School Board approves sale of Garfield Elementary for $800,000 amid strategic improvements

School improvement plans took center stage at the Rogers Board of Education meeting on April 15, 2025, as administrators presented their annual comprehensive needs assessments. Each school in the district is required to submit these plans, which are dynamic documents that will be revisited in the fall as new test results come in. The board approved these plans unanimously, emphasizing their alignment with district goals and the positive trajectory indicated by recent performance data.

In addition to the school improvement discussions, the board also addressed the sale of Garfield Elementary School. The property, which spans nearly 7.5 acres and is located in a high-traffic area, has been listed for $800,000. Despite some structural and compliance issues, the visibility and accessibility of the site are seen as strong selling points.

Another significant topic was the transition from the ACT Aspire to the Atlas assessment system. The state has decided to postpone the official letter grades for schools this year due to concerns about fairness in comparing different testing methods. However, simulated grades have been provided, allowing the district to gauge performance and prepare for future evaluations. Administrators expressed optimism about the results, highlighting the dedication of teachers and staff.

The meeting concluded with a focus on the district's commitment to improving educational outcomes and ensuring transparency with the community. As the board moves forward, they anticipate sharing official results and updates on school performance once the state finalizes the grading criteria.