The mission of the Fort Smith Public Schools is to ensure academic and personal success for each student—today and in the future.

DATA FILE

In 2012-2013, the Fort Smith Public School District celebrates 138 years of educational excellence. With more than 14,000 students and 1,000+ certified staff members, the Fort Smith School District is among the largest in Arkansas. All schools are fully accredited by the North Central Association and the Arkansas Department of Education.

About FSPS Students Pre-K-12 attend • 19 neighborhood elementary schools, • 4 junior high schools, • 2 senior high schools, and • 1 alternative learning center. • 8 elementary and all secondary schools have earned honors as Arkansas Schools of Excellence. • Northside and Southside High Schools have earned National School of Excellence designation, SHS in 1983, 1987 and 2000.

Educational services are also provided through the • Adult Education Center, • Parent Resource Center, and the • Professional Development & Technology Center.

1,100+ Teachers and Administrators work to meet the needs of all students regardless of age, ability, or background. Many of these educators have earned advanced degrees.

600+ Support Personnel support the District's mission of providing every student a comprehensive education of the highest quality in a safe and nurturing environment.

ACT Scores Fort Smith, 21.2; Arkansas, 20.3; United States, 21.1. (2012 data) 

Where do we stand? In 2011-2012, 77% of Fort Smith seniors took the ACT (American College Test) and maintained an average score that exceeded the state average. 

FSPS Graduate Fact • In 2012, 788 senior students graduated from Northside and Southside High Schools. 273 earned Honors Diplomas.

FSPS Advanced Placement Fact • 878 FSPS Students took 1,669 Advanced Placements Test in 2012. 42% of FSPS students earned a 3, 4, or 5. 34% of Arkansas students earned a 3, 4, or 5. 

District Demography Caucasian, 45.6; African American, 11.5; Latino/Latina, 28.6; Asian/Pacific, 6.1; Native American/Alaskan, 2.3; Two/More, 5.7; Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, .2%. (As of October 1, 2011) 

FSPS Music Education Fact • In 2012, 84 student musicians earned 109 positions in the All-State Bands, Chamber, Choirs and Orchestra.

FSPS Elementary Education Fact • Elementary instruction is supplemented by regular and structured curricula in art, music, physical education and media science. The recent addition of piano keyboard labs in every elementary school ensures that all students in Grades K through 6 have access to limited piano instruction.

FSPS Budget • Fort Smith Public Schools budgeted $165 million in 2011-12.

Sources of Revenue • Local, 38%; State, 47%; Federal/Other, 15%

Tax Rate • 36.5 mills

FSPS Educator Credentials Bachelor’s, 54%; Masters, 44%; Doctorate, 2%.

FSPS Teacher Fact • 99.5% of District educators were perfectly qualified to teach their subject area.

FSPS Teacher Fact • 100% of District educators participated in content-focused professional development.

FSPS Teacher Fact • 87 Fort Smith Public School teachers have earned National Board Certification from the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards. (As of November 2012) 

School Board Dr. David Hunton, President; Jeannie Cole, Vice-President; Dr. Deanie Mehl, Secretary; Yvonne Keaton-Martin; Susan McFerran; Rusty Owen; and Wyman R. Wade

Administration Benny L. Gooden, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools

Gordon C. Floyd, Ed.D. Deputy Superintendent of Schools

Brenda Sellers, Ed.D. Associate Superintendent for Human Resources & Support Services

Barry Owen , Ed.D. Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Services