Partners in Education (PIE) Program
Engaging the Classroom With Support of the Community
Building Relationships
Launched in 1982 with a pioneering partnership between Howard Elementary and Weldon, Williams & Lick, the Partners in Education (PIE) program has grown into a vibrant network of over 200 partners supporting student success across all Fort Smith Public Schools (FSPS).
For over 40 years, the PIE program has fostered meaningful relationships between businesses, community organizations, and schools. These partnerships enhance Student Success goals by bridging classroom learning with real-world experiences. They offer students invaluable insights into various careers and industries, demonstrating how their education connects to future opportunities.
What Does a Partner Look Like?
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Elementary School: Partners may engage in activities such as volunteering at events like field days and family nights, participating in career day events, mentoring students, or providing rewards for academic achievements.
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Middle & High School: Partnerships at these levels often focus on career education. Partners might model success, discuss business opportunities, sponsor events or clubs, and inspire students with their professional experiences.
A Focus on Relationships, Philanthropy and Unity in the Community
The heart of the Partners in Education (PIE) program centers on relationships, strategic partnerships and giving resources to FSPS campuses. These relationships and partners are essential for supporting and enriching the educational experience for FSPS students.
Expectations of the PIE Program
At FSPS, the power of collaboration and the significant impact on students' futures is very crucial in public education. We, as the Partner in Education (PIE) program, offer a unique opportunity to be a part of a transformative journey. Here are the expectations of the FSPS Schools and Community Partners.
Expectations of FSPS Schools:
- Provide a liaison between schools and partner
- Communicate once a month with partner
- Recognize partner for PR and acknowledgement purposes
- Implement partnership opportunities
- Offer service opportunities
Expectations of Community Partners:
- Provide a liaison for PIE program
- Implement a partner experience once a month or four times a year
- Communicate once a month with school campus
- Develop job shadowing, guest speaking, career exploration or networking for students at partner location
- Visit campus for special events or meetings
PIE Awards
Honoring Commitment and Collaboration
At FSPS, we believe in recognizing the extraordinary efforts of individuals and organizations that contribute significantly to our educational community. The Partners in Education Awards are testament to the power of partnership and the impact they have on our students' lives.
Bud Jackson Teamwork Award
In honor of the pioneering vision of Samuel "Bud" Jackson, former president of Weldon, Williams & Lick, this award celebrates exceptional teamwork in fostering school partnerships. It symbolizes the enduring bond between Weldon, Williams, & Lick and Howard Elementary, and the growth of our Partners in Education Program.
Norma Shaffer Partnership of the Year Award
Named after Norma Shaffer, who coordinated Partner in Education from 1986 to 1998, this award recognizes outstanding partnerships within our district. Presented annually to one elementary and one secondary or program partnership, it highlights the collaborative spirit that drives our community's success.
Elementary Winner
Secondary Winner
Cathy Williams Partner of the Year Award
Established in 2011, this award acknowledges an individual's enduring and impactful support to a school through the PIE program. It's a tribute to those who, like Cathy Williams, dedicate themselves to enriching our educational environment.
2025 Winner
See-Think-Build Award
Occasionally, a group of people and their activity will defy the boundaries of expectation, standards, or rubrics. The Partners In Education Advisory Board created the “See, Think, Build” Award to recognize these hard to categorize wins for students and school communities. It is given when something spectacular is accomplished. Or, when something far greater than one person or group of people is organized. Or, when contributions have no visible limits in its potential for student success.
2025 Winner
Partners in Education Advisory Board
Guiding Our Partnership Journey
The Partners in Education Advisory Board is composed of dedicated professionals from various sectors, including business owners, organization leaders, and members of FSPS. The board plays a pivotal role in shaping and guiding our partnership strategies and supporting our community engagement initiatives.
Advisory Board
Tim Bailey, Candy Craze
Tammy Roper, Comprehensive Juvenile Services
Beverly Elam, Centennial Bank
Eddie Lee Herndon, OG&E
Tammy Roper, Comprehensive Juvenile Services
Beverly Elam, Centennial Bank
Eddie Lee Herndon, OG&E
Carrie Terry, OG&E
Craig Pair, Control Technologies, Inc.
Craig Pair, Control Technologies, Inc.
Sherry Sims, Community member
Hallie Smith, Rheem Inc.
Jennifer Caldwell, Arvest Bank
Shea Tackett, Cheddars
Brooke Jackson, ArcBest
Cathy Creekmore, Harry Robinson
Joni Wilbanks, Geno's Pizza, Alma
Ashley DeLaet, Seiter & Wright Commercial Properties
Grace Wilmath, Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce
Martin Mahan, Superintendent, FSPS
Martin Mahan, Superintendent, FSPS
Tiffany Bone, Deputy Superintendent, FSPS
Amye Drackett, Career Development Facilitator, FSPS
Stephanie Freeman, Career Development Facilitator, FSPS
Become a Partner
Interested in becoming a partner? Fill out an application and send to partnersineducation@fortsmithschools.org to get started.