Administrator Spotlight

Monroe Pointer

Director of Facilities, Jonesboro School District

Monroe Pointer, Director of Facilities for Jonesboro Public Schools, started his career in education back in December of 2014. He states, "I was previously working for Nestle Prepared Foods as a Production Supervisor. I managed a team of over 60 team members, overseeing the process of producing raw goods into a ready-toeat finished product." He became interested in a career in education through his experience in managing people, and wanted to stay close to family in the surrounding area. He says, "Manufacturing and Education are totally different, but people are the same in whatever career you choose. People make things interesting, fun and exciting."

Monroe’s favorite thing about his job is "improving the facilities, processes and students' education." He states, "Being a part of a team that helps create an environment for student learning is always exciting and forever changing. Being a part of that change is something I enjoy." He says the most challenging aspect of his job is scheduling summer projects. "Summer projects usually have a ton of work to be completed in such a short amount of time, so scheduling the right contractors from the end of May to the first of August is always a challenge. But here in Northeast Arkansas we have great architects, great construction companies and skilled contractors that continue to work hard to ensure our on-time completion."

Monroe says the best advice he has ever received is to show gratitude to your team. As Director of Facilities, he knows it takes a great team to make a good leader. "That’s why I try to appreciate the people that have helped me in becoming a great leader," he states. "First, I will start with my wife Stephanie Pointer. She has encouraged me from day one when I took on the new role as Director. Then, my administrative assistant Dawn Burks. Dawn is always on time for work, always trying to be a step ahead of me so I don’t have to ask for certain things. Most of all she helps keep me on task with all the projects and day to day work tasks. I couldn’t ask for a better person. Then, I have the maintenance and custodial staff. This group of staff members step up to the plate every day. This group has never had a task that they could not handle. This group of staff members allows me to take off work and the work just continues as if I was still there. That’s why I feel I have the best maintenance and custodial staff in the state of Arkansas."

?Q&A! with Monroe Pointer

What would you tell someone who was thinking about a similar career?

I would tell them to be sure and pack your patience. There will be situations that won’t go your way, or go as planned, but you have to be willing to modify and adjust. By packing your patience this will help you remember why we do what we do.

Tell us about any awards or recognition you have received.

I was recognized as the “Eye of the Hurricane” in 2022 by our Jonesboro Administration Team. In 2023 I was recognized as the Plant Manager of the Year. This award was by far the most gratifying award I’ve ever received. This was because it was decided by my peers, the people that know what we do on a day to day basis. Having your peers to recognize you for what we all do was pretty special.

What is the most daring thing you’ve done?

I had a leading role in the school district’s 2018 back to school meeting performing “The Greatest Showman”.

What do you feel is your greatest professional accomplishment?

Leading our team in 3 major construction projects. This includes the Jonesboro High School 25 classroom addition, MacArthur Jr. High School New 50,000 square foot building and the Jonesboro High School 3-story activity gymnasium. All of which was being constructed at the same time.

What do you enjoy doing during your time off?

Now that my children are adults, I enjoy reading books with my wife about how to enjoy my adult children and taking the day off to go visit my parents.

I have also been serving on the City of Jonesboro Metropolitan Area Planning Commission for the past 2 years. The planning commission is responsible for ensuring the orderly physical development of the city through the adoption and periodic revision of the City of Jonesboro Comprehensive Plan.

What are the goals you are still working toward?

I would still like to own personal and commercial real estate properties. I’m still working on being a great piano player. I would also like to learn the game of golf.

What do you see as the biggest benefit of AAEA membership?

It gives me access to multiple groups that can provide information to help support me in my role. Specifically, ASPMA which I have been a member of since 2015. Being a part of this group at the beginning of my educational career was the biggest support any new maintenance personnel could ask for. It gave me access to real people with the same concerns. Having this group available helps me to be the director I am today.