The Springdale School District board paused regular business to recognize career-technical education instructors, industry partners and students.

Board and partners honored Chad Burkett for his leadership in the district’s CDL and heavy-equipment pathway. Representatives from APAC and employer partners highlighted strong outcomes, including high job placement for program participants and a steady pipeline of trained CDL candidates. Murray Klein of APAC told the board the partnership provides employment, enlistment and enrollment benefits and praised the district’s ‘‘vision’’ on workforce development. Yolanda Williams, an industry partner, described the CDL program as giving students ‘‘real career opportunities, financial stability, and a better way of life.’'

Separately, district staff reported Champions for Kids programming now reaches eight campuses. Presenters described the organization’s Polar Express gift deliveries—semi trucks of donated toys and staff appreciation boxes—and said principals returned with surplus items to support school communities at the holidays. Mr. Emerson described the event as ‘‘really special’’ and noted the scale of donations and the community partners involved.

The board also recognized a middle-school student, Bob Rutocki, who won a Walmart-sponsored Martin Luther King Jr. essay contest; the student read his essay at the meeting and district staff said they will take the winner to Walmart corporate events this week.

Next steps: continued partnerships with employers and community organizations to support CTE pathways and student supports.