School District announces half a million in merit pay for 127 teachers

The Pulaski County Special School District (PCSSD) held a meeting on June 11, 2025, to discuss several key issues affecting the district. The meeting began with an update on ongoing processes, including preparations for a federal court community meeting regarding Mills High School construction, which is scheduled for Thursday night. This meeting is a requirement set by Federal Judge Marshall, with a follow-up meeting planned for the following week to discuss the report due to the court by July 1.

The agenda also included discussions about Jacksonville Elementary and Maumelle's Softball Field, although specific details on these topics were not provided during the meeting.

Superintendent Dr. Sonia Whitfield announced significant news regarding merit pay for teachers. The district is set to receive nearly half a million dollars from the state, which will be distributed among approximately 127 teachers. Individual checks will range from $1,500 to $10,000, although the exact timing of the disbursement remains uncertain as the funds are still being processed. Dr. Whitfield emphasized that teachers should not expect to receive their checks immediately, as the state is managing similar distributions for multiple districts.

The meeting concluded with a reminder that the principals have received the list of eligible teachers for merit pay, ensuring that the distribution process is underway. Overall, the meeting highlighted important developments in both legal compliance and teacher compensation within the district.