“I’m a first‑generation college graduate,” Crossley said. “My dad’s still working in the cotton mill. He started as a janitor in the cotton mill and is still working there in South Carolina. My mom is a parent educator who does home visits. My being the first to graduate with a four‑year degree just makes her heart beam.”

Crossley said when he looks at Hope students preparing to graduate with associate degrees, skilled trade certifications, seals of biliteracy, or military commitments, he sees his own family reflected back at him.

“When I look in the mirror, I see my dad, whose parents made him drop out twice just to help pay for a trailer house and a plot of land,” he said. “So when I think about students graduating with those credentials, my heart sings.”

That personal connection, Crossley said, informs how he approaches leadership in a district facing significant economic challenges. “There’s never been a time in Hope Public Schools when students were more statistically economically disadvantaged than they are right now,” he said. “We’re knocking on the door of 90 percent free and reduced lunch.”

Crossley noted that reaching that threshold would unlock an additional $1 million annually in state funding, underscoring the importance of families completing school lunch forms. “That’s just the system we’re in right now,” he said.

Crossley framed his presentation as a continuation of the conversation surrounding the district’s March 3rd millage proposal, which failed narrowly at the polls. “This isn’t about any initiative we’re pushing or anything I need your formal vote on,” he said. “It’s a follow‑up on the conversation we had a month ago when I presented on the millage campaign.”

While that discussion focused heavily on facilities and long‑range planning, Crossley said the larger question he heard afterward was simpler. “What are we doing day to day?” he said. “So we’re going to tell you a little bit more about those things.”

Crossley outlined what he described as a “cradle to career” approach the district has pursued for the past five years, beginning before students ever enter a classroom.

“Our effort starts before a child is even in our school system,” he said. “When they’re born, there’s already a touch point, home‑to‑school advising, a book from the Dolly Parton library, a baby bundle.”

He said those early connections matter because Hope Public Schools is the largest K‑12 institution in Hempstead County.

“The students who graduate from our high school are literally going to be the future of this community,” Crossley said. “The students in 11th and 12th grade right now are watching how civic discourse happens. They’re watching me, too, how I show up and the decisions I make.”

Despite economic headwinds, Crossley said the district is seeing measurable academic gains. “Our elementary school has increased literacy by 13 percentage points over two years,” he said. “That’s top 10 percent growth in the state, right here in Hempstead County, with our youngest and most vulnerable students.”

He acknowledged the district’s overall letter grade of C is not where he wants it to be, but said context matters. “If you look at schools with 90 percent free and reduced lunch, we have one of the highest success rates in the state,” Crossley said. “We are top 10 statewide for students graduating with success‑ready indicators.”

Those indicators include what the state now calls merit and distinction diplomas. “We’re outpacing Northwest Arkansas districts right here in Hempstead County,” he said.

Crossley highlighted growth in the Collegiate Academy and career certification programs, noting that next year will bring the highest enrollment the academy has ever seen. The academy allows high school students to take college courses credentialed by University of Arkansas Hope Texarkana as they complete their high school requirements. “We’ll be somewhere around 130 students,” he said. “And right now, we have 84 high school students earning skilled trade certificates.”

Those certifications include welding, nursing, HVAC, electromechanical systems, and computer programming. “These students selected those pathways and have been doing it for two years,” Crossley said. “This isn’t observation training. This is real certification.”

He said the district has expanded its welding program and is working to add a dual‑certified agriculture instructor to meet demand. “We literally have to turn kids away every year for welding,” he said.

Much of that expansion has been supported by a $15 million magnet grant, which Crossley cautioned is one‑time funding. “We’re about a year and a half away from that expiring,” he said. “We’ll have to make choices based on return on investment, just like a household budget.”

Crossley repeatedly returned to the importance of contributions from those living near Hope's schools. “We cannot survive as a school district long term without community involvement,” he said. “If you’re in this room, we love you. We care about you. We want you involved.”

He encouraged attendees to see themselves as partners in building future leaders. “This time next year, there shouldn’t be anyone in this room who turns away,” Crossley said. “We truly believe the local public school is building the future of our community.”

Crossley also highlighted growth in extracurricular programs, from drama productions to robotics, esports, and athletics. “Our soccer teams are among the best in the state,” he said. “Our band will probably be state champion next year.”

He noted that Hope High School will move to the 4A athletic conference next year for competitive equity reasons. “Our high school enrollment is right under the cutoff,” Crossley said. “Going to 4A puts us where we belong competitively.”

He said the move positions several programs well. “Our football program is going to be very competitive next year,” Crossley said. “I feel very confident we’ll be a playoff team.”

Crossley said the district has restarted its Cadet Corps as a step toward reestablishing a Junior ROTC program after struggling to find an instructor. “That was a setback, but we figured it out,” he said. “You have a resilient school district.”

During the question‑and‑answer portion of the meeting, Crossley addressed concerns about sustaining programs once Department of Education grant funding expires. “We won’t be able to sustain everything at the same level,” he said. “But we are planning for that, and that doesn’t scare me.”

He also discussed the work of parental volunteers in assisting the district, noting strong engagement at the elementary level that tapers off in high school. “That’s not just us — that’s everywhere,” Crossley said. “But I always want more parental and community involvement.”

Asked about instructional quality and critical thinking, Crossley described a renewed focus on grade‑level expectations. “We’re doubling down on tier‑one instruction — what everybody gets,” he said. “That’s how you see academic growth. It’s not random.”

Crossley also addressed declining enrollment trends, school choice, and the financial implications of population shifts. “Enrollment means dollars,” he said. “We can’t control every choice, but we believe we offer attractive options.”

He closed by noting expanded mental health services available to students. “We contract with four different mental health providers who are in our schools every day,” Crossley said. “If a student needs services, there’s a pathway — and that’s something you should be proud of.”

As he wrapped up, Crossley urged the community to be proud of its schools and its students but never to settle. “Keep expecting excellence,” he said. “That’s when schools continue to perform at an excellent level.”