Picture of Mike Poore

Mike Poore, Superintendent of Little School District, Selected as 2021 Superintendent of the Year by Arkansas Association of School Administrators (AASA)

LITTLE ROCK, AR – Mr. Mike Poore, Superintendent of Little Rock School District, was presented with the 2021 Arkansas Superintendent of the Year Award. Dr. Richard Abernathy, Executive Director, and Dr. Mike Hernandez, Executive Director Elect, for the Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators (AAEA), along with former Superintendents of the Year, surprised Mr. Poore, presenting him with the award at a board meeting in the Little Rock School District on September 17.

The American Association of School Administrators (AASA) National Superintendent of the Year program, sponsored by ARAMARK Education, ING and AASA, pays tribute to the talent and vision of the men and women who lead the nation’s public schools. Candidates are judged on the following criteria: leadership for learning, communication, professionalism, and community involvement. Each state’s association of school administrators around the nation selects a State Superintendent of the Year. These superintendents are then in the running for National Superintendent of the Year award and will be recognized and honored at the AASA Virtual Conference in February.

Mike Poore is in his fifth year as Superintendent of the Little Rock School District and his 36th year in education. As a longtime advocate for career education programming, he is excited about and proud of the business partnerships developed during his tenure. Of particular note, the business partnerships for the EXCEL program have been exceptional in creating wonderful outcomes for students, businesses, and the community as a whole.

Poore has been recognized as a leader in creating a pipeline to connect high school students to local careers and post-secondary education opportunities. As a veteran educator, he has dedicated his life's work to students, serving as a teacher, coach, athletic director, assistant principal, principal, and superintendent.

A colleague of Mr. Poore stated, "Mr. Mike Poore was hired to run a district in the midst of state take-over by the Arkansas Department of Education. Mr. Poore has done a phenomenal job of working diligently to bring a divided community together." He also stated, "Mr. Poore's resume will speak for itself in terms of qualifications. Why is he an excellent candidate for AASA Superintendent of the Year? Because, his passion for kids and ability to maintain focus on kids through all of the political hoops that come with being a superintendent is inspiring."

Congratulations to Mike Poore!