LITTLE ROCK, AR --
Dollarway School Superintendent Frank Anthony said it's not easy leading the district, where students have failed to meet state standards for two years straight. "I've got to clean up the 'Wild, Wild West,' and I say that with all honesty and professional integrity," Anthony said.
Back in June, the education commissioner placed the district in state takeover and appointed Anthony to fix the long list of problems.
"It was the right thing that you [the board] did, but the circumstances have created some real challenging opportunities. I think that's the best way I could put it," Anthony said.
In his progress report Monday, Anthony told the Department of Education he has hired nearly twenty new teachers. He also hired a new counselor. The previous counselor resigned when school leaders found errors on students' transcripts.
"I've discovered plenty of work to do, and it's going to take a lot to get it right," Anthony said.
Anthony told board members he has to find a way to grow the district. Enrollment drops every year. This year, one hundred twenty five fewer students are attending Dollarway schools.
Anthony attributes the takeover, which means his school district has to work harder.
"If you build the best educational mousetrap in town, people will come to your door, so we've got to build the best educational mousetrap and not do it with lip service but make it visible," Anthony said.
