In 2003 the Arkansas General Assembly established Education Renewal Zones across the state to promote collaboration among public schools, education service cooperatives, colleges and universities, and parents and communities.

The Western Arkansas ERZ was established in 2005 to address the needs of schools in Crawford, Franklin, Johnson, Sebastian, Logan, and Scott counties. Located on the campus of the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith, the Western Arkansas ERZ’s objective is to improve student achievement. Centralizing resources allows schools in Western Arkansas to access instructional, financial, cultural, and technological support.

The Western Arkansas ERZ is housed on the University of Arkanas at Fort Smith campus. Please feel free to call or email us with any questions or requests.

Western Arkansas Education Renewal Zone
Echols Center
5210 Grand Avenue, PO Box 3649
Fort Smith, AR 72913-3649
(479) 788-7250
FAX: (479) 788-7255

Laura Witherington, Director
113 F Echols Center
5210 Grand Avenue, PO Box 3649
Fort Smith, AR 72913-3649
(479) 788-7256
LWitheri@uafortsmith.edu