Fort Smith Public Schools is currently evaluating potential changes to two of its elementary schools as part of a broader strategy aimed at “rightsizing” the district. This initiative is part of a comprehensive 5-to-15-year plan developed by the Long-Range Facility Planning Committee, which was established in 2023. The primary goal of rightsizing is to align student enrollment with the capacity of school facilities, thereby enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of educational environments.
Understanding Rightsizing
Deputy Superintendent Dr. Tiffany Bone emphasizes that rightsizing is not merely about closing schools, but rather about optimizing resources in relation to the student population. She explains that when schools are appropriately sized, they can provide more collaborative opportunities for staff and better resources for students.
- “When you are rightsized and you’re in a building that has multiple staff members, the staff collaborates better, and the students have access to more resources,” Bone stated.
- She highlighted that a common concern among parents is whether staffing levels would increase as a result of rightsizing, noting, “Because the building demands it right, you’re able to get additional resources.”
This approach is intended to ensure that Fort Smith schools can effectively support students’ educational needs while fostering a conducive learning environment.
Benefits of Rightsizing
District leaders assert that rightsizing could lead to several advantages, including:
- Increased full-time staff for specialized programs such as art, music, and physical education.
- Provision of an assistant principal at each campus, which can enhance administrative support and student oversight.
Currently, the district is considering three potential rezoning plans for both Carnall Elementary and Spradling Elementary, although no definitive decisions have been reached at this time. Public meetings are being organized to allow parents and staff to voice their opinions and concerns.
Community Concerns
The potential closure of Carnall Elementary has raised significant concerns among parents regarding the impact on the community. Carrie Miller, a parent with over ten years of experience at Carnall, expresses her sadness about the situation.
- “I can understand the business side of things, but it is personal for us as well. We’ve always felt like Carnall was kind of the heartbeat of that community,” she remarked.
- Miller noted that many students walk or bike to school, and the closure could disrupt their daily routines. “A lot of those kids walk themselves to school every day because they may not have a parent that can get them there. If you are talking about sending a child to another school, that will require a parent to take them or a bus service that may not be available,” she explained.
The Importance of Accessibility
Another parent, Arliene Betancourt, a former employee at Carnall, shares similar concerns about accessibility and transportation for students. She highlights the challenges many families face, stating, “How many more miles they’re going to walk to get to whatever other school because they don’t have the means of transportation?”
Betancourt believes that the school could thrive if enrollment were to increase. “If you rezone and you get more kids, you’re going to continue to see that building thrive. Those communities need that building to stay open,” she asserts.
Moving Forward
Dr. Bone assures that if rightsizing proceeds, teachers and staff at the affected schools would be reassigned, and all district buildings have the capability to accommodate additional students. Transportation plans are also being developed for those who would be impacted by these changes.
- “It’s a hard process to do. I think it’s necessary, and I believe our board will make the right decision for the students and the staff that we serve,” Bone expressed.
The district is set to present community feedback to the Fort Smith School Board by December, at which point the board will make a final decision regarding the rightsizing plan.
Upcoming Public Meetings
To facilitate community input, several public meetings are scheduled, allowing parents and staff to engage in discussions about the proposed changes. The meetings will take place at the following locations and times:
-
Morrison Elementary:
Thursday, October 9 — 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. and 5 to 6 p.m. -
Spradling Elementary:
Monday, October 13 — 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. -
Carnall Elementary:
Wednesday, October 15 — 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. and 5 to 6 p.m. -
Beard Elementary:
Thursday, October 23 — 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. and 5 to 6 p.m. -
Cavanaugh Elementary:
Wednesday, October 25 — 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. and 5 to 6 p.m.
Through these discussions, the Fort Smith Public Schools district aims to gather valuable insights from the community as it navigates the complex process of rightsizing its educational facilities.
