THE LONG-GAME: ENSURING A RETURN ON INVESTMENT Mena Public Schools’ strategy is focused on a long-term return, reversing “brain drain” by giving graduates reasons to stay or return. Buckley states plainly, “we’re also investing in ways to make sure that our students have something to come back here to or to stay here for.” This commitment is operational. She shares a recent example: “Our local water department reached out to me the other day and said,‘I need some employees. Here’s what I’m looking for. Can you help me with this?’” This direct employer-district collaboration is now yielding results. Buckley notes they are “starting to see students come back to town,” including teachers returning with families and professionals like a lawyer choosing Mena over a larger city, signaling a tangible reversal of outmigration. “We’re trying hard to build those connections that bring them back or keep them here to make sure that we are investing in the community long term too,” she adds. 250 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 10
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