Plans For Springdale iSchool Move Forward, New School Might Be At The Jones Center

SPRINGDALE — The Jones Center might get a bit busier next school year if the Springdale School District uses the facility for the new "iSchool."

The School Board approved at Tuesday's meeting creating the iSchool, which will open during the 2014-15 school year.

"The resolution is a very clinical thing," said Clay Hendrix, assistant superintendent.

The school will have 200 eighth-graders during the first year and eventually expand to 12th grade. Students will focus on science, technology, engineering and math. They will also graduate with an associate's degree in addition to their high school diploma.

Hendrix and Ed Clifford, chief executive officer of The Jones Center, said nothing is finalized, but the school could be at the center until a permanent facility is chosen or built. The School District's website states the school will be at the center during the 2014-15 school year.

"That is our number one option," Hendrix said.

School officials also looked at high schools and junior high schools in the district as options, Hendrix said. It's better to have the school at the center than on another campus, because it will allow it to have a separate identity.

Some NorthWest Arkansas Community College classes are also held at the center, Clifford said. The college students could serve as role models, mentors and examples for the younger iSchool students, said Jim Rollins, district superintendent.

The center also has accommodations, such as a computer center, a gymnasium and a pool, which could attract students to the program, Rollins said.

The school could also benefit the center by helping increase the number of people who use it, Clifford said. The students who go to school there, as well as their family members, might purchase memberships.

"We're an awfully big facility, and we hope to have as many people using it as possible," he said.

District officials have to submit their plans for the school to the Arkansas Department of Education for approval by May 1, Rollins said. If the school receives approval and is at the center, the district would lease the space for two years. The lease would cost the district just under $100,000 a year, he said.

Students who are in seventh grade this year can apply for the iSchool from April 15 to May 15, Hendrix said. Applications will be on the district's website and paper copies will be in the main offices at the middle schools. District officials will hold parent meetings about the school at the Jones Center at 6 p.m. April 10 and April 14.

Some administrative promotions were also announced at Tuesday's meeting. Joe Rollins, assistant principal at Springdale High School, will be principal of iSchool, said Jared Cleveland, deputy superintendent for personnel, during the meeting.

Jim Rollins announced Hendrix will be promoted to Marsha Jones' position, associate superintendent for curriculum and instruction for prekindergarten through 12th grade, when she retires June 30. Megan Witonski, assistant commissioner for learning services at the Arkansas Department of Education, will be replacing Hendrix when he's promoted.

NW News on 03/12/2014