Board of Education Begins New Era Superintendent Gets Slimed to Celebrate Reading Accomplishments
Graduates Set Off on Their New Journey
NLRHS Alumnus Is Building His Future in Construction
Marshell Tapped to Head Reorganized Middle School District’s Top Teacher Award Goes to Trumble 2025-2026 School Year Concludes with Memorable Moments New Leadership Announced for NLRHS and Center of Excellence
The 2025-2026 school year is now history. Can you believe it? We’re in reflection mode now, figuring out what worked, what did not, and how we can improve the experience for all of our staff, students, and families. The North Little Rock School District is a special place to work and to be educated. We want to remain a place where both students and adults feel at home and thrive.
The school hallways may be quiet this summer, but behind the scenes, we are working harder than ever. Our executive leadership and administrative teams are preparing for engaging professional development sessions, designed to improve academic outcomes for all of our students. Teaching and learning remain at the heart of our mission, and we are committed to ensuring our team has the best tools to empower every learner.
I had a great opportunity to hold “Let’s Talk” sessions throughout the community this spring. I enjoyed meeting families and becoming reacquainted with families I have previously met. We thank you for listening to us and asking questions. We know we are not perfect, but with a strong partnership between us and families, we can improve the academic and extracurricular experiences for our students. We are forever indebted to you for entrusting us with your children.
Have a great summer! Superintendent’s
Important Dates and Upcoming Events
August 5
Open House: Elementary Campuses 5:30-7:00 p.m.
August 4, 6, and 10
Middle School Open Houses 5:30-7:00 p.m.
August 10
First Day of School: Pre-K North Little Rock Academy Open House
August 17
Meet the Charging Wildcats at 5:30 p.m. Charging Wildcat Stadium
August 7
Open House: All Pre-K Sites 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
August 11
Open House: High School and COE 5:30-7:00 p.m.
August 13
First Day of School: K-12
September 7
Labor Day (No School)
Board of Education Begins New Era
Following the March school board elections, the North Little Rock Board of Education welcomed three new members, while two incumbents ran unopposed to retain their seats.
Crystal T. Barker represents Zone 1, which serves Glenview Elementary, Meadow Park Elementary, and North Little Rock Academy. A 1987 graduate of the former Northeast High School, Barker previously served as the District Parent & Family Engagement Coordinator. She believes this dual role as both an alumna and former employee provides her with a deep personal investment and a nuanced understanding of the community and school board.
“My constituents can expect accountability, transparency, and true collaboration. I believe our mission statement should not simply live on paper; it must guide every decision we make. I will work to ensure that our actions align with our values and that our community clearly understands not only what decisions are made, but also why they are made,” Barker said.
Kevin Newsom represents Zone 4 on the Board, which serves the Amboy Elementary community. His passion for the role is driven by his family’s deep roots as district alumni.
When asked about his goals, Newsom emphasized, “Transparency, connection, and my efforts to do the best I can for the students and citizens of North Little Rock.”
Victoria Scott, a 2012 alumna of North Little Rock High School, represents Zone 5, serving North Little Rock Middle School and Ridge Road Elementary.
“My constituents can expect me to ask questions, listen closely, and keep students at the center of every decision. I will lead with transparency, curiosity, and a commitment to improving outcomes for all kids in North Little Rock,” she said.
Dr. Rochelle Redus (Zone 3, Boone Park Elementary) and Valerie McLean (Zone 6, Crestwood Elementary and Lakewood Elementary) will each serve another term after running unopposed in the March election.
Pulaski County Circuit and County Clerk Terri Hollingsworth administered the oath of office in a packed boardroom filled with family members and supporters. The swearing-in ceremony also served as an opportunity to bid farewell to outgoing board members Angela Person-West, Natalie Wankum, and Dorothy Williams. Williams concluded her service following a historic 20-year tenure on the Board.
In their first meeting together, board members voted among themselves to elect officers. Board leadership includes the following: Dr. Rochelle Redus, President; Valerie McLean, Vice President; Cindy Temple, Secretary; Henry Taylor, Disbursing Officer; and Crystal Barker, Parliamentarian.
Cover Story
NLR Girls Rule the Court as Reigning Basketball Queens
For the first time since 2022, the Class 6A Arkansas girls’ basketball trophy has returned to North Little Rock. The championship win put the bow on an impressive season with 30 wins and 3 losses and an undefeated finish in the Class 6A Central Conference. The trip to Hot Springs pitted the Lady Charging Wildcats against the Springdale-Harber Lady Wildcats, who finished the 6A West Conference undefeated. But it was North Little Rock who prevailed in the matchup, winning 46-40.
This is the sixth championship win for the Lady Charging Wildcats, all of which came under the leadership of head coach Daryl Fimple. This season marked his 21st as the top coach.
“It will stack up as one of the best in school history. The depth of talent on this year’s roster was truly amazing. They actually got better every day going against each other. They also took every opportunity to get better,” Fimple said.
Senior guard Elicia Shephard, who was named Class 6A State Tournament Most Valuable Player, said they kept the mindset that their trip to Hot Springs would not be in vain.
“Going into it, we knew we had three people that we definitely had to stop. Everyone had to be together when playing defense and communicate throughout the whole thing. We couldn’t get in our own head,” she said.
A Remarkable Season
For freshman Marley Adebayo, winning the championship ring is definitely memorable, but no one can forget the long journey to get to the big game. The practices. The bus trips. The team huddles.
“We built a bond. If you don’t have a bond, then you don’t have anything,” she said.
And that is an accomplishment Coach Fimple wanted for this team all along. He, along with assistant coaches Kyra Collier, Rebekah McCoy, Herbert McCall, Malica Monk, and Russell Stumpenhaus, spent countless hours developing this team to work together as a unit, play hard, and, of course, win.
“They were connected on so many levels and understood that the team was the main thing. This year’s team will go down as legendary for their ability to push each other and hold each other accountable to high standards,” he said.
With the arrival of conference play in January, the Lady Charging Wildcats dominated the season, securing thrilling victories over their rivals, including marquee wins against their arch-nemesis, Conway. They found redemption against Fayetteville in the state tournament, the very team that ended their championship dreams in last year’s semifinals.
Looking back on the moment the clock struck zero, Shepherd admits the feeling was bittersweet.
“I’m still trying to process this. I’m not going to be here anymore, but I’m happy because we won. I always wanted a ring, but there are mixed emotions,” she said.
Family Ties
Coach Fimple just completed his 27th year of coaching. He believes true success does not solely come from good playcalling.
“The secret sauce is in having a deep relationship with each student-athlete that goes way beyond the floor. You can coach them hard as long as they know you love them harder,” he said.
There was one player on this year’s team he has truly loved since the day she was born: his daughter, Katie, who just capped off her high school career as a state champion.
“It has been something I have prayed for since I was little to win a championship with my dad. It was such a full-circle moment to be in the Hot Springs Convention Center for my last high school game, and I could not have asked for a better ending,” she said.
The two made a pact early on. At practice and at school, they were “coach” and “student-athlete.” But the second they left the school and court, they were “dad” and “daughter.” Katie said setting those boundaries worked for them. No matter how tough the practice or the game, the tension never followed them home.
“Playing for my dad has been my biggest blessing. Not many people get to play for a coach as good as Coach Fimple, and I’ve been even more blessed to call him my dad. He makes me so proud and sets an example of the person and leader I want to be one day,” Katie said.
A New Chapter
Coach Fimple sent shockwaves through Arkansas high school basketball this spring with a major announcement: he is leaving North Little Rock to take the reins of the Golden Suns, the women’s basketball program at Arkansas Tech University (ATU). It’s a homecoming of sorts; ATU is his alma mater and where he played basketball.
“I love the new challenge of developing young women that will make an impact on and off the floor that I get to choose to be Golden Suns. I know challenges await, but I look forward to overcoming them all,” he said.
Leaving North Little Rock is bittersweet. He departs from a dominant program he spent more than two decades building and is undoubtedly one that remains a fixture in the conversation regarding the state’s elite.
“North Little Rock High School, the district, and the community will always be a huge part of my story. I got to coach some amazing young ladies that embraced all challenges put on them. Also, I got to coach with some of the best coaches in the entire country. Teachers at North Little Rock are amazing and go above and beyond for every kid,” he said.
Class of 2026 Closes High School Chapter to Chart New Territory
The Class of 2026 has now entered the real world.
On Monday, May 18, 424 seniors turned their tassels, marking the official end of their high school journey and the beginning of the new chapters for which they have prepared. The graduates reminisced on their years together through heartfelt speeches, scores of pictures for social media, and thunderous applauses from their peers, teachers, and families.
“Graduation is not the final buzzer in the game of life. It’s halftime,” said Student Council President Katie Fimple. “Battle on through the hard times. Battle on through adversity. Battle on when things don’t go your way, and battle on for the future you want for yourself. Because, Class of 2026, our second half starts now.”
Four members of the Class of 2026 were named valedictorian and salutatorian, a nod to their commitment to academic excellence and focus to their studies.
Center of Excellence
Carter Lee
North Little Rock High School
Kira Donn Avery Marvin Haley Meeks
Carter Lee, the valedictorian of the Center of Excellence, will attend the University of Arkansas to study biology and classics, planning to work in foreign policy. Salutatorian Avery Marvin will be in the Norbert O. Schedler Honors College at the University of Central Arkansas to study nursing, aiming to become a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA).
North Little Rock High School valedictorian Kira Donn will attend the University of Alabama to study engineering. She’s flexible in her career plans, choosing to pursue engineering, fashion, film, or fine art. Haley Meeks, the salutatorian of the class, will be on the certified public accounting (CPA) track at Oklahoma State University.
For the first time, the North Little Rock School District recognized its honor graduates using Latin honors designations. To earn Cum Laude (“With Praise”), Magna Cum Laude (“With Great Praise”), or Summa Cum Laude (“With Highest Praise”) status, graduates were required to maintain a minimum 3.5 grade point average, complete 28 credits, and pass multiple Advanced Placement or concurrent credit courses. To celebrate their achievement, recipients wore distinct academic stoles during the ceremony to signify their designation.
Class of 2026 Snapshot
$2.9 Million in
35
305
45
Middle School Baseball Steps to the Plate
Forty years after the North Little Rock School District first established its baseball program, the sport has finally expanded to the middle school level.
The North Little Rock Middle School Chargers made their debut this spring, following a clarion call issued to seventh and eighth-grade boys to gauge interest in a new baseball program. The team joined the Central Arkansas Middle School League, an independent circuit for junior high and middle school-aged students in the area.
Stephen Phaup, an NLRHS alumnus and parent, answered the call to coach the team.
“When my friend, Amy Friedman [NLRMS PTA President], reached out to me about forming a middle school baseball team, I thought it was a great idea to have a team where the players could represent their school,” Phaup said.
After tryouts, the Chargers practiced weekly to prepare for matchups against teams like Pulaski Academy, Little Rock Christian, Catholic, and Joe T. Robinson. Student-athlete Barrett Friedman noted that while this initial season focused heavily on building chemistry and mastering fundamentals, it also helped him sharpen skills he can carry over into travel baseball, which is a highly competitive, year-round tournament circuit separate from school sports.
“I’ve gotten better at hitting and catching because I’m going up against faster pitchers. I have better reaction time to it,” Friedman said.
Eighth-grader Paxton Lynch, who plays shortstop, has been playing baseball for the majority of his life, and he vividly recalls the team’s first practice. Some of his new teammates had never swung a bat before. With years of experience on the diamond, Lynch embraced the opportunity to mentor his peers and teach the skills that have served him well over the years.
“I’m always that type who will always help and be a good teammate. I always try to give them a helping hand and give them tips for future reference. Slowly over time, over the season, I noticed those tips were helping them to gain confidence,” Lynch said.
Like Friedman, Lynch also plays travel baseball. Because practice time can be limited on the travel ball circuit, this new school team allowed him to get in extra reps to stay sharp and prepare for the advanced skills needed for high school baseball next year.
Ultimately, Lynch calls it a privilege to be a part of school history.
“It’s a great experience to leave behind a legacy that hopefully gets to continue with the future students. I hope this is a learning point for the coaches as they see what was good and what was bad so they’re able to advance and make it better over time,” he said.
Marshell Tapped to Head Reorganized Middle School
Kriss Marshell, who currently serves the District English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and World Languages Coordinator, has been tapped to lead the district’s middle school as the Executive Director of Middle School Improvement. This role is equivalent to that of a principal, overseeing all school operations on the middle school campus.
Marshell’s appointment aligns with the Superintendent’s transformative plan to elevate instructional standards at the middle school level. This initiative is designed to drive significant student achievement while establishing the essential support systems required to sustain and guarantee that progress.
“I am excited about this opportunity,” Marshell said. “Having worked in the middle school environment, I love this age group and enjoy working with the teachers and staff who support these students.”
Marshell’s work with ESOL Programs was recently recognized, as she is the recipient of the Arkansas ESOL Coordinator of the Year award. Before joining the North Little Rock School District in 2022, Marshell served in the Van Buren School District, where she worked as a middle school principal, an administrator at the K-8 and 9-12 alternative learning environments, and district testing and ESOL coordinator. Marshell’s career in education began in the McKinney Independent School District (Texas), where she taught first and second grades and was on the leadership team at a Blue Ribbon School.
Joining Marshell are three Directors of Teaching and Learning: Kenneth Miller, Michael Clark, and Dr. Gabriel Jackson; three Supervisors of Academic Improvement: Tracy Trumble, Marla Thompson, and Tonya Jackson; and three Supervisors of Student Affairs: Elizabeth Roberts, Delexious Curtis, and Matthew Euler.
New Leadership Announced for NLRHS and Center of Excellence
North Little Rock High School and the Center of Excellence will see new faces in leadership next school year.
Dr. Brouke Reynolds will step in as the Principal of NLRHS. A lifelong educator within the district and an NLRHS alumna, Dr. Reynolds currently serves as the Coordinator of Innovative Virtual Learning Programs and the head coach of the NLRHS Swim & Dive Team.
“It is truly an honor to lead the school that I attended,” she shared. “I look forward to giving back to the school and district in this new capacity.”
Elizabeth Wells has been tapped to lead the Center of Excellence. Currently the Assistant Principal at the Seventh & Eighth Grade Campus, Wells joined the district in 2022 as a Career Academy Coach, where she helped establish the district’s transformative partnership with Baptist Health. She brings a strong background in career education, having previously served as a business and coding educator in the Conway and Pulaski County Special School districts.
“I look forward to working with staff and supporting students to ensure they are futureready,” Wells said.
Reading for a Good Cause
NLRSD Superintendent Gregory Pilewski had the slime of his life at Ridge Road Elementary School.
Ridge Road media specialist Allison Brooks and Lakewood Elementary fifth grader Matthew Noah Rozzell laid the goo on thick, dousing Dr. Pilewski as a way to celebrate the district’s receipt of the prestigious Ark Award through Heifer International’s “Read to Feed” competition. Across the district, students logged more than 870,000 reading minutes from January 6 to April 3. This incredible achievement surpassed Heifer’s 500,000-minute milestone.
Ridge Road students logged the most reading minutes collectively, and Rozzell earned praise as the district’s top individual reader.
“Teachers shared that students were begging to read. Parents joked that they were having to hide books just to get their children out the door for school, and students eagerly told us about the books they were reading with genuine excitement and enthusiasm,” said Carmen Langston, the District Coordinator of Reading, Literacy, and English Language Arts.
Read to Feed is a service-learning program by Heifer International that motivates students to read while raising money and awareness to end food insecurity and poverty. The award’s name comes from a full ark of livestock being donated to communities across 19 countries to struggling families.
“What makes this achievement especially meaningful is that students not only strengthened their literacy skills, but also discovered how their efforts could make a real difference in the world by helping combat global hunger,” said Carmen Langston, the District Coordinator of English Language Arts.
Department Spotlight: Child Nutrition
The Child Nutrition Department is responsible for providing nutritious meals to students and staff throughout the North Little Rock School District. On average, the department provides more than 1.5 million meals across thirteen campuses. A nutritious meal is key to developing strong minds and healthy bodies so that students can thrive in the classroom, in their extracurricular commitments, and throughout life.
The NLRSD participates in the Community Eligibility Provision, a federal program that allows high-poverty schools and school districts to provide breakfast and lunch at no charge to students, no matter their household income.
During the 2025-2026 school year, the Child Nutrition Department partnered with Healthy Flavors Arkansas to launch the C.H.E.F. Challenge. This initiative bridges the gap between classrooms, cafeterias, and local farms by bringing nutrition experts and chefs directly into elementary schools. Through hands-on culinary labs, students gain practical cooking skills and learn to create nutritious recipes.
Contact Information:
Robert Ginder
Administrative Director of Food Service (501) 771-8060 ginderr@nlrsd.org
NLRSD Bids a Fond Farewell to Distinguished Icons
While May is traditionally defined by graduations and promotions, it also marks a significant milestone for dozens of NLRSD employees. As students prepare for new beginnings, many dedicated staff members are taking their final bow, closing a distinguished chapter at the North Little Rock School District to begin a well-deserved retirement.
District leaders honored the retirees during a celebration luncheon, sponsored by First Security Bank, where staff from campuses and departments across the district came together to reflect, reminisce, and embrace the next chapter.
“There are some amazing folks in the NLRSD, and I’ve been blessed to work with so many of them over the years. I’ll miss the day-to-day contact with my colleagues and assisting parents to better serve them and their students,” said Robin McCarroll, the administrative assistant in the Office of Student-Centered Support Services, who clocks out after 25 years.
Each of the retirees received an award to honor their years of service to the district and an opportunity to share their professional journeys. District leaders expressed heartfelt remarks, reminding retirees that their expertise is always valued and jokingly—or perhaps hopefully—encouraging them to consider “unretiring” whenever they feel ready to return to the NLRSD family.
To help them stay connected, the North Little Rock Retired Educators Association invited each of the retirees to join the organization. It serves to stay connected to campuses by volunteering and offering support to schools when needed.
Around the
Head Football Coach Brad Bolding and the team stopped by Amboy to fire up students and share some motivation before they tackled the ATLAS assessments.
In April, Boone Park hosted its “Lunch with Loved Ones” event, inviting families to share a meal with their scholars. After lunch, guests and students enjoyed a special visit to the school’s Book Fair together.
A special thank you to the North Little Rock Fire Department for helping Crestwood celebrate its Accelerated Reader superstars! The celebratory water spray was the perfect way to make a splash and reward students for reaching their reading goals.
Congratulations to Londyn Nichols! Her artwork was not only featured in the 65th Young Arkansas Artists Exhibition but also earned the “Best in Class” award for her grade level. Londyn is the first student from Glenview to have their work selected.
to Ja’Miyah, Collin, and Elliana for not missing a day of school during the 2025-2026 school year. Their dedication and commitment truly paid off, as it shows in their grades and their ATLAS test results.
First graders in Mrs. Meeks’ class recently explored the principles of force through a hands-on STEM project. By creating custom instruments, students were able to visualize, measure, and track wind speed and direction.
Career Day brought the professional world to Meadow Park! Students engaged with dozens of guest speakers to explore diverse career paths and gain insights into the education and training required to achieve their goals.
NLR 6 Academy of Ag.
NLR 6 students had an exciting time on Ag Day! Scholars rotated through engaging stations and explored all things agriculture, from soil assessments to learning about Arkansas commodities. The excitement, curiosity, and hands-on learning made the day unforgettable.
North Little Rock Academy
In recognition of their growth on the ATLAS exam, students were rewarded with an opportunity to drop Director Sandy Williams into the dunking booth.
Congratulations
Amboy
Glenview
Meadow Park
Boone Park
Indian Hills
Lakewood
Crestwood
the District
6th Grade Campus
Select students from the Manufacturing Pathway attended a milestone ceremony at UA-PTC, where 3M presented a generous gift of more than $196,000. This substantial investment will fund cutting-edge equipment and instructor professional development, ensuring our graduates are “future ready” to lead in the modern manufacturing industry.
For the first time in 20 years, NLRHS students are headed to the FBLA National Leadership Conference. Seniors Benjamin Ramos, Pedro Rodriguez, and Trishani Trivedi were recognized by the school board for their incredible performance at the state level. Trivedi will compete in the Technical Support Services category, while Ramos and Rodriguez will compete in the International Business category.
Sixth Grade Preview Night was a huge success, drawing fifth grade families from both across the district and surrounding communities. Guests explored the campus firsthand and gained valuable insights into middle school life directly from students, administrators, and staff. To ensure a smooth transition for all levels, a similar preview night was also hosted at the Seventh & Eighth Grade Campus for our rising older scholars.
7th and 8th Grade Campus
The National Junior Honor Society held its annual induction to welcome new members into the organization. These students pledged to uphold the values of scholarship, service, leadership, character, and citizenship.
Congratulations to Pre-K Coordinator Maribel Siems on receiving the Visionary Voice Award from the Arkansas Coalition Against Sexual Assault. It’s a national award given each April, which is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and recognizes people who are super creative and passionate about ending sexual violence.
Art Night was spectacular! Family members flocked to the school to see their students’ artwork on display. It was truly a night that showcased creativity, effort, and talent.
NLRHS
Pike View Ridge Road
NLR COE
35 Years Ago, Two Schools Became One
In May 1991, the North Little Rock School District held its first unified graduation in a generation following the merger of Ole Main and Northeast high schools the previous fall. As a result, North Little Rock High School operated across two campuses, with Ole Main, or “West Campus,” housing juniors and seniors and the former Northeast, or “East Campus,” for freshmen and sophomores.
Bishawn Watson (now Morris), a member of the NLRHS Class of 1991 who had previously attended Ole Main, recalls the first day of the 1990–1991 school year.
“As a cheerleader, I wore NLRHS gear to promote unity, excitement, and support for the merger,” Morris said. “Yet, just like everyone else, I felt nervous and uncertain.”
Morris remembers the process of revising cheers, chants, mascots, and fight songs to reflect the new school identity. As a junior, she served on the Superintendent’s Student Council, where she was selected to help guide the transition and bring students from both schools together during the merger.
“Change is hard but it is necessary. Therefore, we decided to accept the challenge and lead our fellow classmates through a healthy transition,” she said.
James Smith, superintendent during the merger, had first proposed consolidating the two high schools years earlier while serving as the district’s director of secondary education. While declining enrollment and the need for equal academic opportunities were factors, the primary goal was full integration. With federal courts closely monitoring desegregation in Pulaski County, Smith moved to merge the schools proactively.
“[By the late 1980s], Ole Main was becoming more Black and Northeast was becoming more white,” Smith said. “That was not holding up in court. I could see what was coming, and I thought it would be better if we got ahead of it rather than be forced to do something.”
Smith, who retired from NLRSD in 2004 after 41 years, recalled a series of community meetings with students, families, and residents to prepare for the transition. Although some opposed the plan, the merger went smoothly overall.
“I know it was a good decision. Something that had to be done. It was best for the city, and everyone knows it worked out for the best after we got past that first year or two of loyalty to each school,” he said.
Thirty-five years later, Morris agrees the district made the right call.
“By the end of the school year, we realized we were a positive and competitive force, ready to tackle any obstacle. We learned that we were better together. What a great concept to learn going out into the real world,” she said.
Ole Main High School
Northeast High School
The Alumni Spotlight
Hunter Cameron, a 2021 honors graduate of North Little Rock High School, is a true product of the district. His journey through NLRSD began at Indian Hills Elementary and continued through Lakewood Middle School, North Little Rock Middle School, and NLRHS. Following graduation, Hunter attended UA-Little Rock, where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Construction Management. His career launched during college when he secured an internship with Nabholz Construction Corporation, which, after graduation, morphed into a full-time role. Today, Hunter serves as a project engineer for Nabholz.
1. Explain your day-to-day role at Nabholz. As a project engineer at Nabholz, no two days are ever the same. One day, I may be reviewing bids, processing submittals, and updating project schedules. The next day I could be attending pre-installation meetings, capturing 3D scans of a job site or preparing Requests for Information (RFIs). That really only scratches the surface of the role though. Some days involve working alongside superintendents in the field and getting my hands dirty, while others include representing the company at Chamber meetings, networking events, and fundraisers that support important causes in the community. The variety of work throughout the day keeps the job exciting and fulfilling.
2. How exciting is it to see construction plans move from ideas on paper to the finished project? I would say it is one of the most exciting parts of the job. It is neat to see the foundations poured because you see the general outline of the project start to take shape. From there, that image you have in your head of the final product comes to life step by step as framing is erected, systems are installed, finishes get put in place, and the façade starts to wrap the building!
3. Do you think you’ll get a chance to help build the new North Little Rock Middle School campus you used to attend? If so, what would that mean to you?
I think there is a pretty good shot that I will get a chance to work on the new middle school campus. My mom and a few of my old teachers still work there so being able to provide a new space for them to educate the next generation of North Little Rock kids would mean the world to me. It is like a full circle moment in all actuality; I owe the foundation of my success to North Little Rock, so getting the opportunity to use my education and career to benefit the district I call home is nothing short of special.
4. How did the North Little Rock School District prepare you for your career?
I could probably write a book about this, but to keep it brief… I was truly fortunate to have an incredible lineup of teachers from kindergarten through senior year. They poured their hearts and souls into me and my fellow students and equipped us to handle complex challenges, adapt to uncertainty, and meet demanding deadlines. My coaches instilled in me values such as leadership and teamwork and to always persevere through hardship. These values continue to shape my career today. The sheer size of the student body also helped me develop strong social and communication skills. This allowed me to build lifelong friendships as well as meaningful professional relationships with clients, subcontractors, architects and many others throughout the Arkansas business community. Needless to say, I am beyond grateful for my time within the halls of North Little Rock Schools and owe my success to the district.
Pre-K 2026-2027 School Calendar
District’s Top Teacher Award Goes to Trumble
When they announced the 2026 NLRSD Teacher of the Year, Tracy Trumble could hardly believe her ears. The English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) specialist at Ridge Road Elementary says the magnitude of the honor hasn’t quite sunk in yet.
“I’m truly honored to be recognized by my peers and inspired to continue advocating for the work we do in our classrooms every day,” she said.
Trumble received the recognition at the Night of Honors, the district’s signature event celebrating educators and support staff members who go above and beyond for their colleagues, students, and community. Now wrapping up her 29th year in education, Trumble will move on to represent the district as a candidate for Arkansas Teacher of the Year.
For Trumble, teaching is a true calling.
“The most rewarding part for me is witnessing the personal and academic growth my students achieve each year. Celebrating those milestones alongside them is exactly what keeps me coming back,” she said.
Shanika Reedy, a fifth grade teacher at Meadow Park Elementary School, was named Elementary-Level Teacher of the Year, and Sharon Ricks, a seventh grade math teacher at North Little Rock Middle School, was named Secondary-Level Teacher of the Year.
In all, the district recognized 18 Building-Level Teachers of the Year, seven Classified Employees of the Year, and for the first time, a Coach of the Year.
Kristen Valley, the 2026 Support Services Employee of the Year, calls this praise an honor.
“I don’t do the work for recognition, but to be seen and appreciated in this way means a lot. I’m grateful to serve in a role that allows me to support our families, students, and staff every day. This honor reflects the heart of the entire team, not just me,” she said.
The Night of Honors is largely funded through corporate sponsorships and a transformative commitment from the Gosser family. Now in the fourth year of a landmark $50,000 pledge, alumnus and former school board member Bobby Gosser continues to invest in this event and gives a $1,000 check to the NLRSD Teacher of the Year.
Eddie Armstrong, a 1997 graduate of North Little Rock High School, served as the emcee. Armstrong is a former State Representative and now serves as Chairman of Armstrong & Associates, a public affairs and strategic advisory firm operating at the intersection of policy, infrastructure, and economic development.
A Wheelie Big Deal at NLR 6
The wheels on the bikes are going ‘round and ‘round at North Little Rock 6 Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences – all in the name of education and wellness.
Kindergartners at the school now have access to bicycles, thanks to the National All Kids Bike Program. This national program has a mission of teaching every child in America to ride a bicycle in kindergarten physical education (PE) class. The school received more than two dozen bicycles, adjustable helmets, and storage racks, along with a specialized curriculum to teach safe biking measures.
“Physically, it builds coordination, balance, and overall strength in a way that feels natural and fun rather than structured exercise,” said James Simpson, the school’s PE teacher. “Many of my students don’t always have consistent access to extracurricular activities, so something like biking can become an active outlet they can carry beyond school.”
Simpson said he enjoys the ability to teach his young students a skill that translates from the gym floor to everyday life. The confidence gained on two wheels is a lifelong asset.
“For many of these kids, mastering bike riding is a moment when they see themselves as capable, and that’s something that lasts far beyond PE.” Simpson said.
Charging Wildcats Nab All-State Honors
Congratulations to the following student-athletes on earning the prestigious All-State designation. This honor signifies that these individuals have been vetted against the elite talent across the entire state of Arkansas, placing them in the top tier of their respective sports. We are incredibly proud of these athletes for their dedication, skill, and the excellence they bring to our athletic program.
Baseball
Will Jones
Dance
Celis Akins
Softball
Presley Stewart
Track & Field
Kynnedi Neal
Girls Basketball
Lauren Brewster
Katie Fimple
Elicia Shepherd
Boys Basketball
Elijah Bryant
Kevon Smith
Football
Cyntonio Dycus
Marcus Haynes
Swim & Dive
Garrett Price
Cheer
Nia Salaam
Golf
Jasper Brown
Tennis
Emma McEwen
Anna Kay Johnston
Caroline Jones
Georgia King
Wrestling
Marcus Haynes
Lakewood Proudly Represents Arkansas on America’s 250th Tour
Lakewood Elementary School decked its halls in red, white, and blue, featuring flags and other patriotic symbols to welcome the U.S. Department of Education’s national “History Rocks! Trail to Independence” tour, an event to mark the 250th anniversary of the country’s founding.
The national tour made stops at just one school per state, and Lakewood was chosen to represent Arkansas.
“You are a part of a state that helps change the world. Looking out at you, I know I am looking at students who might be our future governor, a future person to land on the moon, or a future business owner who changes the world,” said Principal Cortney Bost.
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Education Commissioner Jacob Oliva, and U.S. Assistant Secretary of Education David Barker headlined the celebration, and they toured classes to witness firsthand how students had been learning about America’s history and the events leading up to its independence in 1776.
“We are so proud to be able to celebrate the best country that the world has ever known with one of the best schools in the entire country,” Governor Sanders said.
The high-energy rally featured a history quiz bowl hosted by Assistant Principal Angela Hazzard, as well as giveaways and speeches from Superintendent Gregory Pilewski, second-grader Carder Hardin, and fifth-grader Maci Murphy.
“America is getting older: 250 years old to be exact! But she is stronger than ever. And she will only get better as my schoolmates and I get into our different careers and make a difference. America is in good hands,” Murphy said.
A Year in
in Review
Vision Statement
Our Community. Our Schools. Where Your Future Begins.
Mission Statement
The North Little Rock School District will prepare all students for their future by offering a well-rounded rigorous, relevant, and innovative education that allows each child to achieve their full potential in a safe, supportive learning environment to be future-ready.
Moral Purpose
As a community, our moral purpose is that all children will achieve, have a highquality teacher, have a high-quality leader, and a supportive learning environment. We will not allow an achievement gap in the North Little Rock School District.
The
Colophon IN FOCUS is a triannual newsletter created and published by the Communications Department of the North Little Rock School District. It is designed using Adobe InDesign and set in Franklin Gothic Heavy for headlines and Franklin Gothic Book for body text.
This newsletter is primarily distributed digitally with a limited number of printed copies at key locations to maximize visibility and engagement. The Communications Department oversees all editorial content, layout, and design to ensure an engaging and visually appealing publication.
For inquiries, suggestions, or story ideas, contact the Communications Department at communications@nlrsd.org.
