2024 ASBA Annual Conference

Jon Laffoon has worked in education for 24 years. He has served as a teacher, coach, athletic director, dean of students, principal, and superintendent. His work includes creating a comprehensive and fully integrated educational experience for 21st Century high school students. As a Principal, Pea Ridge Manufacturing and Business Academy was created from the ground up with anytime, anywhere learning; full instructional integration with the local community college; career-path support; mastery-based education; college and career readiness; real-time progress monitoring for students and staff; and self-directed learning. Jon also served as the Superintendent in Star City School District where he led the district out of financial difficulties. He led the work to increase achievement while creating the development of two Schools of Innovation focused on STEM learning. He is currently the Superintendent at Farmington School District, in Northwest Arkansas, where he is focusing on literacy, STEM learning and PLC work. Three of the district's campuses are recognized by the Arkansas Department of Education as RISE Literacy Award schools. Under his leadership, the District was also awarded a 2024 District of Distinction Award from CKH. He serves on the Board of Directors for Arkansas Rural Education (AREA) and as the organization President. He also serves on the Board of the Arkansas Association of School Curriculum and Development (AASCD) and collaborates with educators and school districts from around the country to share ideas, learn about, and implement personalized learning. He is passionate about providing a pedagogical approach that transforms schools to meet the needs of our children and allows them to develop their passions, such as Fine Arts education, STEM education, and stong extracurricular programs. His work has been recognized by: The Gallup Group, Washington D.C., Clayton Christensen Institute for Disruptive Innovation, National Association of Secondary School Principals, Arkansas School Boards Association, Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators, Arkansas Rural Education Association and Arkansas Arts Educators. Currently secondary schools across the country participate in the flexible personalized learning initiative following his vision of “Time Serving Students Instead of Students Serving Time.” Schools using innovative scheduling based on Jon’s work are located in Montana, Missouri,Texas, South Carolina, Kansas, Missouri, Washington and Arkansas.