Benton Public Schools

06/22/2026

⚾🥎 Be Part of Benton’s Future. Leave Your Legacy. 🥎⚾

The Fields for Our Future campaign is more than a ballfield improvement project—it's an opportunity for families, community members, and local businesses to make a lasting impact on youth sports in Benton.

Every contribution, regardless of the amount, helps move us closer to safer playing surfaces, fewer rainouts, and more opportunities for kids to play the game they love.

❤️ As a special thank you, all donors who contribute through the Family & Community Donation Program will receive permanent recognition signage featuring their family name or business name at each ballpark complex.

This is your chance to leave a lasting legacy for future generations of Benton athletes while showing your support for our community.

⚾ Every dollar makes a difference.
⚾ Every donor becomes part of the story.
⚾ Every child benefits.

💵 Donate today:
https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/bentonrec/donation

📧 For sponsorship information or questions, contact Stephanie Jones at [email protected].

06/22/2026

🏈 SAVE THE DATE!

The 2026 Salt Bowl between Benton and Bryant is officially set for Friday, August 28 at 7:00 p.m. at Hornet Stadium in Bryant.

This year's theme is "Stars, Stripes and Friday Night Lights" as we celebrate America's 250th anniversary.

Additional information regarding tickets, parking, tailgating, vendors, and Salt Bowl Week events will be released throughout the summer.

06/21/2026

🏆 Congratulations to Coach Balisterri! 🐾

Head Baseball Coach Mark Balisterri has been named the 2026 5A Central Coach of the Year!

After leading the Panthers to an outstanding season that included a conference championship and an impressive conference record, this honor is a reflection of the leadership, dedication, and excellence he brings to our program every day.

We’re proud to celebrate this well-earned recognition!

BENTON — Benton Panthers baseball coach Mark Ballisteri was named 5A Central Conference Coach of the Year after leading his team to an 11-1 conference record, a conference championship and

06/18/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Blake Dorsey on his new role as Assistant Principal at Benton Junior High School!

Mr. Dorsey brings 13 years of experience in education, including the past 10 years serving students in Benton Public Schools. During his time in Benton, he has served as Dean of Students at Benton Junior High School and as an assistant football coach at Benton High School. He will now transition into the role of Assistant Principal at Benton Junior High School.

A graduate of Henderson State University with a degree in Physical Education, Mr. Dorsey also holds a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University and a master's degree in Physical Education from the University of Arkansas at Monticello.

Mr. Dorsey and his wife, who also serves Benton Schools as an assistant high school basketball and softball coach, are proud parents to their daughter, Emmie, who will begin kindergarten this fall.

Please join us in congratulating Mr. Dorsey on this well-deserved opportunity. We are excited to see his leadership continue to make a positive impact on our students, staff, and school community.

06/16/2026

Hi Panther Families, here is a look at our Community Review for this month's School Board Meeting: https://tinyurl.com/CommunityReviewJune

06/16/2026

We are having so much fun at our Panther Camp!

06/16/2026

Athletic Director Coach Jerry Bridges shares highlights from an outstanding 2025-2026 year for Benton Athletics. Thank you to our student-athletes, coaches, families, and fans for making this year one to remember.

06/15/2026

⭐ Panther Pride Awards ⭐

The following Panther PreK students were recognized at Monday night’s school board meeting for demonstrating outstanding growth and achievement throughout the school year:

⭐ Leo Perez
⭐ Magnolia McSpadden
⭐ Parker Tharpe
⭐ Dilynn Singleton
⭐ Mason Shadduck
⭐ Crete DiCapio
⭐ Iovi Bearden
⭐ Mason Moss

These students were selected as the highest-performing students in their classes based on their academic progress, social-emotional growth, positive behavior, independence, and readiness to learn. Throughout the year, they have embraced challenges, built strong relationships, and consistently worked to be their very best.

Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition! We are proud of your hard work and all you have accomplished.

06/15/2026

⭐ Panther Pride Awards ⭐

Coach Dexter Hendrix was recognized at Monday night’s school board meeting for being named the 5A South Coach of the Year following another outstanding season leading Panther Basketball.

Under Coach Hendrix’s leadership, the Panthers captured the 5A South Conference Championship, extended their remarkable 48-game conference winning streak, and advanced to the State Semifinals.

Congratulations, Coach Hendrix, on this well-deserved honor and thank you for your dedication, leadership, and commitment to excellence. Your impact on our student-athletes and basketball program continues to make Panther Nation proud!

06/15/2026

⭐ Panther Pride Awards ⭐

Congratulations to Brittany Cage and Ericka McQueeny, who were recognized at Monday night's school board meeting for receiving a $2,000 Parsons-Burnett Grant from the Arkansas Retired Teachers Association (ARTA).

The grant supports educators as they continue their academic and professional growth, helping them further their education and strengthen their impact in the classroom. Brittany and Ericka's commitment to lifelong learning reflects the dedication and excellence that help make Benton Public Schools a great place for students to learn and grow.

A special thank you to the Arkansas Retired Teachers Association for investing in educators and supporting the continued growth of Arkansas teachers.

Congratulations, Brittany and Ericka, and thank you for all you do for Benton Public Schools!