Alma Primary School

Shawn Bullard earned an Associate Degree at Carl Albert State College in Poteau, OK. From there he received a Bachelor's Degree from Arkansas Tech University through what was then Westark Community College. 

After two years of teaching, he started on his master of education degree and principal certification through the University of Central Arkansas. In December of 2015, he completed his Specialist Degree through Arkansas State University.

He began his career in education in 1993 in the Fort Smith School District. He taught sixth grade for four years, a fifth and sixth split class for two years, and third grade for two years.

He came to Alma as the assistant principal at Alma Primary School in 2001 under Mrs. Marsha Woolly. Upon her retirement in 2008, he became principal of the Alma Primary School.

An Alma native and lifelong Airedale, Kara Burns is proud to serve the community that shaped her. With deep family roots in the district, including two grandfathers who served in leadership roles, Kara is honored to continue their legacy.

She began teaching in Alma in 2005 and joined Alma Primary in 2012, teaching kindergarten and 2nd grade. After serving as principal at Ozark Elementary in 2024, she’s excited to return home as assistant principal.

Kara holds a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education from UAFS, a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State, and is National Board Certified. She also teaches in the Early Childhood Department at UAFS. In her free time, she enjoys family, road trips, movies, and coffee.