One of Little Rock’s oldest and most historically significant schools will soon have a new leader.
Superintendent Jermall Wright announced the nomination of Southwest High administrator April Rike to serve as the next principal of Little Rock Central High School. Rike is a 1993 graduate of Central, and currently serves as School Improvement Specialist at Little Rock Southwest High School.
Speaking on the school’s front steps Friday, Rike said her first priority is to listen, and to support teachers.
“The role of the administrator is to protect the instructional time of the classroom. So my role is to provide that support for the teachers, so that they can do the magic that they do behind those doors,” Rike said. “We’ve got to have the structures and systems in place so that they can work their magic.”
Rike has worked in the Little Rock School District since 1999, serving as a teacher and administrator at five of the district’s high schools and one elementary school. She spent a nine-year stint teaching business education and computer science at Central, where her grandfather and three children also graduated.
Rike noted the unique nature of her new assignment – leading a school that garnered international attention during the 1957 desegregation crisis, and which continues to draw visitors from around the world as a National Historic Site.
“This school doesn’t belong to me, it doesn’t belong to any of us,” Rike said. “Being transparent is the responsibility that I have as a leader, because this [school] belongs to not just Little Rock, it belongs to the nation and the world.”
Rike will take over as principal from Nancy Rousseau, who’s worked at the school for more than three decades, including 24 years as principal.
“This school and this community have given me more than I could ever, ever have imagined,” Rousseau said. “Our students and families have made my life so richer and more meaningful than I could have ever dreamed. Together we’ve celebrated victories, supported each other through challenges – certainly COVID and others – and continued the work of making Central the very best school that it could ever be.”
Rousseau noted she’s familiar with Rike, both as her former boss and her vice principal during her time as a student. She said the moment is bittersweet, for herself and for students and alumni. But, she says current and former Tigers haven’t seen the last of her.
“The kids are mad at me. I have promised all three classes left in the school after graduation on May 21 that I will come to all their graduations… say a few words, hug them and take pictures.”
Rousseau first announced her retirement last month. Rike’s nomination is subject to approval by the Little Rock School Board, which will meet next Thursday to consider the recommendation.
