The North Little Rock Board of Education has approved the hires of three veteran educators who will lead the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of a comprehensive curriculum in literacy, mathematics, and science that align to improve teaching and learning.
Carmen Langston, Coordinator of Reading, Literacy, and English Language Arts
Carmen Langston will lead the district’s efforts in literacy as the Coordinator of Reading, Literacy, and English Language Arts. Langston joined the NLRSD in 2022 as the Coordinator of Elementary Reading and Integrated Literacy. Langston looks forward to this role as she will be responsible for building a comprehensive literacy program across all grade levels aligned with state standards and best practices.
Before joining the NLRSD, Langston worked as a literacy facilitator in the Little Rock School District. She also taught in LRSD, Cabot Public Schools, and LISA Academy.
Langston earned a Master of Science Degree in Educational Leadership at Arkansas State University. She received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Central Arkansas. Langston is a highly sought-after speaker regarding evidence-based reading instruction. Later this fall, she will present at the Reading League Conference, a national symposium, which provides districts with practical applications to implement science-aligned reading instruction across classrooms.
Debbie Higgins, Coordinator of Mathematics
Like Langston, Higgins will transition into the role of Coordinator of Mathematics, responsible for overseeing a robust mathematics curriculum across all grade levels. Higgins previously served as the Coordinator of Secondary Mathematics.
Higgins, an alumna of the district, has spent her entire professional career in the NLRSD. She has served as Multi-Classroom Leader, serving as a coach and mentor to teachers. As a teacher, Higgins taught a wide range of mathematics courses, including Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry Lab, Discrete Math, AP Statistics, Probability and Statistics, Advanced Topics in Math, Math Ready, and Algebraic Connections.
Higgins earned a Master of Science Degree in Secondary Education and Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mathematics, both from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. She is also a National Board Certified Teacher.
Dr. Mandee Carmical, Coordinator of Science, Environmental Literacy, and Outdoor Education
Dr. Mandee Carmical is the district’s go-to expert 
for all things science. Dr. Carmical comes to the NLRSD from Cabot Public Schools, where she most recently served as the Student Success Coordinator at the Freshman Academy. In this role, Dr. Carmical collaborated with teachers through professional learning communities (PLCs) and analyzed student data to develop targeted interventions for students in need of additional support.
As an administrator for the past twelve years in Cabot, she has served as an assistant principal, district social studies coordinator, and student support coordinator. Her teaching experience ranges from 7th grade science to Advanced Placement Biology across the Newport, Cross County, Pulaski County, and Cabot school districts.
Dr. Carmical holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Leadership and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from the University of Central Arkansas. She also earned a Specialist in Educational Leadership Superintendency from Arkansas State University and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Central Arkansas.