Pine Bluff School District to be closed Friday

The Pine Bluff School District has canceled classes Friday because too many teachers will not be coming to school that day.

Pine Bluff Interim Superintendent T.C. Wallace Jr. said he has received requests from a number of district employees to be absent on Friday. As a result, the district will not be able to function without those teachers.

“I cannot say to you the particular reasons they may be taking off,” Wallace said. “However, because we are entrusted with providing the best opportunities for our youngsters to succeed and to have a certified teacher in front of each student, it appears as if many of our staff will not be in front of kids and we believe this will not provide an appropriate forum for learning.”

Wallace said he does not have firsthand knowledge as to whether these teachers will be taking part in University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff homecoming activities, but he heard as much through speculation. Asked if teachers will face a reprimand, he said no.

“Rather than having youngsters without teachers and losing valuable instruction, we decided it is best to exchange that date with another date in the near future,” Wallace said. “All Pine Bluff Schools will be closed.”

Wallace said he learned late last week of many teachers requesting to not work that day. As far as the number of teachers, he said it is a significant number.

“We will not know until the eve of Friday,” Wallace said. “Requests continue to come in. … We are looking at district policy and possible revisions of our policies to avoid this situation in the future. Teachers are requesting personal days. Twelve-month employees are requesting vacation days.

“My feeling is, as educators our priority first and foremost is to be in front of young people and maintain the commitment they signed to provide their best,” Wallace said of his feeling on these teachers.

UAPB spokesperson Tisha Arnold said this is the first time UAPB has experienced this dynamic. She called it unforeseen.