Independence County
Excel by Eight in Independence County
Independence County is one of the inaugural community partners for Excel by Eight. Led by the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce, E8 joins other education-related initiatives in the area and incorporates goals that are inclusive of ages birth to eight as a foundation for improving outcomes for the whole child.
During an initial research phase, the community’s steering committee reached more than 200 people through a Data Walk project— raising awareness about E8 and gathering critical feedback about priorities across the resource grid. Community members and education and health sector representatives alike agreed on the top priorities for their county, which include:
- Food security
- Substance use prevention
- Poverty alleviation
- Child care availability
- Kindergarten readiness
Snapshot
North-central region of Arkansas, adjacent to the White River
Specialties in agriculture, healthcare, banking and retail
Lyon College
Implemented first community school model in the state
Steering Committee
Jamie Rayford, E8 Chairperson, Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce
Bani Meharg, Midland Elementary
Brooke Stevenson, Parent
Clint Shackleford, ARcare
Crystal Johnson, Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce
Debbie Mize, Child Care Aware
Jennifer Douglas, Batesville School District
Dr. Julia Roulier, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Kimberly Poole, Southside School District
Dr. Lesley Milton, Tooth Be Told Pediatric Dentistry
Lisa Mcghee, Southside Schools
Mary Katherine Hardin, STARS Academy
Mindy Shaw, UA Community College – Batesville
Nikki Yonts, Lyon College
Tracey Owens, Cedar Ridge School District
Whitney Massey, Baker Family Dentistry
Read more about E8 Communities
On the Ground with E8: Kaila Parker in Conway County
It’s often said the most meaningful change starts locally. At Excel by Eight (E8), we know that to be true. That’s why we are partnering with communities across the state to help all Arkansas children thrive. In Conway County, an E8 Community, parents, educators,...
Seeking Candidates for E8 Communities Consultant
Excel by Eight (E8) is seeking an individual who will work with several communities around the state to achieve our vision of a state where all children have access to quality health care and education that maximizes their full potential,...
Working Together for Children in Monroe County
The Excel by Eight Steering Committee operates as an extension of the health and education partnerships of the Monroe County Children in Trust (MCCIT). MCCIT is a coalition of community partners that implements interventions to support families in need. The committee...