, and writing. IXL math will be implemented for students in grades 6-8 beginning the 23-24 school year, while the high school will be piloting IXL math.

  • PCSSD added Studies Weekly for science and social studies instruction in grades 6-8.

  • Student learning data, including Aspire, NWEA Maps, and district formative assessments, are regularly reviewed in professional learning communities and school improvement leadership teams to improve student learning experiences.

  • Learning Ally will be implemented this year to help secondary schools foster cultures of reading for each campus.

  • Newsela is implemented in 6-12 to help foster grade-level reading in all core subjects.

  • PCSSD uses the Performance Matters Platform to host many common formative assessments, interims, and summative assessments as a tool to guide student learning.

  • Science of Reading is an intentional initiative that further increases students’ reading ability.

  • 6-8 implementation of myPerspectives will help meet Science of Reading guidelines from ADE. LEXIA will be implemented in K-8 to supplement reading needs such as phonemic awareness and comprehension.

  • Alternative Learning (AL) classrooms provide Tier 2 interventions and additional support by outside service providers when needed at each school. The Center of Innovation serves as our tier 3 initiative for AL.

  • The Center of Innovation (CoI) houses our tier-three alternative learning environment classes. It also serves as a professional development center for the district where district-level and statewide professional development.

  • Participation in Project Lead the Way (PLTW) at each middle school prepares students for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programming at District high schools.

  • Each secondary school offers Pre-Advanced Placement, Advanced Placement, and Career Technical Education course offerings to prepare students for college and career pursuits.

  • Edgenuity, an online tool approved by the Arkansas Department of Education, provides online access 24/7 to American College Test (ACT) preparation.

  • Certified staff provides real-time course and credit recovery to Grades 6-12 at the school level and as a part of our Online Learning Program.

  • DRIVEN School of Innovation (SoI), beginning its fifth year in the district, provides a personalized learning atmosphere where students can advance in subjects, stay on a prescribed track, or receive support for content. Mastery is the goal of the SoI. Robinson High School of Innovation has nearly 350 students participating.

  • DRIVEN Virtual Academy (DVA) is a full-time, 100% online school for students in K-12 within the Pulaski County Special School District. DRIVEN Virtual Academy will distinguish itself from other schools in the area by providing flexibility in coursework with self-paced options, mentoring programs, and curriculum delivery flexibility.

  • Academies of PCSSD

    • During the 2022-2023 school year, the PCSSD freshman participated in a Career Exploration Event sponsored by the LR Regional Chamber of Commerce. Scholars were able to choose careers to explore and participate in activities related to the careers. There were approximately 80 career booths for scholars to explore.

    • All freshmen at Sylvan Hills High and Maumelle High were given the opportunity to attend a college visit. AVID scholars were also able to attend college visits.

    • Sixty scholars interested in welding careers participated in a tour of Lexicon, where they were able to participate in a Construction-Welding Simulator competition.

    • Eight ambassadors represented the Academies of PCSSD at the Junior Achievement Legacy Luncheon, where they sat as panelists for a business/industry panel discussion.

    • Robinson High Freshman experienced careers in energy and engineering with Entergy Arkansas career experts.

    • Eight scholars represented the Academies of PCSSD at the Cultivate: Women’s Business series Luncheon: Building Up STEAM. These girls engaged with women in STEM careers who challenged them to enter a STEM field.

    • The Be Pro Be Proud skilled trades simulation truck provided experiences for freshmen across the district.

    • Academy Ambassadors received leadership training and participated in two economic development simulations through the University of Central Arkansas, including Newtopia and a Poverty Simulation.

    • Garver Engineering provided project feedback to scholars in the engineering pathway.

    • Freshmen scholars explored the high school pathways offered and chose a pathway to study while in high school.

      • Robinson High-95% of sophomores are in their Level 1 pathway course 23-24.

      • Maumelle High-97% of sophomores are in their Level 1 pathway course 23-24.

      • Mills University Studies High- 48% of sophomores are in their Level 1 pathway course 23-24.

      • Sylvan Hills High - 95% of sophomores are in the Level 1 pathway course 23-24.

    • The following Academy and Pathway partnerships were created in 2022-2023:

      • Entergy Arkansas-pathway partners with Joe T. Robinson High School

      • Better Business Bureau-pathway partner with Joe T. Robinson High School

      • PCA Technology Solutions-pathway partner with Joe T. Robinson High School

      • All-Weather Insulated Panels-pathway partner with Mills University Studies High School

      • AR Children’s-academy partners with two academies at Sylvan Hills High School

      • NLR Tourism-pathway partner with Sylvan Hills High School

      • Central Arkansas Water-academy partner with Maumelle High School

      • Telcoe Federal Credit Union-academy partner with Maumelle High School

      • WDD Architects-pathway partner with Maumelle High School

      • Quincie DeLoach Cosmetology Coordinator-pathway partner with Maumelle High School

      • Maumelle Chamber of Commerce-pathway partner with Maumelle High School

      • Holloway Engineering-pathway partner with Maumelle High School

      • Jr. Achievement-partner with Academies of Central Arkansas

District-wide Instructional and Behavioral Initiatives

The district utilizes Schoology, Google Classroom, and Kami to maintain continuity of instruction with students who attend traditionally and virtually at DRIVEN Virtual Academy. The district curriculum continues to be monitored K - 12 and implemented district-wide. The writing initiative 6 Traits + 1, a district-wide initiative, helps our students in grades 1-12 develop strong writing skills, strengthening them as learners through intentional feedback processes. Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) programs have continued to grow in each school. Teachers use Performance Matters for common formative assessments and small groups throughout the district to assess student growth and inform instruction.

Additionally, teachers administer Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) MAPS interim assessments at all grade levels. Beginning the 23-24 school year, teachers will also have access to classrooms and interims through the state ATLAS system. This access may be limited to the 23-24 school year, but teachers will have access as the assessments become available. The most significant support added to this area is the expectation and training for targeted feedback from the collected data.

The District has implemented BIG ROCKS to drive instruction, including literacy, small groups with targeted feedback, and Professional Learning Communities. In addition, STEM is LIT, our STEM initiative, emphasizing literacy instruction in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This year, small groups will be used to foster intentional and purposeful teaching and instruction driven by student data. Small groups occur across our elementary and secondary schools at least three times weekly to target intervention, extension, and reteaching opportunities for students.

Each campus has dedicated time to conduct Professional Learning Community (PLC) meetings. The goal of PLCs is to use data to guide instruction. During these meetings, teachers, instructional coaches, and administrators discuss the data and share strategies to help students grow academically.

Positive Behavioral Interventions Supports (PBIS) continue to thrive at all campuses throughout the district with an extension to our buses. We continue to see positive outcomes with this program as it increases learning opportunities and decreases behavioral occurrences. Socio-emotional learning is embedded as a part of our day with students to assist them in navigating day-to-day concerns that students face more in today’s society.

As we utilize these various academic and behavioral initiatives to strengthen our students, Instructional Coaches continue to provide additional job-embedded professional development to support classroom teachers. The district and state also provide professional development opportunities to all certified and classified staff. It is the goal of PCSSD to equip teachers with the necessary tools to give each of our students a quality education. Beginning the 2023-2024 school year, the district will utilize ADE’s Ambitious Teaching Coaching Model for all instructional coaching cycles. Training was provided over the summer, and more training will continue through MathQuest (math), FUSE (science), and coaching cycle training for building leaders.

Facilities Projects

In November 2021, the Pulaski County Tax Payer approved refinancing three bonds for 80 million dollars for facilities projects. Due to sharp increases in construction costs post-COVID-19, the listing of projects had to be adjusted to stay within the budget amount. Below is the listing of those projects.

  • Mills University Studies High School: New classrooms, Arena, and Softball field.

  • Robinson High School: Expansion to increase enrollment to 1,500 students.

  • Maumelle High School: Indoor practice facility, softball field, and baseball field near completion in the fall of 2023.

  • Sylvan Hills High School: Band Room Expansion: Construction starts in the fall of 2023.

  • Baker Elementary School: Expansion to increase enrollment to 700 students.

  • Harris Elementary School: Modifications and facility improvements.

  • College Station Elementary School: Modifications and facility improvements.

Additional projects completed:

  • Lawson Elementary: New windows, soffit, and trim.

  • Mills Middle: HVAC Project Fall 2023

  • Daisy Bates Elementary: New Carpet in the library

  • Clinton Elementary: New LVT Flooring

  • Crystal Hills Elementary: New LVT Flooring

  • Maumelle Middle: Resurfaced bathroom flooring

  • Oakbrooke Elementary: Remodeled nurse station, painted 4 classrooms, and replaced carpet with LVT Flooring.

  • Oak Grove Elementary: Replaced flooring with LVT in 8 classrooms.

  • Sylvan Hills Junior High School: Removed the cafeteria and gym lobby flooring. Polished the concrete and painted 8 classrooms.

Information/Instructional Technology

  • During the 2023 - 2024 school year, the I.T. Department will expand with new projects:

    • Purchase new for all students and teachers to continue the district 1:1 initiative.

    • Upgrade wireless with better speeds, better capacity, and improved performance in several schools throughout the district to enhance learning outcomes.

    • Install new intercom systems at schools with the greatest need to promote effective communication, safety, and security.

    • Implement a new online catalog system accessible to teachers and students. This system will allow them easy access to educational resources and promote independent learning and research while supporting curriculum objectives.

    • The focus of I.T. will be on cyber security, and I.T. will deploy new security software to protect against cyber attacks and to ensure better privacy and security.

    • I.T. and outside agencies will conduct a comprehensive risk assessment to identify potential vulnerabilities and threats.

    • New IP phones will be installed across the district to improve communication, collaboration, and safety.

    • New Windows-based computers will be installed in the Library Learning Centers.

Finance

YTD Expenditures

Teacher Salary

$61,501,802

41.0%

Classified Salary

$29,013,068

19.3%

Benefits

$22,378,441

14.9%

Debt Service

$16,455,535

11.0%

Other Operations

$10,934,062

7.3%

M & O 

$7,664,219

5.1%

Transportation

$2,182,846

1.5%

YTD Revenue

Taxes

$109,733,630

72%

Debt Service-Taxes

$16,959,226

11%

Other State Aid

$15,999,531

11%

State Foundation

$6,884,692

5%

Local Revenue

$2,266,550

1%

Indirect Cost

$123,255

0%

Communications

  • The Department of Communications executes the following strategies and tactics on an annual basis:

    • Oversee the marketing and advertising budget for the Pulaski County Special School District.

    • Strive to retain students zoned for PCSSD while recruiting students outside the District zones.

      • These retention and recruitment efforts are managed through organic and paid marketing efforts. Tools used in these recruitment efforts include social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn), local media (Little Rock Soiree, 501 Life, THV11, etc.) as well as digital marketing platforms (digital billboards, banner ads, social media ads, etc.)

    • Coordinate media relations with local media to promote District initiatives, school events, student and teacher successes, educational opportunities, and much more.

      • Media relations are managed through regular press releases, media advisories, web stories, and social media posts to publicize newsworthy events around the District.

    • Maintain an annual calendar of events for the District and school-specific events, planned closures, holidays, and more.

      • There is a Google calendar embedded on the District website with current events.

      • A school-specific Google calendar is embedded on each school’s website that includes District and school-specific events.

      • PDF versions of an “at-a-glance calendar” for families and a “grid calendar” for staff are available on the District and school websites.

    • Implement and execute a strategic social media plan to disseminate information to all stakeholders.

      • PCSSD has nearly 18,000 Facebook followers, over 3,500 Instagram followers, and over 4,200 Twitter followers.

    • Handle crisis communication situations for the entire District and assist with necessary communication needs at each school.

    • Respond to all Freedom of Information requests according to Arkansas laws.

    • Continued adjustments and improvements to the People Assisting Local Schools (PALS) Volunteer Program to assist our schools’ needs better.

  • The PCSSD website (pcssd.org):

    • The district website accrued over 2 million page views from over 270,000 users during the 2022-2023 school year. This includes activity on the District website (pcssd.org) and any of the school websites.

    • In addition to the District website, the communication department manages 26 individual school websites.

  • During the 2023-2024 school year, the Communications Department will enhance current marketing tactics and expand with new projects:

    • Maintain a Google calendar for each school website to allow schools to share site-specific events on their websites and districtwide events.

    • Refresh logo and branding guides for schools as needed, keeping the District branding website updated at all times.

    • Enhance internal communication within all departments to ensure all staff members are aware of the efforts of the communication department. This additional internal communication will also allow the department to facilitate additional opportunities for community events within departments.

Contact

For more information or a copy of this report, please contact the Pulaski County Special School District, Educational Accountability, 925 East Dixon Road, Little Rock, Arkansas 72206, 501-234-2090 or ywilliams@pcssd.org.