Patty Ellis has over 26 years of experience in education, with 15 in public schools and the past 11 at the Arkansas Department of Education as the APSCN SMS Computer Support Coordinator. She has extensive knowledge of the SMS data system in eSchool and has trained multiple districts. Now, she serves the entire state by training the trainers.

Darrell and Patty Ellis have been life partners for 40 years, meeting at work and sharing 29 of those years as colleagues. Of that time, they spent 15 years working together in public education.

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WE ARE REAL™ K–12 CONSULTING

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My name is Darrell Ellis and I have more than 30 years of experience in education. I have a lifetime educator license in Arkansas with 14 endorsement areas listed including 3 core subjects as well as building administrator. I have been blessed to have 3 distinct careers during my life. Early I was a business manager for retail stores employing over 100 employees, followed by owning my own customer service business for over 10 years which enabled me to pursue finishing my degree, and finally spending the last 32 years in public education. Darrell and Patty Ellis have been life partners for 40 years, meeting at work and sharing 29 of those years as colleagues. Of that time, they spent 15 years working together in public education. Darrell and Patty have two children, Kendra and Austin. Kendra is a nurse practitioner and Austin is an electrician.

CREDENTIALS & CERTIFICATIONS

  • Lifetime Arkansas Educator License

  • 14 Endorsement Areas, including 3 Core Subjects (7–12)

  • Building Administrator Certification

  • Lifetime Coaching License

  • Google Certified Educator

  • Arkansas Leadership Academy Graduate

EDUCATION LEADERSHIP ROLES

  • Building Principal — Improved DESE grade to B after ATLAS implementation

  • Assistant Principal — Led school to two B letter grades pre‑COVID

  • ALE Director (SOS Academy) — Assisted in raising graduation rate to 95%

  • 504 Coordinator — Extensive ADA & Civil Rights compliance experience

TECHNOLOGY & SYSTEMS EXPERTISE

  • eSchool & Cognos expertise in many areas

  • Google proficient for all areas

  • Digital workflow optimization

  • Website design & implementation

CONSULTING FOCUS AREAS

  • School Performance Improvement

  • Alternative Learning Environment (ALE) Program Design

  • 504, ADA & Civil Rights Compliance

  • Leadership Coaching for Administrators

  • Athletic Program Development

  • Technology Integration & Data Systems

  • Website Design & Digital Tools for Organizations

SIGNATURE ACHIEVEMENTS

  • State Football Champion Coach & Two‑Time Runner‑Up

  • ACTAAP Education Committee Question Writer

  • 27+ years coaching multiple sports

  • Strengthened ADA, 504, and Civil Rights compliance

A MULTI‑CAREER LEADER Darrell’s consulting approach is shaped by three distinct career paths:

  • Retail Business Manager — Led 100+ employees; mastered operations and customer service

  • Entrepreneur — Owned and operated a customer service business for 10+ years

  • Educator & Administrator — 32 years improving student outcomes and organizational systems

Real K-12 Consulting helps schools and organizations build clarity, structure, and measurable improvement. His work blends strategic leadership, data‑driven decision‑making, and practical systems that elevate performance and culture. Email or call us today to see how we can help your school and staff be more efficient.

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