NORTH LITTLE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT
Table of Contents
Mission, Vision, Moral Purpose, 5 Year Strategic Plan Goals
Highlights from the 2024-2025 School Year Construction Projects
Table of Contents
NLR 6 Renaming Ceremony Board of Education Graduation Statistics Kira Donn’s Perfect ACT Score Night of Honors A Year in Review 16-17 18-19
Message From the Superintendent “
Dear NLRSD Employees, Families, and Community, We are proud to present the Annual Report to the Public, an opportunity to highlight our achievements, celebrate progress, and demonstrate responsible financial stewardship throughout the 2024-2025 school year. This is just a snapshot of the work that our administrators, teachers, staff, and students do to make the North Little Rock School District the special place that it is. We are fortunate to be situated in such a supportive community.
One of the standout moments of the past school year was the successful passing of the capital improvement project. It was truly inspiring to see students, teachers, parents, retirees, and community supporters come together in enthusiastic support of the millage. A special thank you goes to Luke King and Lee Tackett, chair and co-chair, respectively, of the Vote For NLR Kids Committee, whose leadership and dedication were instrumental in organizing a winning campaign. The transformation is already visible at our middle school campus, which is the highest priority in this project. Crews have disassembled sections of the decades-old building to prepare for a brandnew facility. And that’s just the beginning. Soon, the historic Ole Main will undergo a meticulous renovation, and an indoor sports complex will take shape, marking an exciting chapter in our district’s history.
I couldn’t be prouder of what this means for our students and generations to come. None of this progress would be possible without the unwavering trust and support of our community, a trust we deeply honor and cherish. Thank you for investing in the future of our schools.
As you peruse this document, it is my sincere hope that your passion for this school district is renewed and that you join us in pouring into our students. There are multiple opportunities to volunteer, mentor, and serve in our schools. We hope to see you on our campuses and at our events.
In service,
Gregory J. Pilewski Superintendent of Schools
Vision Statement Mission Statement Moral Purpose
Our Community. Our Schools. Where Your Future Begins.
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.
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.
5 Year Strategic Plan Goals
Rigorous, Relevant, and Innovative Learning
Safe, Healthy, and Supportive Learning Environments Organizational Effectiveness
High Quality Teachers, Leaders, and Staff
Engage, Inform, and Empower Stakeholders
The NLRSD Graduate Profile of Future Ready Skills Acquired Upon
Graduation
Leadership
Perserverance
Media and Technology
Career Development
Civic Responsibility
Environmental and Outdoor Education
Communication
Personal Finance
Research
Problem Solving
Critical Thinking
Collaboration
Creativity and Innovation
Ethics
Work Life Balance
Information
Cultural and Gobal Awareness
$15,071,036.83
$51,582,870.14
$51,589,102.10
0.62% Property
$690,098.76
1.28% Property Services
$1,435,085.35
2.83% Other Purchased Services
$3,170,062.82
5.73% Other Expenditures
$6,411,386.19
7.45% Purchased Professional and Technical Services
$8,329,344.19
10.93% Supplies and Materials
$12,225,745.75
16.42% Benefits $18,164,120.83
54.92% Salaries
$61,435,647.01
945 Students Received Dyslexia Intervention Services 107 Advanced Placement Scholars 23 College Board National Recognition Program Recipients 790 Advanced Placement Exams Taken
4,557 Maintenance Work Orders Completed 77,683 Students Seen by School Nurse 549,538 Breakfasts Served
6,101 Purchase Orders Submitted 29,903 Payroll Checks Processed
935,919 Lunches Served
8.85% are English Learners 12.82% of Students are enrolled in Special Education 7.71% are Gifted and Talented Students
Highlights from the 2024-2025
Ridge Road Elementary School received a $5,000 donation from Burlington Stores as the national retailer opened a new store in the city. Five teachers were provided $1,000 each to be used for school supplies.
Jonah Pulliam (C’25) was named a National Merit Finalist.
The North Little Rock School District and North Little Rock High School served as the hosts for the Class 6A Baseball Tournament, in addition to the Class 6A Central, Class 6A State, and All-Around Tennis tournaments.
Baldwin & Shell Construction and North Little Rock High School launched a formal partnership to create the Baldwin & Shell Construction Academy of Business, Hospitality & Development. These types of partnerships are the foundation of the Academies of Central Arkansas model of teaching and learning being implemented in public high schools throughout Pulaski County.
North Little Rock Academy began Fusion, a graduation re-engagement program to help students who have been away from school for a semester or more get back on track to graduate.
Based on the 2024 ATLAS assessment results and cut scores, the Arkansas Department of Education’s Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) released the NLRSD from participating in Act 1082 check-ins with the District Support Unit.
North Little Rock Varsity Cheer won the Class 6A State Cheer competition. The team also participated in the UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship in Orlando, Florida, and placed eighth in the nation out of 42 teams.
The storage facility at the Farm, located on the middle school campus, opened, serving as a place to store tools and a safe haven for farm animals in the brutal cold.
North Little Rock High School revived its Bowling Team.
Students at six of our elementary schools received fresh fruit and vegetables in the afternoons as a result of the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Snack grant.
2024-2025 School Year
After a five year hiatus, “Meet the Charging Wildcats” resumed. This event takes place at the start of the school year and introduces the community to the district’s studentathletes.
The Board of Education accepted Dr. Gregory Pilewski’s Central Reorganization Plan - Phase VI to address the loss of funding of $5.1 million forecasted for the 202526 school year while addressing a service delivery model to more effectively and efficiently meet the needs of students and families.
The NLRSD Communications Department launched IN FOCUS, a quarterly newsletter that highlights the various events, initiatives, and programs that take place throughout the district.
The Administrative Annex, located on Poplar Street, closed and will be demolished.
Mr. Henry Taylor joined the North Little Rock School Board of Education. He represents North Little Rock 6 Academy of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences (formerly Seventh Street Elementary School), the Center of Excellence, and North Little Rock High School.
The Arkansas Storm, a semiprofessional football team, signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the district to designate Charging Wildcat Stadium as its home field for four games during the 2026 season.
The North Little Rock Middle School - Seventh & Eighth Grade Campus launched a chapter of the National Junior Honor Society. The inaugural group included fifty-seven students.
The Safety Services Department relocated to 2525 Main Street, which previously served as the North Little Rock Police Department headquarters.
Munisa Iminova (C’25), Arailym Kystaubay (C’25), and Figo Wijaya (C’25) are the first students in the state to earn the Seal of Biliteracy designation in Uzbek, Kazakh, and Indonesian, respectively.
It’s Time to Build! Community Gives
Over the next few years, parts of the North Little Rock School District will look drastically different – all thanks to the North Little Rock community approving the millage increase proposal to build a brand new middle school campus, renovate Ole Main, and develop an indoor sports complex. The millage is expected to generate $70 million toward the projects.
“I cannot express how appreciative we are to this community for their support of our students and providing them with the very best. Our future is brighter today because of this approval,” said Dr. Gregory Pilewski, Superintendent of the North Little Rock School District.
The passage of the millage could not have occurred at a better time. Due to the aging and deteriorating condition of the middle school campus, the Division of Public School Academic Facilities and Transportation awarded the district $20.8 million to help build a new school. But receiving these funds depended entirely on voter approval. Nearly fifty-three percent of North Little Rock voters approved the additional 4-mill levy, bringing the total to 52.3 mills.
The success of the millage campaign is credited to the dedicated outreach efforts of the “Vote For NLR Kids” group. Since school districts are prohibited from directly persuading voters, “Vote For NLR Kids” acted as the district’s advocates – canvassing neighborhoods, making phone calls, and funding promotional materials to rally community support.
Luke King, a parent of two NLRSD students, former school board member, and a 1999 graduate of North Little Rock High School, led the charge to head the group. His wife, Jordan, is a 1998 graduate of NLRHS.
“It was such an honor to work with the campaign committee. It was a collection of individuals who love this community and are passionate about helping the students and teachers of the NLRSD. Everyone worked so hard and it was such a joy to work together towards a common goal,” he said.
King shared that it was his former principal, Lee Tackett, who encouraged him to take the lead on the campaign. Tackett, who retired in 2019 after 34 years with the district – most of them spent at the middle school – felt a deep responsibility to advocate for the millage. Her firsthand experience with the aging facility motivated her to rally her neighbors and to urge them to vote for it.
“I am so excited about the middle school building being replaced. It was built for high school students over 50 years ago. Education has changed so much and we need to meet the needs of all kids going forward,” Tackett said.
What the Projects Entail
From the very beginning, the top priority has been building a brand new middle school. The current building, which opened in the 1970-1971 school year as Northeast High School, no longer meets the needs of today’s students. The new middle school campus will be designed to offer modern amenities that
Gives Greenlight to District’s Projects
support twenty-first-century teaching and learning. Despite being one of the largest middle schools in the state, the goal is to create small learning communities within the campus, providing students with a more personalized and close-knit academic experience. To ensure a smooth construction process and minimize disruptions, the project will be completed in two carefully-planned phases.
Nabholz and Doyne were selected by the Board of Education for the middle school project.
The Ole Main Building, the crown jewel of the school district and the city, will once again reopen as a school. The vast space in the historic, three-story building will allow high school students to be exposed to specialized and innovative academic programs to prepare them for the careers of tomorrow. In addition, the Center of Excellence will move into this building. The multipurpose room will be available for community rental.
CDI and Platinum have been chosen as the construction management companies for the Ole Main Project.
And finally, the indoor sports complex will not only provide student-athletes with a state-of-the-art training facility, but it will also serve as a handson learning environment for students in the sports medicine program. In partnership with Baptist Health, students will have the opportunity to work alongside healthcare professionals and explore the latest trends in the field—all within an on-site medical clinic.
Clark Contractors will complete the indoor sports complex.
All three projects are expected to be completed by summer 2028.
On September 9, 1957, Eugene Hall, Frank Henderson, William Henderson, Richard Lindsey, Gerald Persons, and Harold Smith – dubbed the North Little Rock Six – attempted to change the course of history by becoming the first black students to enroll into North Little Rock High School. Their journey up those iconic steps may not be as well known as the path the Little Rock Nine took to enter Central High School, but it is just as courageous. The superintendent at the time denied the North Little Rock Six entrance into the allwhite high school, and the trailblazers went back to the all-black Scipio A. Jones High School to graduate.
“My sister told me I should go,” said Persons. “We had to pass North Little Rock High School every day to go to [Jones].”
Sixty-seven years later, on November 15, 2024, the three surviving members of the North Little Rock Six received a warm and heartfelt welcome from the superintendent, joined by a chorus of students, staff, and family members. The occasion was a historic ceremony to rename Seventh Street Elementary School as the North Little Rock 6 Academy of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences.
“I want to commend the Board of Education, the Community Advisory Board, the administration, and the community for being the driving force for change to not only give the North Little Rock Six justice, but also honor today and forever,” said Dr. Gregory Pilewski, Superintendent of the North Little Rock School District.
7th Street Renaming Seventh Street Embraces History and Career-Centered Identity
The school, set to expand into a Pre-K through eighth-grade campus over the coming years, will prepare students for careers in agriculture and veterinary sciences. By partnering with industry leaders, it will provide hands-on learning experiences that encourage academic inquiry and inspire discovery in these fields.
Board of Education
The North Little Rock Board of Education is made up of seven dedicated individuals who represent their respective community to serve as advocates for the students and employees of the North Little Rock School District.
Board members regularly visit schools to meet with students, teachers, and administrators, to approve the district’s budget and policies, and to work closely with the Superintendent of Schools to determine the direction of the district.
Meetings of the North Little Rock School District are open to the public:
•Board Workshop Meetings are held on the first Thursday of every month.
•Regular Board Meetings are held every third Thursday of the month.
•Special Board Meetings occur whenever the need arises.
Meetings begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Administration Building, which is located at 2400 Willow Street.
Dorothy Williams
Alternate Disbursing Officer
Zone 1
Term Expires March 2026
Henry Taylor Parliamentarian
Zone 2
Term Expires March 2028
Cindy Temple Disbursing Officer
Zone 5
Term Expires March 2028
Dr. Rochelle Redus President
Zone 3
Term Expires March 2026
Valerie McLean Vice President Zone 6
Term Expires March 2026
Angela Person-West Member
Zone 4
Term Expires March 2026
Natalie Wankum Secretary
Zone 7
Term Expires March 2026
Class of 2025
North Little Rock Center of Excellence
North Little Rock High School
Troi
McKinney-Ezeagwula
Piper-Bliss Chudy
Jonah Pulliam
Kylie Sartain
Donn Hits Perfection on the ACT
Kira Donn has achieved a milestone that many will not ever reach. She has earned a perfect score on the ACT!
Donn is still in disbelief.
“I was shocked. I’ve been working and studying for so long on the ACT. To see my hard work pay off made me really happy. I had tears of joy [when I saw the score],” she said.
Donn is the second North Little Rock High School student within the past year to achieve a 36 -- the highest score possible -- on the ACT. In March 2024, Jonah Pulliam earned a perfect score on the test.
Donn aced the exam on her fourth try. As a freshman, she scored 30. As a sophomore, she earned a 33. On the first attempt of her junior year, she made a 35.
On the fourth try, she did not walk away thinking she had aced the exam.
“I was stuck on a question in the math section. I couldn’t figure it out. It was a statistics question. I’m in statistics, and I couldn’t figure it out. When I submitted the test, I realized I knew how to do it. I said, ‘Well, I got that wrong,’” Donn said.
Donn, who has been in the district since her elementary days at Crestwood, hopes the score allows her to go to college for free and earn some incredible opportunities at no cost.
She vows not to rest on her laurels, as she plans to remain committed in the classroom and in activities. She is an Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction, a recognition awarded to students who earn an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, with scores of 3 or higher on five or more exams. She participates in art, NLRTV, and theater.
“I have so many teachers I can look back on that have been so helpful to me. I was a shy kid for much of my elementary years. Some of my favorite memories are from the gifted and talented program. I’ve heard people tell me being in a public school you may not get the access to things that other things might get, but I don’t think so. I’ve had a great time [in the North Little Rock School District],” she said.
Looking ahead, Donn aspires to earn the Jefferson Scholarship at the University of Virginia, which covers full tuition. She also plans to apply to Georgia Tech, MIT, Duke, and other top schools, with the goal of studying engineering.
Stanley Named NLRSD Teacher of the Year
For a brief moment at the 2025 Night of Honors, Kim Stanley was overcome with surprise. As she regained her bearings, the sound of thunderous applause filled the room as she had just been named the 2025 NLRSD Teacher of the Year.
“It was an incredibly surreal experience, made even more special by having so many of my family members there to share it with me. I’m deeply grateful for the recognition and for the opportunity to represent such an amazing community of educators,” she said.
Stanley, a proud alumna of the district, has dedicated 32 years to education—26 of those within the North Little Rock School District. As the 2025 NLRSD Teacher of the Year, she received a crystal award, a laptop, a backpack filled with district-branded items, and a $1,000 check generously provided by the Bobby Gosser family.
“I feel a deep commitment to represent my students, my school, and my district with integrity, professionalism, and excellence. This recognition challenges me to continue growing, learning, and striving to be the best educator I can be—not only for my students but also for the greater educational community,” Stanley said.
Elena Reyes Lovins of Amboy Elementary School and Holly Friedman of North Little Rock High School were named Elementary-Level Teacher of the Year and Secondary-Level Teacher of the Year, respectively. They each received an award and a Blackstone Griddle.
In total, the district recognized 18 Building-Level Teachers of the Year and seven Classified Employees of the Year.
The Night of Honors is the district’s signature event to recognize outstanding employees who go above and beyond for their colleagues, students, and the community. The event is largely funded through corporate sponsorships. Each of the sponsors was invited to The Mocktail Hour, which is a reception for the honorees, and was recognized at the Night of Honors.
Night Honors
James Bryant, a 2013 graduate of North Little Rock High School, served as the emcee. Bryant serves as the weekend meteorologist at KATV-Channel 7. Bryant credits the NLRSD for launching his career, and it all started on the former East Campus, where he first got a taste of broadcast journalism through KATS TV, the school’s student-run news program.
Night of Honors
Lisa Hoggard Lakewood
Natalie Fisher Meadow Park
Kim Pettus Pike View ECC
Vu Le Ridge Road
Sharon Frazier Seventh Street
Elena Reyes Lovins Amboy Shanti Baker Boone Park
Katelyn Northington Crestwood
Tammy Reeder Glenview
Maisha Jones Indian Hills
Jacquelyn Bonnette Safety & Security
Cecilia Henderson Paraprofessional
DeAnn Roach Support Services
Karen Springs Transportation
Pamela Jackson Office & Technical
Allison Ashcraft-Padilla 7th & 8th Grade Campus
Vincent Bryant 7th & 8th Grade Campus
Kevin Hoggard 6th Grade Campus
Nina Moffatt NLR Academy
Brandyn Kirkwood NLR Center of Excellence
Tatiana Parker Child Nutrition
Katrina Green Maintenance, Operations & Facilities
Holly Friedman NLR High School
Kim Stanley NLR High School
Tracy Walker NLR High School
A Year in
in Review
School Site Directory
Amboy Elementary School 101 Auburn Drive (501) 771-8185
Glenview Elementary School
901 E. 19th Street (501) 955-3630
Meadow Park Elementary School
801 E. Bethany Road (501) 955-3620
North Little Rock Center of Excellence
201 W. 22nd Street (501) 975-3985
North Little Rock Middle School Sixth Grade Campus 2300 Lakeview Road (501) 771-8250
Boone Park Elementary School 1401 Crutcher Street (501) 340-5160
Crestwood Elementary School 1900 Crestwood Drive (501) 771-8190
Indian Hills Elementary School 6800 Indian Hills Drive (501) 835-5622
Lakewood Elementary School 1800 Fairway Avenue (501) 771-8270 NLR 6 Academy of Agricultural & Veterinary Sciences 1200 Bishop Lindsey Avenue (501) 340-5170
North Little Rock High School 201 W. 22nd Street (501) 771-8100
Pike View Early Childhood Center 441 McCain Boulevard (501) 771-8170
North Little Rock Academy 5500 Lynch Drive (501) 955-3600
North Little Rock Middle School Seventh & Eighth Grade Campus 2400 Lakeview Road (501) 771-8200
Ridge Road Elementary School 4601 Ridge Road (501) 771-8155