TEXARKANA, Ark. -- With a hearty welcome, Dr. Lloyd Jackson introduced himself as the new Texarkana Arkansas School District school chief during a press conference Friday afternoon.
"As a 1998 graduate of Arkansas High School, man, there is no better place I'd love to be," Jackson said to the crowd gathered in the boardroom at the district's Administration Building. "All of my journey to this point has led me right here, to a place I love dearly. Let's go Razorbacks!"
Jackson is succeeding Dr. Becky Kesler, who is retiring at the end of the year. He becomes the first African American superintendent in the school's history, said Dr. Genia Bullock, director of public relations.
The Board of Education announced Jackson's hiring late Thursday. His "unwavering commitment to education and his demonstrated leadership skills" distinguished him from the other three candidates, Board President Jesse Buchanan said before giving Jackson the podium.
"These qualities resonate deeply with the mission and vision of the Texarkana Arkansas School District. We are eagerly anticipating the transformative leadership that Dr. Jackson will undoubtedly bring to TASD," Buchanan said.
Jackson, who currently is the advancement and chief fundraising officer at Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, described himself as a dedicated, student-centered leader. He said the district has some hard work to do.
"I like to win in all areas. Academically, we have to win. On the fields and courts of play, we want to win. In professional life, we want to win," he said.
Jackson signed his contract with the district at 2 p.m. Friday, Board Secretary Vickie Lacy said. The three-year contract is effective July 1 and includes an annual salary of $190,000, plus a $500 monthly automobile allowance.
The contract lays out several districtwide and campus-specific performance targets for Jackson.
For the district, he is tasked with increasing the percentage of students who read at grade level to 50%. According to district information, only 31.96% of students read at grade level for the 2022-23 school year.
Jackson also is asked to raise the graduation rate to at least 83% within four years. The current rate is 78.89%.
Jackson acknowledged the challenges ahead of him, but said he has a plan to address them. He outlined a roadmap for his first 100 days in a short video: building positive relationships inside and outside the district; examining current academic systems; and analyzing student data.
A detailed review of each aspect of the district will ensure TASD is effectively using its resources for student success, according to Jackson.
"Our students deserve a passport to create whatever future they desire," he said in the video.
Before ending the press conference by calling the Hogs with the Arkansas High School cheerleaders, Jackson issued an invitation to all in attendance: "It's going to take all of us being all in."
After the meeting, Bullock said Jackson's hiring is timely and historic.
"Over the past several years, the demographics of our district have changed considerably. I think it is extraordinary that some of our students will have the opportunity to see a leader who looks like them," Bullock said.
Retired TASD teacher Cordia Metcalf also commented appreciatively on Jackson's hiring.
"I think it's one of the wisest decisions we've ever made," said Metcalf, who taught for more than 40 years. "He's certified and qualified."
Dr. Lloyd Jackson performs a cheer with the Arkansas High School cheerleaders after a press conference introducing Jackson to the public Friday afternoon, March 15, 2024, at the Texarkana Arkansas School District Administration Building. Jackson was hired as superintendent Thursday, March 14 in a special board meeting. (Staff photo by Stevon Gamble)
Dr. Lloyd Jackson poses with Texarkana Arkansas School District students after a press conference introducing Jackson as the new superintendent Friday afternoon, March 15, 2024, at the district's Administration Building. "Our students deserve a passport to create whatever future they desire," he said about his vision for the district. (Staff photo by Stevon Gamble)