School Performance Sees Gains in Fort Smith Metro
Several public and charter schools in the Fort Smith area have seen improvements in their grades according to the Arkansas Department of Education’s Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) School Index Report. The Fort Smith Public School district improved its overall grade from a C to a B. Nine schools within the district saw their letter grades increase, while eight remained the same, and six decreased. FSPS Superintendent Martin Mahan expressed pride in the progress, highlighting the dedication of teachers, administrators, students, and families.
Nine Fort Smith Public Schools were recognized as 2026 Gem Schools for outstanding achievement, growth, content-area performance, or sustained improvement. Ballman Elementary will receive $14,279 for growth, Woods will receive $21,367 for achievement in English Language Arts (ELA) and math, and Southside High School will receive $89,893 for achievement in ELA and science. Carnall, Morrison, Sutton, and Darby were recognized for sustained improvement, Northside High School for growth in science, and Sunnymede for growth in math and ELA.
Haas Hall Academy-Fort Smith (HHA–FS) and its four sister campuses in Northwest Arkansas received an A grade. HHA–FS, now in its fourth year, was also named a Gem School for its academic achievement, growth, and sustained improvement. The Institute for the Creative Arts High School also received an A grade for both the school and the district. Dr. Rosilee Russell, ICA founder and president, praised the students and teachers for their hard work.
ACHE Launches New Public Health Doctorate; Clinic Transition Underway
The Arkansas Colleges of Health Education (ACHE) has introduced a new doctor of public health (DrPH) program with a focus on leadership for rural health and sustainable development. This fully online, part-time program, which began in August 2026, is designed for mid-career professionals. ACHE stated that its program is unique in its combined emphasis on rural health leadership and sustainable development.
Don Simpson, dean of the ACHE School of Population Health, noted the program's aim to develop leaders who understand the interconnectedness of health, economic development, and community sustainability. The curriculum incorporates the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals. The program is intended to equip professionals to lead organizations, influence public health policies, and address issues such as healthcare access and health disparities.
Additionally, Baptist Health and Community Clinic announced on October 15 that Community Clinic will begin transitioning the operation of primary care clinics in Fort Smith, Alma, Greenwood, and Van Buren around January 1, 2027. Baptist Health had previously announced a letter of intent with Community Clinic on June 30. Judd Semingson, president and CEO of Community Clinic, expressed honor in building upon Baptist Health's foundation and assured patients of a focus on continuity of care.
Community Events and Business Insights
Miss Laura’s Brothel Museum is scheduled to hold a reopening ceremony on October 24 at 9 a.m. at its downtown Fort Smith location. Admission will be free.
In business leadership insights, Brett Amerine, a key leader at Startup Junkie Consulting since 2014, emphasized the importance of surrounding oneself with great people, accountability, and trust. He aims for his organization to foster a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem in the region. Amerine also highlighted the effectiveness of tech tools like Calendly and Zapier for his organization's operations.
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