Arkansas – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Arkansas Department of Education Secretary Jacob Oliva joined educators and other dignitaries to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new Arkansas School for the Deaf and Blind.
The event marked a significant step toward providing a modern, state-of-the-art learning environment for students with hearing and vision impairments across the state.
The $53.9 million investment will fund the construction of a facility designed to serve the unique needs of students who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind, or visually impaired.
The new building will feature classrooms tailored for specialized learning, a cafeteria, fine arts spaces, and common areas large enough to accommodate all students. The facility will replace structures on the campus that have been in use for more than a century.
“All students deserve a quality education tailored to their needs, and this critical investment couldn’t come soon enough,” Governor Sanders said. “My administration is proud to support the new Arkansas School for the Deaf and Blind and ensure students have the resources they need to succeed in and out of the classroom.”
Education Secretary Jacob Oliva emphasized the importance of updating the facilities, noting that students have long been attending outdated buildings that do not adequately meet their learning needs.
“We are extremely excited to begin this long-overdue construction. The new school design incorporates valuable input from the deaf and blind communities, ensuring it fosters a positive and safe learning environment,” Oliva said.
Arkansas School for the Deaf Superintendent Nicole Walsh highlighted the impact this new facility will have on students and their families. “Today is a monumental day for our students,” Walsh said.
“Since taking on the role of superintendent last July, I’ve had the privilege of meeting with the incredible students from both schools and their families. They deserve a world-class learning environment, and I am beyond excited to see this project take shape.”
The construction of the new facility was initially announced by Governor Sanders a year ago during a press conference alongside legislators, education officials, and Robert Fagan, the chair of the schools’ board.
The project represents a significant investment in the future of students with disabilities in Arkansas, ensuring they have access to the tools and support needed to succeed academically and beyond.