TEXARKANA, Ark. — During a Texarkana Arkansas School District Board of Education meeting Tuesday, Superintendent Becky Kesler announced her resignation effective June 2024.
Kesler has been with the district for over 20 years and has nearly four decades of education field experience. She began her career with TASD as principal of Union Elementary in 2003 and took on different positions over the years, such as human resource manager.
“It is going to be a sad day when I leave my office for the last time because I love this place so much,” Kesler said. “Our district and campus leadership teams are second to none, and I can’t wait to see what successes lie ahead for students, staff and the community.”
Kesler’s tenure as superintendent led to the district hitting multiple milestones, including renovating Razorback stadium, a new middle school campus, band hall expansion and several other projects. The district has also increased security of staff and students by increasing the number of security officers and creating entry and visitor check-in procedures.
Kesler’s penchant for partnership-building resulted in the Arkansas High Collegiate Academy, which allows for high school students to earn an associate degree and high school diploma simultaneously through the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana.
The superintendent said she would continue to work on the district’s initiatives, specifically to align salary schedules and decrease compensation gaps.
“Though my tenure may be coming to a close over the next few months, I will approach each day with the same commitment that I have in the past,” Kesler said. “The expectation that I hold for myself and the staff is that we give our best every day to ensure our students reach their full potential.”
Board President Jesse Buchanan acknowledged Kesler’s increasing of staff salaries by 28% through raises, bonuses and retention incentives, which assisted the district by making it more competitive.
“She steered the district successfully through historic challenges to public education,” Buchanan said. “Although we still have room for improvement, the district saw significant gains in test scores this year. Three schools raised their letter grade, and some of the other campuses showed significant growth.”
As the superintendent begins preparations for the end of her time at TASD, the board will start discussions with consultants McPherson and Jacobson LLC to start the search for a new superintendent.
“The board is dedicated to ensuring a smooth transition and maintaining the high standards of education during this process and into the future,” Buchanan said.
