Community member calls for support as Coach Turline leaves district for new role

Concerns over educator retention and support dominated the Gravette School Board meeting, as community members voiced their frustrations regarding recent staff departures. A passionate speaker highlighted the resignation of Coach Turline, who is leaving a head coaching position for an assistant role elsewhere, citing a lack of support for the wrestling program. This decision has raised alarms about the district's ability to retain dedicated educators.

The speaker emphasized Coach Turline's commitment to developing student-athletes, not just in sports but in life skills, underscoring the importance of supportive leadership in fostering a thriving educational environment. The departure of respected figures like Coach Turline, along with Coaches Weller and Herline, signals a troubling trend that could impact the district's reputation and student success.

The speaker criticized recent decisions made by the board, particularly the choice to prevent Coach Waller from attending an athletic banquet, arguing it undermined the support students need from their mentors. This incident, they claimed, detracted from the focus on student achievements and demonstrated a lack of professionalism that should be modeled for students.

As the meeting concluded, the speaker urged the board to prioritize listening and acting on community concerns to prevent further losses of valuable educators. The message was clear: the Gravette School District must cultivate an environment where teachers feel valued and supported to ensure the continued growth and success of its students.