This morning, the Signature Bank Tower Community Room was filled with a sense of purpose and shared vision as the Harrison Regional Chamber of Commerce hosted the State of K-12 Education Community Breakfast.
Sponsored by Chris Huggins with SERVPRO of Harrison and Mountain Home and featuring a delicious spread from Neighbor's Mill, the event served as a powerful reminder of the strength found in collaboration. Our very own Dr. Stewart Pratt was a voice on the panel, but the morning wasn't just about one district; it was a celebration of what we can achieve in Boone County when we stand together.
The panel, moderated by Chamber President Jeffrey Nielsen, brought together the educational leadership of our region:
Sarah Alexander (Bergman Schools)
Dr. Stewart Pratt (Harrison Schools)
Dr. Tami Richey (Lead Hill Schools)
John McCleary (Omaha Schools)
Dr. Kyle Mallett (Valley Springs Schools)
As Sarah Alexander so aptly put it, "There has to be a 'best' educational county in the state—why don't we make it this one?" This sentiment of healthy competition backed by unwavering mutual support was the theme of the day.
Harrison Superintendent Dr. Stewart Pratt emphasized that the "Three E’s"—Employment, Enlistment, and Enrollment—serve as the north star for the region. "It’s about CHOICES," Pratt noted. "We want our students to have all the choices they need because they are well prepared."
Dr. Pratt specifically praised the impact of Arkansas Act 341 (the ACCESS Act - 2025), which has transformed higher education by creating a universal college application portal and cost standardization. This has "opened the floodgates," allowing a record number of students to graduate high school with an Associate degree.
Addressing common misconceptions about public education, Dr. Pratt presented data showing that schools within a 12-mile radius of Harrison are significantly outperforming state benchmarks: The truth is, our local public schools are knocking it out of the park.
"Every child CAN learn and be successful," Dr. Pratt concluded. "That’s why we are successful in Boone County. We are getting it done!"
The morning concluded with a special recognition of Dr. Tami Richey (Lead Hill), with her colleagues honoring her years of service as she prepares for retirement.
Harrison Schools is proud to stand alongside our neighbors in Valley Springs, Lead Hill, Bergman, and Omaha to ensure that every child in our community has the opportunity to reach their personal best.
We are getting it done, Boone County!