ADE Commissioner Interested in Fayetteville Superintendent’s Position
by January 31, 2014 2:03 pm 104 views
The Fayetteville School Board on Thursday met with Arkansas Department of Education commissioner Tom Kimbrell as a possible candidate for the district’s new superintendent.
“It was a great initial visit,” said Tim Hudson, Fayetteville School Board president. “I think the board is looking forward to continuing the conversation.”
Kimbrell said he felt good about the meeting. “I really liked the people.”
However, Kimbrell said he must consult his family — which he has not yet had a chance to do — before he decides if he is interested in a formal interview with the board or further discussion.
Hudson said it is an uncommon situation to have the commissioner of education express an interest in a superintendent’s position, and the board sees it as a unique opportunity.
“Dr. Kimbrell told me he misses being around students and teachers, and the timing is right for him to relocate,” Hudson said. “He has a unique perspective, having had a hand in many of the state’s school districts.”
The new superintendent will fill the role vacated by Vicki Thomas, who resigned Jan. 13 so she and her family could return to their home state of Texas to care for an ill relative, according to a press release from Fayetteville Public Schools.
The board had not yet begun the process for the superintendent search when Kimbrell contacted the office on Monday, Jan. 20.
Kimbrell was appointed as commissioner of ADE by Gov. Mike Beebe in 2009.
Prior to that, he served as the executive director of the Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators as well as numerous leadership and superintendent positions in several Arkansas school districts.
Kimbrell received his bachelor’s degree in science in education from the University of Arkansas. He earned his doctorate in education and his master’s degree in science in education from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro.
“We all have tremendous respect for Dr. Kimbrell and all he’s done for the students of the state of Arkansas,” Hudson said.