SPRINGDALE -- Superintendent Jim Rollins has received the 2016 AdvancED Arkansas Excellence in Education award.
"Dr. Rollins has consistently played a leadership role in Arkansas education and national education throughout his career," said Don Love, a retired educator who spent half of his 40-year career working with Rollins as Springdale High School principal and an assistant superintendent.
Rollins has led legislative committees and pushed for student-focused learning, often asking whether a decision or proposal is in the best interest of students, said Love, a Madison County resident who now is an associate director for AdvancED.
"That just permeates all that he does," Love said.
Nominees for the award are judged on criteria including demonstrating a record of significant contribution to the education profession and a lasting positive impact on student learning, according to information from the Springdale School District.
Rollins is in his 35th year as superintendent of the Springdale School District of about 23,000 children enrolled in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. He is an adjunct professor in the College of Education and Health Professions at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville.
He has been named Arkansas Superintendent of the Year twice. Rollins represents Arkansas on the governing board of the American Association of School Administrators and has been president of several professional organizations, including the Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators.
Metro on 10/25/2016