The Pine Bluff School District released its annual report to the public before Monday’s regular board meeting.
The district reported 184 gifted-and-talented students with 12 honor classes and 10 Advanced Placement courses offered. Seven concurrent credit courses are offered through Southeast Arkansas College — general psychology, college algebra, intro to computer networking, intro to computers, basic welding, technical math and principles of academic success. In May, 181 AP exams were given.
The district continues to strengthen a high-quality curriculum rooted in state standards, according to a presentation by Superintendent Jennifer Barbaree.
“We invest in research-based professional development that equips teachers with effective instruction practices aligned to student needs,” Barbaree said. “We’ve deepened our commitment to the Science of Reading, ensuring literacy instruction is explicit, systematic, and data-driven in every elementary and middle school classroom. We expanded college, career and community partnerships with UAPB, SEARK and local organizations to provide students with early college credit, CTE pathways and real-world learning experiences.”
The PBSD began the 2024-25 school year with a beginning balance of $46,062,815. Revenue exceeded expenses by more than $3 million, leaving the ending balance as of June 30 at $49,815,621.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
The average teacher salary in the PBSD is $59,682. More than 2,900 students are enrolled and served by 527 contracted employees, and at least 2,000 students are involved in extracurricular activities.
ATLAS RESULTS
The district broke down performance by grade level in last spring’s Arkansas Teaching, Learning and Assessment System exams.
Level 1 indicates students are in need of support on the subject; Level 2 indicates students achieved basic understanding of the subject; Level 3 indicates students achieved proficiency in the subject; and Level 4 indicates students are advanced in their mastery of the subject.
The majority of students in the PBSD scored Level 1 in each grade from third through eighth in math, as well as among those taking algebra and geometry. The highest percentage of Level 1 scorers was among geometry students (91%), with 51% of sixth-graders the lowest percentage. Sixth-grade students, now in the seventh grade, showed the most proficiency and advancement in match, with 15% scoring Level 3 and 3% scoring Level 4.
Fifty percent or less scored Level 1 in math within second, fourth, fifth and sixth grades. Second grade had the highest percentages of Level 3 (25%) and Level 4 (6%) in math.
The majority of students in grades 3-8 and biology classes scored Level 1, the highest percentage of which (66%) was in fifth grade. Level 2 percentages by grade levels ranged from 28% to 38%, with 11% of third grade scoring Level 3 and 2% of sixth graders reaching Level 4.
DISTRICT HIGHLIGHTS
Among the highlights in the PBSD, according to the presentation, are:
The social work department received two Arkansas Community Foundation Grants, the Synergy Forum and PBHS Caleb’s Climb Grant, which raises awareness about mental health.
The district received a $10,500 grant from Simmons Bank toward five automated external defibrillators with wall-mounted cabinets in preparation for becoming a Heart Safe School.
The PBSD supports students with disabilities as they prepare for successful transitions into the workforce. Through the STAR Career Council, the district developed a Google Map of local resources in Jefferson County and created a comprehensive Transition Procedure and Parent Guide.
SHOWING STRIPES
Winners of the district’s Showing Our STRIPES Awards were announced Monday. The honorees represent 34th Avenue Elementary, and comments on each were provided by assistant superintendent Phillip Carlock:
Kaden Jones, student: “Kaden is a very respectful student who never misses a day without giving a hug, thumbs up, or a smile to his principal.”
Chantel Logan, student: “Chantel greets the principal and office staff daily. Before she leaves the office, she makes sure she hugs her principal.”
Tyranetta Tyler, parent facilitator: “As the new parent facilitator, Mrs. Tyler has scheduled activities for the entire 2025-26 academic year.”
Chianti Evans, lead teacher: “As a lead teacher, Ms. Evans has led the planning of various scholar and staff activities that will occur throughout the 2025-26 academic year.”
Jeanne Young, Betty Sykes, Mattie Williams and Danny Urquhart, building engineers: “These building engineers work as a unit to keep the building clean and presentable at all times.”
David Wilson: Wilson was honored for installing Student of the Week frame shelves that house images of scholars selected by their teachers to represent their class and hanging various signs throughout the building.
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. and First Ward Living Grace Pantry: These were honored for adopting 34th Avenue Elementary for the school year.
Pastor Kevin L. Crumpton and Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church and Sixth Division Circuit Court: They were honored for partnering with 34th Avenue for the school year.
St. James UMC and Virginia Hymes: They were honored for donation of school supplies.