Week 34: Pathways to Prosperity

Happy Friday!

As we move into the final stretch of the school year, I want to take a moment to thank you for your continued focus, your commitment to our students, and the resilience you show each day. May is a time when we begin to see the full shape of the year’s work—lessons that have taken root, relationships that have grown, and outcomes that will carry forward into what comes next.

This week, I want to focus on exactly that: what comes next for our students, and how we can align our work to support their future prosperity.

Pathways to Prosperity

We are living in a time when the choices we make in curriculum and instruction have never been more consequential. While many of us dedicate our days to ensuring students grasp the content we teach, we may be unaware of how that content fits into a larger design, one that ultimately determines whether students achieve prosperity. That is why I want to shine a light this week on something we all need to be thinking about: the return on investment (ROI) of education, and how our schools are being reshaped to prioritize pathways that deliver real opportunity.

The ROI 2025 Report issued by the Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE) analyzes which degrees produce the most economic value for Arkansas students. In simple terms, it asks: how long does it take before a college graduate earns enough to surpass what they spent on their degree, and begin outpacing someone with just a high school diploma? The answer, unsurprisingly, varies significantly based on the field of study. Degrees in engineering, computer science, health professions, business, and advanced manufacturing offer the highest returns, while others, though not without value, tend to have lower or slower returns.

This evidence is shaping policy. Under the LEARNS Act, Arkansas is prioritizing alignment between K–12 content and post-secondary opportunity, ensuring that students are not just graduating—but doing so with momentum toward economic security. Similarly, the ACCESS Act emphasizes expanding options for students through early college and career exposure, increasing their access to degrees with the strongest ROI.

You are not expected to be an economist or workforce analyst. But we all must become more informed educators. We must embed relevant content and context into our existing instruction, showing students how the skills they are learning can lead to careers in cybersecurity, advanced health sciences, robotics, or business management. The 2025 Career and Technical Education (CTE) Pathway Revision Guide outlines a redesigned system that merges, refines, and introduces new pathways in high-wage, high-demand fields. The document makes it clear: these pathways are no longer side programs. They are becoming the backbone of how Arkansas prepares its students for enlistment, enrollment, or employment.

Perhaps most exciting is the inclusion of entrepreneurship in these revised pathways. No matter the field—agriculture, health care, education, or computer science—students are now being given the tools to build something of their own. This shift opens the door for a new generation of business leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers to emerge from within our community. For educators looking to integrate entrepreneurship and financial literacy into their classrooms, Economics Arkansas offers outstanding resources and support to inspire the next wave of creators and change-makers.

So what does this mean for us? It means our work must begin with the end in mind. Every teacher, in every subject, should be asking: What comes next for my students? And how can what I teach today help shape that future?

When we align our instruction with high-return pathways, when we weave in purpose and relevance, and when we empower students with not just knowledge, but vision, we do more than educate. We build a foundation for prosperity. Not just for our students, but for our entire community.

They Mirror What We Model

As we talk about preparing students for prosperity, we should pause and consider how much of their future is shaped by what they see in us. Research tells us—particularly through Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory—that students learn by observing. What they see in the adults around them becomes the blueprint for how they respond to challenges, how they treat others, and how they envision their own potential.

Our tone, our professionalism, our curiosity, and the way we carry ourselves during difficulty—these are all lessons in motion. We can teach content, but we also teach composure. We can build a schedule, but we also build a culture. When we model grace under pressure, respect in the face of frustration, or joy in discovery, we are not just reacting to the moment—we are shaping their framework for the future.

Transformational leadership research also reinforces this idea: cultures do not grow from policies—they grow from practice. Students are constantly watching how we speak about each other, how we handle conflict, and how we engage with our work. Every small act—how we redirect a student, how we speak to a colleague in passing, how we respond to setbacks—sends a message about who we are and who we want them to become.

In the weeks ahead, let us be reminded that while the curriculum guides the mind, it is our example that often guides the heart. What we model, they mirror. And what they mirror, over time, becomes part of who they are.

In the weeks ahead, let us be reminded that while the curriculum guides the mind, it is our example that often guides the heart. What we model, they mirror. And what they mirror, over time, becomes part of who they are.

Closing

This week provided us with several opportunities to recognize the outstanding people who serve our schools every day. It is fitting that in a conversation about prosperity, we take time to celebrate those who help make it possible.

May 1 was School Principals’ Day, and we are fortunate to have some of the very best leading our buildings. Please join me in recognizing Samantha Sellers, Tamara Smart, Teresa Warner, and David Maxwell for their steadfast leadership and deep commitment to student success. Each of them works daily to improve academic outcomes for our students and create meaningful experiences that go beyond the classroom. Whether it is strengthening instructional practices, guiding student supports, or fostering a positive school culture, our principals serve as the vision-bearers for their campuses. Their work shapes not just the present but the future of every child who walks through their doors.

Today is School Lunch Hero Day, and it is the perfect moment to recognize Amy Bartow, our Director of Child Nutrition, and Susan Bodey, our Aramark Manager. These two, along with their teams, do more than serve meals—they serve opportunity. They continue to innovate, designing menus that not only meet child nutrition standards but also offer meals that students can enjoy, all while maintaining a low-cost meal program. They are essential to our students' health and readiness to learn.

Mena Soccer had a fantastic showing in Arkadelphia on Thursday. The Ladycats shut out their opponent 1–0, improving to 10-2-2 on the season. The Bearcats also secured a 1–0 victory, evening their record at 6-6-1. Congratulations to our athletes for their focus and discipline on the field.

Our Mena High School eSports team made history at the State Championships held at Fort Smith Northside. Competing against the top players in Arkansas, our Madden NFL team earned a second-place and third-place finish, along with a total of $1,500 in scholarship awards. Their performance reflects strategic thinking, resilience, and hours of practice—hallmarks of high-level competition.

In the world of economics, our Stock Market Game team earned the top prize in Region 2 at the Clinton Presidential Library. These students participated in a multi-week investment simulation, successfully navigating the ups and downs of the market to emerge as regional champions. Their achievement speaks to sharp analysis, collaboration, and a growing understanding of financial literacy.

Track and field athletes had a record-setting performance at the 4- 4A Conference Meet. One of our juniors, Elliot Dugan, took top honors in both the Long Jump and High Jump, ranking first in 4A and third overall in the state of Arkansas. Our girls' team also qualified for the state meet in numerous events, including all four relays, multiple throwing events, and five field events. The talent and tenacity of these athletes continue to impress.

We also had the honor of hosting the Area 14 Special Olympics at Bob Carver Bearcat Stadium. This joyful event brought together athletes, families, volunteers, and supporters from across the region to celebrate ability, courage, and community. Thank you to everyone who made this inspiring day possible.

Finally, we celebrate two more titles—Mena Softball and Mena Baseball are regular season conference champions! Their seasons have been marked by hard work, determination, and strong team chemistry. These accomplishments reflect the caliber of our athletic programs and the commitment of our student-athletes and coaches. Good luck to them in the conference tournament!

Next week is Teacher Appreciation Week, and Tuesday is National Teacher Day. While there will be more shared in the coming days, I want you to hear this clearly: your work matters. Whether it is in the form of a breakthrough conversation, a well-planned lesson, arranging performance and volunteer opportunities, or simply showing up each day with consistency and care, you are shaping lives. The influence you have does not fade with the school bell. It lasts a lifetime. Thank you for the difference you make.

It was a good week of learning at Mena Public Schools. Remember that schools are closed Monday, May 5th, for our last three-day weekend of the year.

At Mena Public Schools, our students are prepared, our staff is supported, and our community is confident.

Keep the #menareads posts and videos coming and have a good long weekend!

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