Conway Public Schools has outlined a strategic path designed to raise academic achievement, strengthen support for teachers and staff, and rebuild public trust. The plan, presented at the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce’s Business Expo, reflects months of board discussions, stakeholder surveys, and new initiatives under the leadership of interim superintendent Jason Black and strategic advisor Jeff Standridge.

Four District Priorities

At the center of the district’s work are four priorities adopted for the 2025-26 school year: academic achievement and student services, cultivating a culture of excellence, improving transparency and trustworthiness, and developing a stakeholder-driven strategic plan.

These priorities emerged after a series of board workshops and a self-assessment that revealed opportunities for improvement in governance, communication, and operations. Standridge emphasized the connection between leadership and classroom success, noting, “excellence in the classroom begins with excellence in the boardroom.”

Stakeholder Feedback

To better understand the needs of parents and employees, the district conducted surveys that drew more than 2,000 responses. Both groups expressed pride in Conway schools but raised concerns about leadership communication, trust, and student behavior.

Measurable Goals

The board-approved strategic readiness plan sets measurable goals for the next two years. These include raising reading proficiency from 44 to 51 percent and math achievement from 38 to 43 percent by the end of 2026. The district also aims to increase the percentage of graduates recognized with distinction from 41 to 51 percent by 2027, while reducing student suspensions by 10 percent through proactive supports and restorative practices.

Other targets include raising both employee engagement and parent satisfaction scores to 75 percent and establishing a baseline for student engagement to track future improvement.

Academic Gains and New Investments

Conway High School has already seen progress. Its national ranking climbed nearly 700 spots in one year, moving from the 83rd percentile to the 87th percentile nationwide, according to U.S. News & World Report.

To build on that momentum, the district has committed $1.9 million to key initiatives, including hiring registered behavior technicians in elementary schools, implementing a comprehensive literacy program, expanding math interventions, and raising paraprofessional pay.

Preparing Students for the Future

Each year, about 700 Conway students graduate ready to pursue college, technical training, military service, or immediate entry into the workforce. The district has strengthened partnerships with UACCM, UCA, Hendrix College, Central Baptist College, and the University of Arkansas system to expand concurrent credit opportunities. Students now have the chance to graduate high school with an associate’s degree already completed.

In addition, career and technical programs offer certifications in areas such as welding, computer-aided design, cybersecurity, phlebotomy, EMT training, and teaching assistance. These pathways are designed to connect graduates directly to high-demand careers in Conway and the surrounding region.

Superintendent Search

Alongside academic initiatives, the district is conducting a national search for its next superintendent. A search advisory committee was appointed in mid-October. Interviews are expected through late fall, with a candidate selected and a contract approved in early 2026.

The board has identified its ideal leader as someone who is student-centered, visionary, ethical, operationally strong, and deeply connected to the community.

Looking Ahead

Both Black and Standridge acknowledged that Conway Public Schools still faces challenges, but they stressed that momentum is building.

“There is tremendous Wamps Cat pride in Conway,” Standridge said. “Our responsibility is to translate that pride into measurable results for students, teachers, and families.”

Black echoed that sentiment, closing with a reminder of the district’s mission: “Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge. Our students are the future, and it is our shared responsibility to prepare them for success.”