The Little Rock School District has named its newest high school principal.
LRSD Superintendent Jermall Wright named Steven Helmick as his nominee to lead Pinnacle View High School. During a media preview of the still-under-construction school Tuesday, Wright said 53% of parents, staff and community members surveyed recommended Helmick for the role.
“The founding principal of any school sets the tone for everything that follows, including the expectations for teaching and learning, the way students and families are welcomed, and a culture that either lifts a school or limits it,” Wright said. “That’s why this decision matters so much, and why I’m so confident in recommending Mr. Helmick for this role.”
Helmick currently serves as principal of the nearby Don Roberts Elementary School, and said his experience serving a large, diverse student body will serve him well in the new role.
“I see this school not just as a building, but as a living, growing community. I’m reminded of the words of George Washington Carver, who said ‘Education is the key to unlocking the golden door of freedom,’” Helmick said. “That’s what we’re hoping to create here at Pinnacle View; a vibrant space for life, learning and limitless potential.”
Helmick’s nomination is subject to approval by the Little Rock School Board, which will meet Thursday.
“If approved by the board, [Helmick] will begin working immediately with our team on designing the school’s academic programs and pathways, hiring a diverse and effective staff, engaging families and community partners in the planning process, and building a school culture where students feel known, supported and pushed to achieve at the highest levels,” Wright said.
Pinnacle View is the result of years of planning to increase public school capacity in Little Rock’s fast-growing west side. Directly adjacent to the high school is Pinnacle View Middle School, which first opened in 2016. The site, a former office building and warehouse, also held Little Rock West High School of Innovation, which merged with Hall STEAM Magnet High School the previous school year.
The new Pinnacle View High School will encompass 320,000 square feet of space, with 24 regular classrooms and 44 specialty rooms. The building will also house indoor and outdoor sports facilities, a performing arts center, and capacity for up to 1,200 students, at a cost of roughly $147 million.
Pinnacle View High School is set to welcome its first class of up to 1,200 students beginning in fall 2027.
