It was standing room only as superintendents from across the state joined employees and patrons of the Bentonville School District to honor Debbie Jones as Superintendent of the Year. The award is from the Arkansas Association of School Administrators.

The award came as a surprise to Jones during the Sept. 17 Bentonville School Board meeting. As part of the surprise, Jones’ parents and two children were in attendance for the presentation. 

“I am so shocked,” Jones said.

“It’s a great honor to be among you today,” she added as she looked at the two rows of former recipients of the award. 

Several board members offered their congratulations, saying the award is “well deserved.” 

“So glad the board decided to hire you that night,” said Board Member Willie Cowgur of the night the board decided to hire then-Deputy Superintendent Jones to replace then-Superintendent Michael Poore. “We knew you would do great things.” 

Board Member Jennifer Faddis spoke highly of the work Jones has done.

“I continually tell people we have the best superintendent in the state and I would throw you up against those in the nation any day,” she said. “You are the spearhead for all of that for our district.” 

Hired in 2017, Jones is in her ninth year as Bentonville’s superintendent, with more than 25 years of educator experience in Arkansas. She will now be in the running for the National Superintendent of the Year award, which will be presented at the American Association of School Administrators in February. 

“Candidates are judged on the following criteria: leadership for learning, communication, professionalism, and community involvement,” according to a press release from the Arkansas Association of School Administrators. 

“She advocates for students and teachers at the state level with the Department of Education as well as all related lawmakers,” the release continues. “Dr. Jones is passionate, tireless, and innovative. Her colleagues know she will review rules, laws, and details and speak up when necessary.”

Former Bentonville Schools Superintendent Michael Poore was unable to attend the meeting but sent a letter to Jones congratulating her on the award.

“Bentonville sets the standard and you continue to showcase what best practices really looks like,” he wrote. “I am proud to call you a friend and Superintendent of the Year. What a great person to be Arkansas Superintendent of the Year.” 

After a short recess to allow for pictures and congratulations, the board continued its meeting where the members approved a new budget for the 2025 fiscal year, which is required by state law. 

Dr. Janet Schwanhausser, deputy superintendent and chief financial officer for the district, presented the proposed budget. 

“Students are the focus in the budget development process,” she said. “The budget tells the story of where the district finds value for the students. Both the budget process and the proposed budget demonstrate district personnel are the greatest asset to the organization and stakeholders. Investment in personnel through salaries, benefits and training make up the greatest part of the budget.” 

According to agenda documents, the budget proposal included a $5.1 million increase in salaries and benefits for employee raises, which was approved by the Board in the spring of 2024. 

See the full agenda and supporting materials here.