Conway School District outlines 'Project Conway Forward,' expands virtual pathway and details grants and teacher development

Conway — District leaders presented a package of strategic priorities and program updates at the Conway School District board meeting, highlighting a community-driven initiative called Project Conway Forward, a new virtual pathway and nearly $190,000 in educator grants.

Superintendent Mr. Black described Project Conway Forward as organized around four pillars — academics, arts, athletics and activities — and said the district will form committees with community co-chairs to build a “graduate pipeline” that connects students to local employers and higher education. "When you put all that together, you got Project Conway Forward," Mr. Black said.

Assistant Superintendent Dr. Bryce Bennett said the district planned an August launch of a virtual academy in partnership with Virtual Arkansas and will hold community input sessions in late April. "The team's meeting this week with Virtual Arkansas who will be our partner for this upcoming school year," Bennett said, adding that the district will offer an 8–12 program that can be fully virtual or hybrid.

Bennett also reported that educators secured $189,803.41 in grants for the 2026 school year, with 52 awards totaling $48,600 coming from the Conway Public Schools Foundation. "These grants were awarded for a variety of instructional materials, augmentative and alternative communication equipment, and technology," he said.

On professional development, Bennett previewed a summer program aimed at getting "95% of our teachers" through core PD modules and creating "instructional snapshots" from highly effective teachers to help novices. He said the district will use a mix of "main lines" training for most teachers and a "high flyers" track for teacher-leaders.

The board was also briefed on student success highlights: Conway High School reported strong AP results and an increase in AP Honor Roll status from bronze to silver, and principals provided logistical details for graduation ceremonies, including an expectation of about 718 graduates and expanded disabled parking and traffic management with UCA and local first responders.

What’s next: the district will continue committee work on Project Conway Forward, host public forums this month on the virtual pathway, and return a strategic plan to the board for approval in June with implementation slated for July 1.

Sources: Remarks and presentations by Mr. Black and Dr. Bryce Bennett during the April board meeting.