After 17 unforgettable years, it's time for me to say goodbye to Benton Community Schools. Benton has been a place that has been so much more than just where I worked. It has been my home, my purpose, and truly my life.
When I first stepped into Benton as a Middle School Social Studies teacher, I had no idea just how deeply this district would shape me. Over time, the community entrusted me with greater responsibility, allowing me to serve as an administrator and leader. That trust means more to me than words can express. To be given the opportunity to help shape the lives of students, walk alongside staff as colleagues and friends, and partner with families, that has been an honor I will never take for granted.
What made this experience extraordinary was the people. For 17 years, I went to work with not just coworkers, but my friends. We laughed, we learned, we supported each other through every challenge, tragedy, and triumph. My own kids graduated from Benton, making it not only the place I worked but a central piece of my family’s story.
And while I’ve worn many hats in this district, the students have always been the very best part of the job. The kids who walk through our halls each day are kind, determined, respectful, and willing to work hard. They want to do well, and they want to make the adults in their lives proud. That spirit, that heart, is what makes Benton truly special.
I will always be a Bobcat. I will always carry this community with me. Thank you, Benton, for your unwavering support, for trusting me with your children, and for making these years some of the most meaningful of my life.
With deepest gratitude,
Rob Arnold