Our View

Our View

Collins steering West Memphis schools in the right direction

Few people can argue the fact that the best thing going for West Memphis right now is its top-notch school system under the leadership of recently named Arkansas Superintendent of the Year Jon Collins.

As we’ve all experienced over the last several months is a major overhaul of our decades-old brickand- mortar schools as well as expansions. Nearfuture plans also call for a brand-new school facility to be built just off Broadway, all part of a strategic plan under Collins’ leadership to prepare the West Memphis School system for the future challenges and opportunities and provide students from kindergarten to high school with some of the best educators in all of Arkansas and educational resources.

For many years, the West Memphis School system has had a indisputable reputation for quality education and what Collins has, and is doing today has taken education here to even higher standards by which other school districts throughout the state can follow.

The fast-paced achievements Collins has made since becoming superintendent in 2013 following the retirement of Bill Kessinger, another highly acclaimed leader in local education, has gained him the much deserved recognition from his peers throughout Arkansas’ educational system.

Collins’ successful trail blazing leadership has had the obvious unanimous support from all members of the school board, district principals, educators as well as a dedicated staff, all of whom deserve a pat on the back.

This combined dedication and leadership has attracted the attention of the Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators which presented Collins with this prestigious award during a recent school board meeting.

The association pays tribute to the talent and vision of the men and women who lead the nation’s public schools. Candidates, such as Collins, are judged on leadership, communication, professionalism and community involvement.

Let us say, all the modernization of school facilities, all the computer technology that has been integrated into every classroom, as well as all of the latest educational tools, are only as good the people who use them.

Let us make it vividly clear, it is leaders such as Collins that West Memphis must attract and retain if those of us concerned about this community are serious about its economic future as well as quality of life.

West Memphians, those individuals in leadership positions and local politicians should all view what Collins has accomplished as a vital inspiration and actively get involved in moving this city in a upward direction similar to where our schools are going.

After all, our schools are our biggest assets and a main ingredient to attract the kind of leaders and responsible citizens this city needs to achieve economic success.