Jill Kildow has called Gravette home her entire life. It’s where she grew up, raised her family, and where her ties will remain strong. But after 13 years as a teacher in Gravette Schools, this year, she’s stepping away from the classroom and her hometown. With her youngest graduating from Gravette High School and her husband beginning a new job out of state, she’s preparing for a new chapter in life. Though not a retirement, her departure from Gravette Schools is a major turning point for her and the town she’s been part of for so long.
Jill with her husband and two of their children, both Lion athletes.
Jill is a 1998 graduate of Gravette High School herself. After earning her engineering degree from the University of Arkansas, her husband progressed in a promising career with the Walmart Home Office, so she stayed home with their children and spent time substitute teaching at Glenn Duffy and Upper Elementary. At the time, her mother, Debbie Skinner, was the technology director for the district. When a math position opened at the middle school, she officially launched her full-time teaching career in the same district where she was once a student. After five years at the middle school, she moved to Gravette High School to teach more advanced mathematics and to stay involved at the school where her children would attend.
As a math teacher, Mrs. Kildow has an appreciation for the logic and clarity of the subject. She has approached math as a vehicle to teach perseverance, problem solving, and how to address challenges that have complex solutions. She strived to build trust in students and help them find motivation by learning how they think and adapting to a wide range of learning styles. “It’s fun to watch them get excited when they get something.” she said, “Not just tell them the answer but guide them to it and let them feel confident in themselves.”
Mrs. Kildow recognizing a student for the Student Appreciation Week 2025 video. After three years together, she reflects on Cadence’s growth in confidence, positive attitude, and willingness to help others in class.
Outside the classroom, Mrs. Kildow spent time leading youth athletics, coaching basketball and baseball for children across multiple grade levels. She also sponsored the Student Council, a role she took soon after joining the high school faculty. In her first year, she helped launch the school’s homecoming dance. She enjoys working alongside student leaders to plan events and create opportunities for them. Her role as sponsor has also allowed her to stay active in the broader school community, supporting clubs, sports, and student life from a different angle.
Mrs. Killdow (bottom row, furthest right) and the 2025 student council.
After thirteen years teaching and a lifetime in Gravette, Jill is charting a new course for her “empty nest” phase of life. With her husband’s job taking them to Kansas, she’s embracing the change with an open mind. She’s looking forward to reading and more time outdoors. Returning to education isn't out of the cards, but it's not in her short-term plans.
Even though she’s moving away, Gravette will always be home. She plans to come back for business and friends often. No matter how far she goes, she’ll stay connected to the community that shaped her, and that she’s helped shape in return.
Thank you, Mrs. Kildow, for the years you taught students how to think about problems, how to work through challenges, and how to take pride in the process. Thank you for giving your time and energy to the children of Gravette, and for meeting every child in good faith. You leave behind a community made better by your work, your example, and your belief in its young people.