Prairie Grove High School has been awarded $56,257 by the Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) for achieving a 5% growth in its graduation rate. This recognition is part of the Arkansas School Recognition Program, which provides financial awards to public schools that demonstrate high student performance and academic growth, including improvements in graduation rates.
The Arkansas School Recognition Program, established under Ark. Code Ann. § 6-15-2107, aims to incentivize and reward schools that excel in student assessments and graduation rates. For the 2023-2024 school year, DESE announced a total of $6,999,874 in awards to 174 schools across the state. Schools in the top 5% for performance or growth receive $100 per student, while those in the top 6-10% receive $50 per student.
Prairie Grove High School's significant improvement reflects the dedication of its educators, students, and the broader community. The awarded funds are intended to enhance educational initiatives and support further continued academic excellence. According to program guidelines, each recognized school must establish a committee—including the principal, a teacher elected by the faculty, and a parent representative selected by the local Parent Teacher Association or another parental involvement group—to determine the optimal use of the funds. While schools are not required to submit documentation to DESE, they should maintain records such as committee agendas, minutes, sign-in sheets, and expenditure details for auditing purposes.
This accomplishment underscores Prairie Grove High School's commitment to fostering academic growth and student success. The community eagerly anticipates the positive impact this funding will have on the school's future endeavors.
Ade Commissioner’s memo. ADE Commissioner’s Memo - COM-25-047. (n.d.). https://adecm.ade.arkansas.gov/ViewApprovedMemo.aspx?id=5705