It was a busy summer for all of us: We marked the first-ever observance of Juneteenth as an official City of Little Rock holiday. We kept our promises by starting re-construction of the Kanis Park basketball courts and making major drainage improvements in the South End neighborhood. And Little Rock voters overwhelmingly approved extension of a millage to fund new street and drainage projects, parks and zoo improvements, fire equipment, a courts building and expansion of the Little Rock Port.

As we head into the fall, we’re excited to bring the community schools concept to two more Little Rock School District schools: Mabelvale Elementary and Mabelvale Middle. In partnership with the Little Rock School District, the City of Little Rock now supports six community schools. Our goal is to provide equity and educational excellence in community schools that serve as neighborhood hubs and provide access to resources addressing needs like health care and food insecurity. A community school coordinator and social worker are located at each school to match needs with services. Additionally, each school hosts regular community cafés for all families and residents.

I was glad for the opportunity to welcome Little Rock students back to the classroom recently, and I look forward to continuing to work with Superintendent Jermall Wright, the LRSD Board and the City Board to identify partnerships that will benefit students and their families.