From SHELLEY SHORT | CEO of the Arkadelphia Alliance
As President & CEO of the Arkadelphia Regional Economic Development Alliance and Area Chamber, I have the privilege of working every day to strengthen our community’s economy and position Arkadelphia for growth. I see firsthand how the quality of our schools directly impacts the strength of our local economy and our ability to attract and retain families, employers, and investment. One of the most important investments we can make in our future is ensuring that our students have access to modern, safe, and technology-ready learning environments. That’s why I strongly support the upcoming millage proposal to build a new Arkadelphia High School — because it’s not just about a new building, it’s about Building the Future of our community.
Our current high school has served generations of students well, but it is showing its age and no longer meets state guidelines or the needs of modern education or workforce preparation. Today’s employers are looking for graduates with hands-on technical skills, collaborative learning experience, and access to advanced technology — all of which require safe, functional, and future-ready facilities.
Education and economic development are inseparable. When companies consider locating or expanding in Arkadelphia, one of the first questions they ask is about the quality of our schools. They want to know that their employees’ children will have access to excellent educational opportunities and that our community is serious about preparing a capable, skilled workforce.
A new high school sends a clear message: Arkadelphia is committed to progress, innovation, and competitiveness. It’s an investment that will help us attract and retain families, grow our talent pipeline, and strengthen our economic foundation for decades to come.
A new high school will not only benefit our students; it will strengthen our entire community. This millage is a strategic investment in Arkadelphia’s long-term vitality — one that will pay dividends in the form of stronger workforce development, higher property values, and sustained economic growth. By voting FOR the millage proposal, we are voting for continued growth, opportunity, and community confidence. Together, we are Building the Future for Arkadelphia.
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