Greenbrier, AR – The Arkansas Safe Schools Association and the Arkansas Center for School Safety have named Greenbrier School District Superintendent Scott Spainhour as the 2025 Larance Johnson Educational Professional of the Year, recognizing his outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment to student safety and well-being.

Spainhour was nominated for the prestigious statewide award for his visionary leadership in redefining and enhancing school safety across the Greenbrier School District. His efforts have not only improved security measures but have also strengthened partnerships with law enforcement, enhanced mental health supports, and embedded student safety into every aspect of district operations.

Mr. Spainhour’s vision for safer schools includes an innovative personnel approach, such as through the Director of Mental Health and Behavior and the Director of Student Safety Systems. These roles serve as critical links between the district, student support services, law enforcement agencies, and the community, ensuring a coordinated, proactive approach to school safety.

Through proactive safety enhancements under Spainhour’s leadership, all Greenbrier campuses are implementing key safety infrastructure components, even before required by state mandates. He also led the construction of multi-use safe rooms on every campus, including new facilities completed at Eastside, Westside, Wooster Elementary Schools, and Greenbrier High School between 2021–2022.

Mr. Spainhour’s support of the SRO Triad Model is evident, and he helps facilitate important training partnerships through the Criminal Justice Institute, ensuring all school administrators and SROs are well-equipped to respond appropriately and effectively in complex situations.
Scott Spainhour’s work has created a holistic model of school safety that is recognized statewide for its integration of physical security, mental health supports, and proactive partnerships with law enforcement and the community.

Superintendent Spainhour’s nomination for the award noted dedication that has set the standard for how school leaders can work hand-in-hand with SROs, educators, and families to ensure every student feels safe, seen, and supported. Spainhour has served on the Arkansas Safe Schools Committee, a committee appointed by various agencies around the state and charged with providing policy information and best practice recommendations in terms of school safety to Arkansas legislators. Arkansas Safe Schools Association leaders also noted Spainhour’s unique SRO program through which he partners with both Faulkner County Sheriff’s Office and the City of Greenbrier to provide an SRO for each Greenbrier campus.

The Larance Johnson Educational Professional of the Year Award is presented annually to an educational leader who has made exceptional contributions to school safety and the success of SRO programs. Spainhour was recently honored at the upcoming state conference of the Arkansas Safe Schools Association.

Pictured from left: Dr. Cheryl May, Criminal Justice Institute; Scott Spainhour, Superintendent Greenbrier Public Schools; Senator Jane English; Greg Mehard, President of Arkansas Safe Schools Association