Six of eight school districts in Craighead County saw an increase in the percentage of students who fall below the federal poverty line since 2012.
The 2015 figures by the Every Student Succeeds Act District Reports show that all but three districts – Brookland, Westside and Valley View – reported above a 60 percent poverty rate.
The Jonesboro Sun reports that Jonesboro recorded the highest number of students in poverty at 73 percent of 5,875 students. Riverside tallied the second highest percentage at 66 percent of 802 students. Nettleton had 65 percent of 3,264 students.
Nettleton Superintendent James Dunivan says with increases in poverty rates, districts have to help “bridge the gap” to provide resources students normally wouldn’t be able to receive. He says resources include offering extra technology, after-school programs and tutoring.
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