Skip To Main Content

History of Beard Elementary

Image

1988MayBeard.jpg
Beard Building in May 1988
Beard Building Polaroid

Beard Elementary School opened its doors on November 11, 1968, to serve the growing neighborhoods of South Fort Smith. The need for the school began in the early 1960s when new housing developments brought many young families to the area. Nearby Cavanaugh Elementary quickly became overcrowded, and the need for another school became urgent.

In 1963, the Fort Smith School Board purchased land at 1600 Cavanaugh Road. With strong support from parents, community leaders, and the passage of a 1967 bond issue, construction began on what would become Beard Elementary. Although the building was not finished at the start of the 1968 school year, classes began later that fall, and the community celebrated the opening of a modern new school. Since then, Beard has remained a proud part of the Fort Smith community and a place where children learn and grow.

teacher helping students
History Day winners posing
teacher and students outside

Major Milestones in Beard History

  • 1963 – Fort Smith School Board purchases land at 1600 Cavanaugh Road for $16,163 to serve as the future site of a new elementary school.
  • 1966 – Enrollment at nearby Cavanaugh Elementary exceeds capacity, prompting the need for a new building.
  • 1967 – A bond issue, supported by parents, staff, and community members, is approved to fund construction.
  • Fall 1968 – With construction incomplete, students temporarily attend classes at Raymond F. Orr School.
  • November 11, 1968 – C.E. Beard Elementary officially opens its doors to students and staff.
  • November 18, 1968 – The PTA hosts the first Open House, featuring guest speaker Charles E. Beard.
  • 1990 – Beard becomes the first elementary school in Fort Smith to hold a Geography Bee.
  • 1993 – Beard students make history by becoming the first elementary students to compete at National History Day, achieving state and national recognition.
  • 1990s–2000s – Expansion adds a new wing with a computer lab and additional classrooms. Programs such as GATE, FRAME, orchestra, and special education services enhance opportunities for students.
  • Early 2000s – Beard introduces the Early Intervention Kindergarten program and the World in Motion science partnership with Baldor.
  • Summer 2022 Secure Vestibules Addition: Secure vestibules were added to enhance the safety and security of the school.
C.E. Beard

Who was Charles E. Beard?

Charles E. Beard was a highly respected Fort Smith educator whose career spanned 56 years. Mr. Beard served as principal at Trusty, Spradling, Albert Pike (now Park), and Parker schools. He earned a Master of Education from the University of Arkansas in 1932 and later taught extension courses for the university. After retiring from the district in 1950, he led the Department of Education at Fort Smith Junior College for twelve years. His dedication to education and leadership inspired the Fort Smith Lions Club to recommend naming the new school in his honor.

At the school’s first PTA meeting, Mr. Beard expressed his pride and gratitude for the recognition, calling it one of the greatest honors of his career.

Notable People in Beard History

  • Charles E. Beard – Namesake of the school and a lifelong educator.

  • Jimmie T. Daniel – First principal of Beard Elementary, who guided the transition from Cavanaugh Elementary to the new school.

  • Ann Hatchett – Longtime science teacher present from the school’s opening, remembered for her dedication and pride in Beard’s playground and community spirit.

  • Ernestine Hunter – Fifth-grade economics teacher honored with the Calvin Kazan Award before later serving as Supervisor of Elementary Education for Fort Smith.

  • Shannon Houston – History teacher who launched Beard’s Geography Bee and led students to groundbreaking success in National History Day competitions.

Discover Our History

Explore the rich history of Beard Elementary. Here, you'll find documents, stories, and resources that highlight key milestones and achievements of our school. Dive into the past to see how Beard Elementary evolved and has made a lasting impact on the community. Click the links below to learn more.

Contribute to Our History

We invite you to share any resources, stories, or photos you may have about Beard Elementary School. Your contributions help preserve the rich history and legacy of our school. Please contact the District Communications Department. 

Email Us!