Go Forward Pine Bluff on Wednesday announced it received a $398,000 grant from the Walton Family Foundation to increase teacher awareness of and participation in the LEARNS Act Merit Teacher Incentive Fund.
The city improvement initiative also aims to expand student involvement and leadership opportunities, according to a news release.
“The LEARNS Act Merit Teacher Incentive Fund offers bonuses of up to $10,000 for high-performing teachers based on student growth,” Go Forward CEO Ryan Watley said. “Awards include $10,000 for the top 0.5 percent and $3,000 for the top 25 percent of educators in English language arts, math or science. This state-funded program rewards exceptional educators using a three-year average of student growth scores and TESS (Teacher Excellence and Support System) ratings, helping attract and retain top teaching talent across Arkansas.”
Go Forward stated in its releases Jefferson County school districts lag behind others in participation. Among its statistics:
Fewer than 2% of teachers in the Pine Bluff and Watson Chapel school districts received merit pay during the 2023-24 school year. Fewer than 5% did in those districts during the 2024-25 school year.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
The White Hall School District awarded merit pay to 10% of teachers in the first year and 15% in the second.
The McGehee School District in Desha County awarded merit pay to nearly 24% in the first year and 26% in the second.
Grant funds will also support teacher leadership and student engagement initiatives including both academic and extracurricular activities.
“Due to many factors, extracurricular leadership and student involvement have declined,” Watley said. “Our investment will incentivize teachers who currently sponsor student activities or who help launch new initiatives. In partnership with local school districts, our goal is to increase student engagement and involvement, helping shape school culture and climate into a thriving environment.”
Go Forward will host meetings with educators to begin merit pay consulting and share opportunities related to student engagement incentives.