LITTLE ROCK — In his second year as superintendent of the Pangburn School District, Jerrod Williams is optimistic about the district’s future but doesn’t take all the credit for its accomplishments.
“I love being able to see the whole picture in trying to lead the district into the 21st century,” Williams said. “That job cannot be accomplished without an outstanding administrative team and a very supportive board of education.”
He said the Pangburn district is planning 10 years into the future.Williams quoted the school district’s motto: “Pangburn 2020: Every child. Every day: Looking at the year 2020 with 20-20 vision.”
Williams taught in the Cabot School District from 1999 to 2007 and was an administrator in the England,Ark., School District from 2006 to 2008 - one year as an elementary assistant principal and one as principal. He was director of transportation for both years.
He said he was influenced by his father, Kieth Williams, who was a superintendent for 15 years for the Cross County and Beebe school districts.
During Williams’ tenure as Pangburnsuperintendent, the district has enhanced its Gifted and Talented programs, promoting the philosophy that “a child is gifted all day every day.”
The district also added a sophomore seminar to get students ready for college and PSAT and ACT prep classes.When students took the PSAT in November, scores on the test improved drastically.
With improved preparation for college and higher test scores, the students will have a wider choice of colleges and have more doors open to them,Williams said.
The district has a new vocational program and is in the midst of a huge building program.With a new middle school and a performing arts center already completed, the district broke ground for its new high school and arena on Dec. 22, he said.
Williams’ wife, Brandi, also is involved in the district. She is a volunteer wrestling coach and was a basketball statistician last year, he said.
“We have a new child” - Baylor Marie, 10 months old,Williams said.
“It’s pretty much just school,” Jerrod said of his family’s life.“ The town is very supportive of not only the school - the center of the town - but also of us as a family, having a new baby.We’re just very blessed to be here.”Birthplace: Searcy Biggest influence: My grandparents and my father,
who was a superintendent and administrator for years First job: Weekend chicken cook
at the C Store on Race Street in Searcy. I also worked on the family
farm since I was 7 or 8, driving a
tractor, putting in rice gates and
doing whatever the hired hands didn’t want to do.
As a child you said,“When I
grow up, I want to be a …”: Fireman and a country music singer
Hidden talents: I love to work
outside, and I love to landscape.
Favorite TV show: CSI: Miami
One thing not many people know about you: I’m really kind of quiet and shy.
One word to describe you: Committed
Special, Pages 155 on 02/07/2010