A Message from Superintendent Patrick
As we close the 2025-26 school year, I find myself reflecting on what has truly been an extraordinary year for the Siloam Springs School District. Our district theme, "Limitless," challenged us to think beyond barriers, pursue excellence, and embrace opportunities to grow. Throughout the year, our students and staff demonstrated what it means to be limitless in every sense of the word.
Our students achieved remarkable success both inside and outside the classroom. The Class of 2026 set a high standard for academic excellence, with 73 percent of graduates earning either a Merit or Distinction Diploma. We are especially proud of Evan Armstrong, who was named a National Merit Finalist. We now eagerly await news on whether he will become a National Merit Scholar, which would be the first such honor in the history of the Siloam Springs School District.
Across our district, students demonstrated their talents through academics, fine arts, career and technical education, leadership organizations, and athletics. Our Robotics program enjoyed a record-breaking season, earning a qualification to the World Championship competition. The Pride of Siloam marching band earned a third-place finish at the state marching competition. Our FFA students continued to excel at county and state fairs, showcasing the strength of agricultural education in our schools.
Our Career and Technical Education programs continue to lead the way across Arkansas. This year, more than 200 graduating seniors completed Success Ready Pathways, demonstrating their readiness for college, careers, military service, and life after high school.
Our athletic programs also provided many moments of pride for our community. The volleyball team returned to the state tournament and advanced to the quarterfinal round. Our cheer team once again brought home a National Championship. The boys cross country team finished as state runner-up, while freshman Kagean Van-Dyke earned state runner-up honors in girls cross country before capturing the state championship in the girls two-mile race at the state track meet. Cale Sutulovich became a state champion in the discus.
The success continued on the soccer field as our boys soccer team captured the 5A State Championship. The girls soccer team won the 5A West Conference Championship and advanced to the state semifinals. Our softball team returned to the state playoffs for the first time since 2010, marking another important milestone for our athletic programs.
While we celebrate our students, we must also recognize the incredible educators and support staff who make these achievements possible. This year, Valerie King was named Arkansas Gifted and Talented Administrator of the Year. Randall Bolinger was recognized as Arkansas School Plant Manager of the Year and was later selected as a finalist for National School Plant Manager of the Year. We are also excited that Linda Williams, one of our outstanding high school teachers, remains in consideration for Arkansas Teacher of the Year.
Beyond their daily commitment to serving students, our staff has taken on one of the most significant initiatives in recent district history—the transition to a neighborhood school model for the 2026-27 school year. This work has required countless hours of planning, collaboration, and problem-solving. In my 32 years in education, I have rarely witnessed a more collaborative effort. Teachers, administrators, support staff, community and district leaders have worked together with a shared commitment to ensuring a successful transition for our students and families.
As I look back on this school year, I am filled with gratitude and pride. The accomplishments of our students and staff remind us that there are truly no limits to what can be achieved when talented people work together toward a common purpose.
Thank you to our students, staff, families, School Board, and community members for your continued support of the Siloam Springs School District. Together, we have demonstrated what it means to be limitless.
I wish everyone a safe, healthy, and well-deserved summer break. We look forward to welcoming you back in August as we begin a new chapter and continue the important work of changing lives through educational excellence.
Shane
