Student-led initiative empowers girls in construction careers

In a recent government meeting, Bentonville schools celebrated the achievements of local students and recognized exemplary educational leadership. The meeting commenced with Kanan Johnson leading the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a moment of silence.

Highlighting student accomplishments, Dr. Jones introduced Yvonne Bikinia, a recent graduate of Bentonville West High School and co-founder of the initiative \"Girls Who Build.\" Bikinia shared her experience in the Ignite program, where she noticed a significant gender disparity in construction management, prompting her to organize a regional conference aimed at empowering young women in the field. The inaugural event attracted 150 participants from across northwest Arkansas, featuring workshops in carpentry, welding, and other skills, all funded by local businesses and schools. Bikinia expressed her commitment to continuing the initiative annually, aiming to inspire future generations of women in construction.

The meeting also recognized the Master Principal Program, which aims to enhance leadership skills among Arkansas school principals. Bradley Weber introduced Principal Molly Davis of Elmwood Middle School, who was honored for her leadership and the positive impact she has made on student growth and community engagement. Under her guidance, Elmwood has achieved significant academic success, ranking in the top quartile for student performance. Davis emphasized the importance of a supportive school culture and the resources provided to ensure all students have access to necessary materials and differentiated instruction.

The meeting concluded with discussions on a waiver request from the North Little Rock School District, seeking flexibility in teacher licensure, scheduling, and class sizes. Board members expressed concerns regarding the long-term implications of these requests, particularly in light of recent frustrations surrounding educational standards. The district aims to implement an \"Opportunity School Culture\" to enhance educational outcomes, and further discussions are expected to address the specifics of the waiver requests.