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, 2007

In 2007-2008, the Fort Smith Public School District celebrates 133 years of educational excellence. With more than 13,700 students and 1,000+ certified staff members, the Fort Smith School District is the fourth largest in Arkansas. All schools are fully accredited by the North Central Association and the Arkansas Department of Education.

About FSPS
In 2007-2008, more than 13,900 Prek-12 students 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.
• All schools and centers are accredited by the independent North Central Association (NCA) and the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE).

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

1,000+ 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 21.8
Arkansas 20.5
United States 21.2

Where do we stand?
More than 60% of Fort Smith seniors take the ACT (American College Test) and maintain an average score that exceeds the scores in Arkansas and the U.S. In 2007, 550 students (an increase from 510 in 2006) took the ACT and still increased the District average.

FSPS Graduate Fact • In 2007, 794 senior students graduated from Northside and Southside High Schools. 249 earned Honors Diplomas.

FSPS Advanced Placement Fact • Students who took AP tests earned a 3 or better 60% of Advanced Placement Tests given in April and May 2007.

FSPS Arkansas Scholar Fact • 237 seniors earned the Arkansas Scholar Designation in 2007. This represents a 21.5% growth in the number of students who met the Arkansas Scholar Criteria from the previous year.

District Demography (2007-2008 preliminary snapshot)
White 52
Black 15
Latino/Latina 24
Asian/Pacific 6
Native American Indian 3

FSPS Music Education Fact • In 2007, 61 student musicians earned 73 positions in the All-State Band, Choir and Orchestra.

FSPS Elementary Education Fact • Elementary instruction is supplemented by regular and structured curricula in art, music, physical education and media science.

FSPS Budget
• In 2007-2008 the Fort Smith Public Schools budgeted $133.7 million.

• Sources of Revenue
Local 38 percent
State 49 percent
Federal 13 percent

2006-2007 FSPS Educator Credentials
Bachelor’s 55.87
Masters 41.62
Doctorate 2.51

FSPS Teacher Fact • In 2006-2007, 99.3% 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 • 28 Fort Smith Public School teachers have earned National Board Certification from the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards.

• 98% of Sixth Graders and
• 90% of Ninth Graders indicated that teachers held high standards and demanded quality work.
—2005 FSPS 6th and 9th Grade Exit Surveys

• 97% of Parents of sixth-grader students and
• 95% of Parents of ninth-grade students indicated that teachers were responsive to the needs of students and to their parents.
—2005 FSPS 6th and 9th Grade Parent Exit Surveys

School Board
Dr. David Hunton, President
Jeannie Cole, Vice President
Dr. Deanie Mehl, Secretary
Shannon Blatt
Barbara Hathcock
Yvonne Keaton-Martin
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 and Support Services

Ellen M. Terry, CPA
Assistant Superintendent for Financial Services

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