The 2024 - 2025 school year marks the seventh year that Dr. Charles McNulty has led the Pulaski County Special School District (PCSSD).

Each year, the board members receive at least nine (9) hours of training and instruction in this state’s school laws and the laws governing school boards’ powers, duties, and responsibilities.

On May 06, 2021, after 39 years of federal court supervision, United States District Court Judge D. Price Marshall declared Pulaski County Special School District unitary in all areas except facilities. PCSSD submitted its required proposal of truing-up inequities between Mills High School and Robinson Middle School in August of 2021. During the August 8, 2023, school board meeting, the proposal to accept Plan B for construction at Mills University Studies High School was approved regarding compliance with the Desegregation court order for facilities. This plan is ongoing and continues under Federal Court supervision.

The Arkansas Department of Education has accredited all PCSSD schools.

The District has 16 elementary schools. This year, 14 of the 16 campuses have Pre-K classes that serve three and four-year-olds. All schools in PCSSD strive to take each child’s education personally.  

• Student learning data, including Aspire, IXL (Mathematics & Literacy), and district and campus formative assessments, are regularly reviewed in professional learning communities and school improvement leadership teams to improve student learning experiences. 

• PCSSD uses the IXL platform to host common formative assessments, interims, and summative assessments to guide student learning. 

• Multiple data are routinely analyzed, and strategies are selected at each school to meet their unique student population needs throughout the year to ensure continuous school improvement.  

• K-5 campuses implement Everyday Math and IXL standards-based programs with an emphasis on increasing higher-order thinking skills, rigor, conceptual understanding, and computational fluency.  

• PCSSD added Studies Weekly for science and social studies instruction in grades K-5.

• K-5 campuses implement Mystery Science to enrich science instruction. In addition, IXL science was implemented during the 24-25 school year.

• K-5 implementation of Benchmark will help meet Science of Reading guidelines from ADE. K-5 campuses receive onsite Benchmark professional development each semester (pre-planning, model lessons, and post-lesson debriefing). LEXIA is implemented in K-8 to supplement reading needs such as phonemic awareness and comprehension.

• RISE, Phonics First, and the Science of Reading are intentional initiatives that further increase students’ reading ability.

• Alternative Learning (AL) classrooms provide Tier 2 interventions and additional support by outside service providers when needed at each school. The Center of Innovation serves as our tier 3 initiative for AL.

PCSSD has ten (10) secondary schools on nine (9) campuses, including the Success Learning Academy. The four middle, one junior, and four high schools provide rigorous learning opportunities for all students. The District has developed school improvement plans to monitor and improve student achievement following the Desegregation Plan 2000. 

• Reveal Math curriculum used at 6-12 campuses coupled with initiatives to increase higher-order thinking skills, rigor, and writing.  IXL math was implemented for grades 6-12 core-tested math courses.

• IXL is implemented for high school students seeking ACT WorkKeys certification through IXL skill plans in math, science, and literacy fundamentals. 

• PCSSD added Studies Weekly for science and social studies instruction in grades 6-8.

• Student learning data, including Aspire, IXL, and district formative assessments, are regularly reviewed in professional learning communities and school improvement leadership teams to improve student learning experiences. 

• Grades 6-8 core science courses will implement the OpenSciEd curriculum for the 24-25 school year, focusing on hands-on experiences in a phenomenon-based learning environment. 

• Learning Ally was implemented during the 23-24 SY to help secondary schools foster reading cultures for each campus.

• PCSSD uses the IXL platform to host common formative assessments as a tool to guide student learning.

• PCSSD will utilize the state ATLAS portal for math, science, and ELA interims throughout the year.

• Science of Reading is an intentional initiative that further increases students’ reading ability.

• 6-8 implementation of myPerspectives serves as the core curriculum emphasizing meeting Science of Reading guidelines from ADE. LEXIA is implemented in K-8 to supplement reading needs such as phonemic awareness and comprehension.

• Alternative Learning (AL) classrooms provide Tier 2 interventions and additional support by outside service providers when needed at each school. The Center of Innovation serves as our tier 3 initiative for AL.

• The Success Learning Academy (TSLA) houses our tier-three alternative learning environment classes on the Maumelle High School campus.

• Participation in Project Lead the Way (PLTW) at each middle school prepares students for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programming at District high schools. 

• Each secondary school offers pre-advanced and accelerated courses, Advanced Placement courses through the College Board, and Career Technical Education course offerings to prepare students for college and career pursuits. 

• Edgenuity, an online tool approved by the Arkansas Department of Education, provides online access 24/7 to American College Test (ACT) preparation.

• Certified staff provide real-time courses and credit recovery to Grades 6-12 at the school level and as a part of our online learning program. 

• Academies of PCSSD

  • Freshmen across the district explored career pathways in Freshman Seminar and Freshman AVID and selected pathways to explore while in high school. In their Student Success Plans, they assessed their aptitudes and skills, explored post-secondary opportunities, and set goals that lead to graduation and post-secondary readiness.

  • Sophomores across the district were in their level 1 pathway classes.

  • PCSSD increased academy and pathway partners to 29 across the district in 2023-2024.

  • AMBASSADORS The Academies of Pulaski County Special School District (PCSSD) Ambassadors participated in a rigorous application and interview process. Once selected, they attended leadership training to develop interpersonal communication and teamwork skills, received business luncheon etiquette tips, and prepared to represent the Academies of Central Arkansas, PCSSD, and their high school campuses. Throughout this year, they updated the PCSSD School Board on their Academy experiences. They represented PCSSD at the Little Rock Regional Chamber Minority Enterprise Development Week Business Luncheon and the Better Business Bureau Torch Awards for Business Ethics. Ambassadors also created pathway videos, met with business and industry leaders to assist in securing additional partnerships, and volunteered at the STEM is Lit event and the Career Expo. Ambassadors attended CTE Day at the Capitol and provided academy information to community and city stakeholders. The PCSSD ambassadors are always ready to serve. 

  • Joe T. Robinson High 

    • 200 freshmen attended the LR Regional Chamber Career Expo

    • 111 scholars participated in college visits

    • 46 sophomores attended industry tours

    • 9 ambassadors participated in a job shadow pilot program

    • 80 students scored a 3 or higher on AP Exams

    • 278 in-kind hours were contributed to the Academies of RHS by their pathway partners, totaling a contribution value of $50,956

      • Partners: Better Business Bureau, Building Momentum, WER Architects, Entergy Arkansas, PCA Technology Solutions, and Thrivent

    • 2 new pathways were created in Multidisciplinary Studies and Energy and Engineering

    • 58 scholars earned Industry Certifications

    • CTE Teachers participated in a job shadow day with academy and pathway partners

    • ACADEMY OF BUSINESS & DESIGN--In 2023-2024, 175 sophomores and juniors interested in Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Fashion and Interior Design, and Commercial Arts were in the Academy of Business & Design.

    • ACADEMY OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY--250 scholars in the Academy of Science & Technology received college and career preparation in fields related to Health Science & Nutrition, Industrial Technology, Computer Programming, and Cybersecurity.

    • FRESHMEN--Throughout the school year, freshmen had opportunities to develop professional communication skills and explore career pathways through a Career Expo sponsored by the LR Regional Chamber of Commerce and engagements with industry experts in the classroom. After attending the Career Expo and exploring pathways on campus, 93% of freshmen said they were prepared to choose a pathway to explore while in high school.

  • Maumelle High 

    • 191 freshmen attended the LR Regional Chamber Career Expo

    • 137 scholars participated in college visits

    • 3 scholars interned with Telcoe in the summer of 2024 and are running the new student-led branch on the MHS campus.  

    • 120 sophomores attended industry tours

    • 10 ambassadors participated in a job shadow pilot program

    • 45 students scored a 3 or higher on AP Exams

    • 607 in-kind hours were contributed to the Academies of MHS by their pathway partners, totaling a contribution value of $33,517

      • Partners: Central Arkansas Water, Telcoe Federal Credit Union, WDD Architects, Holloway Engineering, Maumelle Chamber of Commerce, BluSky Restoration, and Thrivent

    • 3 new pathways were created in Banking, Construction & Water Distribution, and Multidisciplinary Studies

    • 104 scholars earned Industry Certifications

    • CTE Teachers participated in a job shadow day with academy and pathway partners

    • TELCOE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION ACADEMY OF BUSINESS & SERVICE--The 234 scholars in the Telcoe Federal Credit Union Academy of Business & Service prepare for careers in Computer Science Programming, Marketing, Banking,  and Education. 

    • CENTRAL ARKANSAS WATER ACADEMY OF SERVICE & CONSTRUCTION --The 194 scholars in the Central Arkansas Water (CAW) Academy of Science and Construction scholars were preparing for careers in Engineering, Nutrition and Dietetics, Health Science, Water Distribution, and Construction. 

    • FRESHMEN--Scholars explored career pathways while interacting with career-field experts and pathway teachers. The MHS Jobs for AR Graduates (JAG) students hosted mock interviews and gave students valuable feedback to build professional communication skills. After the freshman assessed their aptitudes and interests, they attended the Career Expo, which prepared them to choose a career pathway to explore while in high school. After exploring the pathways, 96% of the freshmen said they were prepared to choose a pathway to explore while in high school.  

  • Mills University Studies High 

    • 80 freshmen attended the LR Regional Chamber Career Expo

    • 105 scholars participated in college visits

    • 50 sophomores attended industry tours

    • 19 students scored a 3 or higher on AP Exams

    • 1,259 in-kind hours were contributed to the Academies of MUSH by their pathway partners, totaling a contribution value of $136,963

      • Partners: United Cerebral Palsy of Arkansas (now Achieve Community Alliance (ACA),  All-Weather Insulated Panels, the Pulaski County Bar Association, US Army, and Clark Contractors

    • 2 new pathways were created in Welding and Multidisciplinary Studies

    • 6 scholars earned Industry Certifications

    • Law and Public Service scholars participated in a mock trial with the Pulaski County Bar Association.

    • Education Pathway and Health Science scholars practiced CPR skills with United Cerebral Palsy. 

    • CTE Teachers participated in a job shadow day with academy and pathway partners

    • ACADEMY OF DESIGN--The 150 scholars in the Academy of Design prepare for careers in commercial arts and manufacturing through A/V Tech and Film, Advertising and Graphic Design, Digital Marketing and Web Design, and Welding pathways.

    • UNITED CEREBRAL PALSY OF ARKANSAS ACADEMY OF LEADERSHIP & SOCIAL SERVICE-- The United Cerebral Palsy Academy of Leadership & Service consists of 100 scholars who are dedicated to developing leadership skills while preparing for careers that enable them to serve their community. Scholars are building college and career readiness skills while exploring the following pathways: Nutrition and Dietetics, Health Science, Education & Training, JROTC-Army, and Law & Public Service. 

    • FRESHMEN--Scholars were given opportunities to explore careers through guest speakers, research, the annual Career Expo, and a pathway showcase on the Mills campus, and 88% of freshmen said they were prepared to choose a pathway to explore while in tenth through twelfth grades. The Honorable Mark Leverett, past graduates who are welders at Lexicon, Inc., All-Weather Insulated Panels, retired teachers, and reporters from KARK spoke to freshmen about careers and provided a snapshot into a day in the life of a variety of career pathways. 

  • Sylvan Hills Jr. High and Sylvan Hills High 

    • 266 freshmen attended the LR Regional Chamber Career Expo

    • 543 scholars participated in college visits

    • 123 sophomores attended industry tours

    • 137 students scored a 3 or higher on AP Exams

    • 1,358 in-kind hours were contributed to the Academies of SHHS & the Academies of SHJHS by their pathway partners, totaling a contribution value of $113,689

    • Partners: Arkansas Children’s Hospital, WER Architects, Building Momentum, New York Institute of Technology, Thrivent, NLR Tourism

    • 1 new pathway was created in Multidisciplinary Studies

    • 22 Scholars earned Industry Certifications

    • 2,811 scholars from the Sylvan Hills feed pattern broke the world record for the longest human electrical current, sponsored by Arkansas Children’s Hospital

    • ARKANSAS CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL ACADEMY OF MEDICAL SCIENCES--This academy hosts 315 scholars who aspire to help improve their quality of life through Biomedical Sciences, Nutrition and Dietetics, Education, and Sports Medicine studies. Arkansas Children’s and New York Institute of Technology provided healthcare simulations to engage scholars.  

    • ARKANSAS CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL ACADEMY OF BUSINESS--230 scholars explore Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Travel and Tourism, and Cosmetology career pathways in this academy. NLR Tourism led a branding workshop for the marketing and tourism students, creating a sales brochure and business pitch.

    • ACADEMY OF ENGINEERING, AEROSPACE, & DESIGN--201 scholars in this academy are exploring careers in Civil Engineering and Architecture, Aerospace Engineering, and Visual Arts and Design. 

    • FRESHMEN--After exploring the career pathways offered at Sylvan Hills High School and completing aptitude assessments and career pathway research, 90% of freshmen said they were prepared to choose a pathway to explore while in high school. These students could discuss careers with experts from Arkansas Children’s, Building Momentum, North Little Rock Tourism, and PCSSD while learning from students in the pathways. These freshmen practiced using professional communication at the Career Expo and during mock interviews with career field experts.

The district utilizes Schoology, Google Classroom, and Kami to maintain continuity of instruction. The district curriculum continues to be monitored K - 12 and implemented district-wide. The writing initiative 6 Traits + 1, a district-wide initiative, helps our students in grades 1-12 develop strong writing skills, strengthening them as learners through intentional feedback processes. Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) programs have continued to grow in each school. Teachers use Performance Matters for common formative assessments and small groups throughout the district to assess student growth and inform instruction.

Additionally, teachers administer ATLAS interim assessments and IXL diagnostic assessments for all tested courses and grade levels. The most significant support added to this area is the expectation and training for targeted feedback from the collected data of common formative assessments created by teachers at each campus to inform instructional practices based on student needs and performance.

The District has implemented BIG ROCKS to drive instruction, including literacy, small groups with targeted feedback, and Professional Learning Communities. In addition, STEM is LIT, our STEM initiative, emphasizing literacy instruction in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This year, small groups will foster intentional and purposeful teaching and instruction driven by student data. Small groups occur across our elementary and secondary schools at least three times weekly to target intervention, extension, and reteaching opportunities for students.

Each campus has dedicated time to conduct Professional Learning Community (PLC) meetings. The goal of PLCs is to use data to guide instruction. During these meetings, teachers, instructional coaches, and administrators discuss the data and share strategies to help students grow academically.

Positive Behavioral Interventions Supports (PBIS) continue to thrive at all campuses throughout the district with an extension to our buses. We continue to see positive outcomes with this program as it increases learning opportunities and decreases behavioral occurrences. Socio-emotional learning is embedded as a part of our day with students to assist them in navigating day-to-day concerns that students face more in today’s society.

As we utilize these various academic and behavioral initiatives to strengthen our students, Instructional Coaches continue to provide additional job-embedded professional development to support classroom teachers. The district and state also provide professional development opportunities to all certified and classified staff. PCSSD aims to equip teachers with the necessary tools to give our students a quality education. Since the 2023-2024 school year, the district has implemented ADE’s Ambitious Teaching Coaching Model for all instructional coaching cycles. Training was provided over the summer, and more training will continue through MathQuest (math), FUSE (science), and coaching cycle training for building leaders.

Our I.T. Department is excited to announce several key projects for the upcoming school year to enhance our technological infrastructure, improve learning experiences, and strengthen security. Here's what you can expect:

• Teacher Devices: Continuing our commitment to the 1:1 initiative, we'll provide new devices to teachers, ensuring they have the tools needed for effective instruction.

• Student Chromebooks: We'll complete the rollout of new Chromebooks to all students district-wide, supporting digital learning across all grade levels.

• Switch Upgrades: We'll be upgrading switches throughout the district. These devices are crucial as they provide internet connectivity to desktops, printers, wireless access points, and other IT equipment.

• Storage Area Network (SAN) Upgrade: We'll enhance our high-performance, dedicated network that houses critical data, ensuring faster access and improved data management.

• Cybersecurity Enhancements: We'll continue prioritizing cybersecurity, adding new software packages to meet state standards and protect our district's digital assets and infrastructure.

• New Intercom Systems: Schools with the greatest need will receive new intercom systems, promoting effective communication, safety, and security.

• Online Catalog System:  We've implemented a new system accessible to teachers and students and provides easy access to educational resources. This promotes independent learning and research while supporting curriculum objectives.

• Library Learning Center Upgrades: New media printers will be installed in the Library Learning Centers, enhancing student resources.

These projects represent our commitment to creating a technologically advanced and secure learning environment for our students and staff. By upgrading our devices, improving our network infrastructure, enhancing security measures, and expanding our educational resources, we aim to:

1. Enhance the quality of instruction and learning experiences

2. Prepare our students for success in a digital world

3. Ensure the safety and security of our school community

4. Improve operational efficiency across our district

These initiatives will significantly contribute to our district's educational goals and help prepare our students for the challenges and opportunities of the future.

The Operations team has been working to continuously improve our facilities for our students' growth and overall success.  Below are a few projects underway. 

• In progress at Mills University Studies High School:  New classrooms, Arena, and Softball field.

• Robinson High School:  Expansion is being re-evaluated.

• Completed Maumelle High School:  Indoor practice facility, softball field, and baseball field near completion in the fall of 2023.

• Completed Sylvan Hills High School:  Band Room Expansion.

• Baker Elementary School:  Expansion is being re-evaluated.

• Harris Elementary School: Modifications and facility improvements are being re-evaluated.

• College Station Elementary School:  Modifications and facility improvements are being re-evaluated.

• Installed a new six-classroom modular building at Sylvan Hills Middle School.

• Updating SPED classroom Robinson Elementary.

• Renovated the cafeteria at Robinson High 9th grade building.

• New fencing at Robinson 9th grade.

• New Health Clinic at Mills Middle School.

• Maumelle High expansion

• Sylvan Hills bandroom

• RHS 9th grade cafeteria

• Mills Middle - health clinic

• The Department of Communications executes the following strategies and tactics on an annual basis: 

  • Oversee the marketing, advertising, and budget for such tactics for the entire Pulaski County Special School District.

  • Strive to retain students zoned for PCSSD while recruiting students outside the District zones.

    • These retention and recruitment efforts are managed through organic and paid marketing efforts.

      • Organic platforms include social media and media relations, including but not limited to Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and LinkedIn.

      • Paid efforts include local magazines, digital advertising, digital TV, and outdoor. Publications and networks include but are not limited to, 501 Life, Little Rock Soiree, AY, and more.

  • Coordinate media relations with local media to promote District initiatives, school events, student and teacher successes, educational opportunities, and more.

    • Media relations are managed through regular press release distribution, media advisories, web stories, and social media posts that publicize newsworthy events around the District.

  • Maintain an annual calendar of events for the District and school-specific events, planned closures, holidays, and more.

    • There is a Google calendar embedded on the District website with current events.

    • A school-specific Google calendar, including district and school-specific events, is embedded on each school’s website. 

    • PDF versions of an “at-a-glance calendar” for families and a “grid calendar” for staff are available on the District and school websites.

    • Create a monthly “recognition days” calendar for all school leadership teams (principals, assistant principals) to ensure they are aware of upcoming holidays and special days the District will recognize. 

      • The PTO/PTA/PTSO/PTSA groups share the same calendar at each school.

  • Implement and execute a strategic social media plan to disseminate information to all stakeholders.

    • PCSSD has over 18,000 Facebook followers, over 4,100 Instagram followers, and 4,300 X (Twitter) followers.

  • Handle crisis communication situations for the entire District and assist with necessary communication needs at each school.

  • Respond to all Freedom of Information requests according to Arkansas laws. 

  • Continued adjustments and improvements to the People Assisting Local Schools (PALS) Volunteer Program to better assist our schools’ needs.

• The PCSSD website (pcssd.org):

  • The district website accrued over 3.3 million page views from nearly 400,000 active users in the 2023-2024 school year. This includes activities on the district website (pcssd.org) and any school website.

  • In addition to the District website, the communication department manages 25 individual school websites. 

• During the 2024-2025 school year, the Communications Department will enhance current marketing tactics and expand with new projects:

  • Maintain a Google calendar for each school website to allow schools to share site-specific and districtwide events on their websites. New this year will include athletic- and fine arts-specific events at the high school level to allow schools to narrow down events by topic.

  • Continue to maintain consistent branding for the District and schools to ensure quality content is distributed internally and externally.

  • Update the district branding website every summer (July - August 2024 project) to ensure all content is current and correct.

  • Enhance internal communication within all departments to ensure all staff members are aware of the efforts of the communication department. This additional internal communication will also allow the department to facilitate additional opportunities for community events within departments.

For more information or a copy of this report, please contact the Pulaski County Special School District, Educational Accountability, 925 East Dixon Road, Little Rock, Arkansas 72206; 501-234-2033 or  ywilliams@pcssd.org.