Dr. McClure Shares Vision for Rural Schools at NWA Education Service Cooperative
Thanks to the superintendents of the Northwest Arkansas Education Service Cooperative for having us at today's board meeting. AREA Executive Director Dr. Matt McClure shared where AREA is headed and how we want to serve rural schools this year.
AREA already represents 215 of Arkansas's 236 school districts, and all 15 education co-ops are members. The goal now is not adding members but bringing more resources to the ones we have.
12 days ago, Matt McClure
Just for our 2026 Summer Conference participants! The National Forum to Advance Rural Education is one of the nation’s premier gatherings dedicated to addressing the distinct challenges and opportunities facing rural schools and communities. You are invited to join in the fun October 19, 2026 – October 21, 2026 in San Antonio, TX. Early Bird Registration Deadline is July 19, 2026. Discount code will be open for a limited time. See applicable flyer for more information: Exhibitors Attendees
5 months ago, Arkansas Rural Ed Association
It's that time of year! Anyone interested in playing in the AREA Golf Tournament will need to contact Mr. George Foshee at 501-622-7431.
5 months ago, Arkansas Rural Ed Association
Hello AREA Members!
We are excited for everything happening in our combined communities. Here are a couple of reminders:
Registration for the 2026 Summer Conference on July 13-15 is in full swing! Join us at Lakeside School District in Hot Springs, AR. Visit our conference page to register and book your room at the DoubleTree By Hilton. We are looking forward to another successful conference! https://www.arkansasruraled.com/o/area/page/2026-summer-conference-registration
Invoice emails were sent in February for the Education Service Co-op and School District Membership. If you have not received yours, please contact Dennis Copeland at 479-670-5073 or via email at denniswcopeland@gmail.com.
As always, we appreciate all you do in this association, and in our communities.
6 months ago, Arkansas Rural Ed Association
Arkansas Rural Education Association Names Dr. Matt McClure as Next Executive Director
The Board of Directors of the Arkansas Rural Education Association (AREA) voted unanimously to approve Dr. Matt McClure as the organization’s next Executive Director. McClure will succeed current Executive Director Dennis Copeland, who will retire in December after 47 years of dedicated service to rural schools across Arkansas including four as Assistant Director and five as Executive Director. Click here for more information.
6 months ago, Arkansas Rural Ed Association
Friday, April 3, 2026 is the last day to send in all the Scholarship, Teacher of the Year, and Superintendent of the Year applications.
Please encourage the students you have selected to get the applications finished and sent in. It is very important that the applications reach us by the end of the day on Friday, April 3, 2026. Visit https://www.arkansasruraled.com to apply!
The selection of each scholarship will be on Friday, April 17, 2026 with the winners being contacted ASAP. Thank you for your membership in the AREA and good luck to each of you.
7 months ago, Arkansas Rural Ed Association
Curious about 2027 rural funding opportunities for Arkansas districts? Check out our 2027 Rural Funding information page for details and updates from the Arkansas Rural Ed Association.
Please encourage the students you have selected to get the applications finished and sent in. It is very important that the applications reach us by the end of the day on Friday, April 3, 2026. Visit https://www.arkansasruraled.com/page/scholarship-applications to apply!
The selection of each scholarship will be on Friday, April 17, 2026 with the winners being contacted ASAP. Thank you for your membership in the AREA and good luck to each of your students.
7 months ago, Arkansas Rural Ed Association
Just a reminder: Invoice emails were sent in February for the Education Service Co-op and School District Membership. If you have not received yours, please contact Dennis Copeland at 479-670-5073 or via email at denniswcopeland@gmail.com.
7 months ago, Arkansas Rural Ed Association
Waterford.org presents Grant-Funded Opportunity for Rural Districts to Improve Early Learning Outcomes Webinar Join us February 20, 2026, at 2 pm CT, where we are featuring speakers Jodi Sohrt and Windy Rosemeyer. Scan the QR code, or visit https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/9vKNza_0SCCaHkbsRKSZ1Q#/registration for registration.
9 months ago, Arkansas Rural Ed Association
Attention!!! The 2025 AREA Fall Conference will be held on Monday, November 3, 2025 from 8:00-3:30 PM at the Hot Springs Convention Center. A block of rooms are being held at the Embassy Suites in Hot Springs next to the Convention Center for Sunday, November 2, 2025. More information including the Agenda will be posted and sent out in an email to Attendees and Vendors soon.
Registration will open soon!
about 1 year ago, Dennis Copeland
The American Fidelity Bowling Tournament is here! Come and join us during the AREA Summer Conference at the Hamilton Hangout for the chance to win a prize! The tournament will take place on Monday July 14th from 12-4 pm at the Hamilton Hangout (4780 Central Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71913). Food and Drinks WILL BE PROVIDED! You can enter by emailing kylie.moore@americanfidelity.com with a team of 4 people. We are looking to have 6 teams of 4 total!
over 1 year ago, Dennis Copeland
Your district is invited to participate in a special opportunity to receive complimentary access to our innovative Waterford Early Learning (WEL) program.
Waterford.org, a national not-for-profit, has decades of experience supporting educators and early childhood care providers across all 50 states with accessible, adaptable, and proven learning programs for young children. Our programs include:
research-based curriculum
professional learning for educators
data and reports
family resources
Thanks to this grant, your kindergarten, first and second grade classrooms will receive three years of access to Waterford Early Learning; all costs are covered by the study.
Click here to learn more about this grant in ARKANSAS.
Let’s work together to give early learners a strong start in school. Simply email if you are interested. We are always looking for partners to support the future of young learners! Spots are limited so please let me know if you are interested at your earliest convenience.
over 1 year ago, Dennis Copeland
2025 AREA Golf Tournament! For more information about the 2025 AREA Golf Tournament on Monday afternoon July 14, 2025 please contact George Foshee with American Bus Sales at 501-622-7431 or email at: kforshee@cablelynx.com
over 1 year ago, Dennis Copeland
📢 We're Hiring! 📢
We are excited to announce that we are looking for a passionate and dedicated Superintendent to join our team!
🗓️ Application Deadline: 2 Weeks Away!
💼 Superintendent experience is not required – we welcome applicants with a strong leadership background and a commitment to education.
Our board is eager to move quickly, and we are excited to find a candidate who will help lead our district to continued success.
For more information about the role and to apply, enter this link in a browser: https://5il.co/39iw5
over 1 year ago, Arkansas Rural Ed Association
The 2024 AREA Fall Conference will be held on Monday, November 4, 2024 from 8:00AM until 3:30PM at the Doubletree Hotel in Hot Springs. Registration information will be on the website soon. Save the date!
about 2 years ago, Arkansas Rural Ed Association
Dee Howard International Education Foundation has formed a network of rural schools in the U.S. and abroad, providing (in collaboration with others) educational resources in STEM education for rural educators and students to use to improve future prospects globally. Interested Schools, School Districts, and associations of rural schools can inquire about becoming a Participating School at https://dhedf.org/rural-stem/contact-us
DEADLINE IS NEXT WEEK for taking nominations for the 2024 AREA Superintendent of the Year and Teacher of the Year. Individuals must be nominated by their Co-op before submission. It's also time to submit students for the 2024 Scholarships! Deadline for both nominations and scholarship applications is Friday, April 5th, 2024. See the banner at the top of our website for more information! https://www.arkansasruraled.com/
