PCSSD Enrollment Jumps
By: Brittney Johnson, KARK 4 News
Updated: September 13, 2012
The Pulaski County Special School District welcomed 556 more students on the first day of the 2012-2013 academic year than last year.
Despite the enrollment news, while filing out after the first day, some students and their parents say they were flustered with first day frustration over schedule and transportation mix-ups.
"You have personal finance three times," said parent Jennifer Bevins, staring at her son's schedule as she came to pick him up from school.
"I had to utilize my own gas. I had to take off work early to come back early to get him," Bevins said
Still, district leaders say they're hopeful these are kinks that can be worked out in a few days, as they are much smaller issues compared to problems facing the district a little over a year ago, when the state took over the district and disbanded its embattled board.
"It's a much different situation, being able to govern a district without a board is in some ways easy and in some ways more difficult," said Dr. Jerry Guess.
Some parents say they miss the board's representation.
"I think it's always better to have a board, someone that's going to fight for you, fighting against you, have your voice be heard," said parent Alicia Shaw.
But many don't miss its impact on the district's reputation.
"We moved here from Texas five years ago, ever since we've moved here, we have heard nothing but bad things about Pulaski County," said Bevins.
District leaders hope that attitude is changing and say the growing number of students walking PCSSD halls is a sign better times are ahead.
"I think there is a perception the district is on the move up and things are going well and parents want to return their children to the schools," said Dr. Guess.
Having over 556 new students could translate into nearly $3 million for PCSSD. District leaders expect that number to double by the end of the first week.
Despite the enrollment news, while filing out after the first day, some students and their parents say they were flustered with first day frustration over schedule and transportation mix-ups.
"You have personal finance three times," said parent Jennifer Bevins, staring at her son's schedule as she came to pick him up from school.
"I had to utilize my own gas. I had to take off work early to come back early to get him," Bevins said
Still, district leaders say they're hopeful these are kinks that can be worked out in a few days, as they are much smaller issues compared to problems facing the district a little over a year ago, when the state took over the district and disbanded its embattled board.
"It's a much different situation, being able to govern a district without a board is in some ways easy and in some ways more difficult," said Dr. Jerry Guess.
Some parents say they miss the board's representation.
"I think it's always better to have a board, someone that's going to fight for you, fighting against you, have your voice be heard," said parent Alicia Shaw.
But many don't miss its impact on the district's reputation.
"We moved here from Texas five years ago, ever since we've moved here, we have heard nothing but bad things about Pulaski County," said Bevins.
District leaders hope that attitude is changing and say the growing number of students walking PCSSD halls is a sign better times are ahead.
"I think there is a perception the district is on the move up and things are going well and parents want to return their children to the schools," said Dr. Guess.
Having over 556 new students could translate into nearly $3 million for PCSSD. District leaders expect that number to double by the end of the first week.
