Members of the Bradley County Retired Teachers and Employees Association met September 12, 2022 for their monthly meeting at the First United Methodist Church of Warren. Warren Superintendent Bryan Cornish and Hermitage Superintendent Dr. Tracy Tucker addressed the group on the status of both districts and the challenges each one faces. Both superintendents talked about the impact of COVID-19 on the schools since 2020 and how they have attempted to cope with it while providing a quality education for students. They both indicated the loss of learning has been real.
Dr. Tucker discussed projects underway at Hermitage, including new heating and air units, bonuses for faculty and staff, and extensive professional development for teachers to help try to catch up student learning due to COVID. She also reported on repairs due to some storm damage. Dr. Tucker stated Hermitage, like most schools in Arkansas, faces difficulties finding qualified teachers. She also indicated she is closely watching what actions may come out of the upcoming legislative session. The superintendent went on to say that mental health of students is an increasing issue.
Bryan Cornish agreed with Dr. Tucker on the many issues being faced by Arkansas schools. He stated Warren currently has 22 faculty members who were not trained in education but are teaching subjects they have degrees in. He gave a detailed report on construction of the new elementary school and arena, and the efforts to repair and upgrade the High School building as a result of the damaging fire. Mr. Cornish stated he cannot say when the elementary school or the high school will be completed. He thinks the arena will be ready for use in January of 2023.
He went on to talk about how cooperative the faculty, parents, and students have been while facing these numerous challenges. He thanked the Warren Police Department for their assistance in helping direct traffic as a result of major traffic flow changes.
Mr. Cornish said finding and keeping quality trained teachers is a serious challenge, as is convincing many students and families that education is to be valued. He also thanked the retired teachers for their work in the past, and for many of them being among those who helped mold him as a person through the Warren School District.
The retired teachers conducted some business and were urged to help find college students in need of scholarship assistance in getting a degree in education. Bradley County Teachers Association provides a scholarship each year. The recipient must be a resident of Bradley County and must be a sophomore or above in the field of education. To apply, contact any member of the Bradley County Retired Teachers and Employees Association. There is an application to fill out and return.