Genoa Central leads Texarkana-area schools on Arkansas Gem School list as state releases report cards

GENOA, Ark. – Three of Genoa Central School District’s four campuses earned Arkansas Gem School recognition this year, making the Miller County district the top performer in southwest Arkansas on a statewide list that included no schools from Texarkana Arkansas, Fouke, Ashdown, Hope or De Queen.

The Arkansas Department of Education released the awards under Act 2107, which rewards campuses ranking in the top 10 percent statewide within their grade span for student achievement or academic growth. In all, 319 schools received at least one designation, and 167 earned cash awards totaling nearly $7 million.

Genoa Central Elementary School, which serves kindergarten through third grade, was the region’s top earner at $47,236.78. The campus ranked in the top 5 percent statewide for growth of all students and the top 6 to 10 percent for achievement. It was separately recognized for math achievement, math growth and English language arts growth.

Gary E. Cobb Middle School, which serves grades 4-6, earned $12,805.70 for placing in the top 6 to 10 percent for achievement, with an additional recognition in math achievement. Genoa Central High School was recognized for ELA growth but did not qualify for funding.

Under the program, schools in the top 10 percent for overall achievement or growth can receive up to $100 per student. Schools ranking in the top 10 percent in a single subject, or posting gains across multiple indicators for three consecutive years, receive recognition without funding.

“I am unbelievably proud to work in a school district where our teachers, administrators, parents, and community come together to create opportunities for our students to learn, grow, and succeed,” Superintendent Bradley Wright told TXKtoday Saturday morning. “This school grade is a reflection of the dedication, hard work, and commitment of our entire Dragon family. Our students’ success is a shared achievement, and we are proud of what we continue to accomplish together.”

Report card shows B grade, gaps in growth

The Gem School awards track closely with Genoa Central’s 2025-26 state report card, released Thursday. The district earned a B overall with 502.4 points, down from 518.75 the year before. Forty-five percent of Arkansas districts earned a B.

On the ATLAS assessment, 60 percent of Genoa Central students met grade-level standards in math, 52 percent in ELA and 58 percent in science. State averages were 38, 37 and 42 percent. The district’s four-year graduation rate was 96 percent, compared with a state average of 92 percent.

At the campus level, Genoa Central Elementary earned an A, with 74 percent of its students on grade level in math. Gary E. Cobb Middle School and Genoa Central High School each earned a B. Albert J. Murphy Junior High School, which was not among the Gem School honorees, earned a C, with 44 percent of students on grade level in ELA and 51 percent in math.

The report card also flagged a weak spot. Growth among the district’s lowest-performing students ranked “far below” other Arkansas districts, with 43 percent of those students meeting growth targets in ELA and 46 percent in math, against state averages of 48 and 53 percent. Overall student growth was rated “below” the state, and the district’s success-ready graduate measure, at 50 percent, trailed the 54 percent state average.

Howard County schools recognized

In Howard County, Nashville High School was recognized for both ELA achievement and ELA growth, and Mineral Springs Elementary School earned a designation for math growth. Neither campus qualified for award funds.

Other southwest Arkansas schools recognized without funding included Foreman’s Oscar Hamilton Elementary School for science achievement and science growth, Spring Hill Elementary School for ELA growth and science growth, Centerpoint Elementary School for science achievement, Joann Walters Elementary School in Dierks for sustained improvement and Magnolia Middle School for sustained improvement.

Cossatot River’s Umpire K-12 School earned $4,291.47 for top 6 to 10 percent achievement.

Statewide, the largest awards went to high schools in the state’s biggest districts. Bentonville High School received $312,839.77, followed by Bentonville West High School at $242,021.28, Fayetteville High School at $220,948.26, Bryant High School at $201,370.70 and Cabot High School at $187,733.66. Bentonville placed 20 campuses on the list, more than any other district.

Award funds may be used for faculty and staff bonuses, educational equipment and materials, and temporary personnel supporting student performance. Local committees of school leaders, teachers and parents decide how the money is spent.