Weather pushes forward decision on open Fort Smith school board seat

A Fort Smith Public Schools (FSPS) Board of Education meeting scheduled for Tuesday (Feb. 18) to discuss filling an empty board seat has been canceled due to inclement weather. The board will take up that discussion Feb. 24, which leaves little time for a decision.

The Zone IV seat previously held by Talicia Richardson was left vacant when she resigned Jan. 27 amidst the controversy regarding the reassignment of Felix Curry, former head football coach for Northside High School. Her term, representing Zone IV, was set to expire in 2026.

The board has 30 days to fill the seat, or the position could be filled by the Sebastian County Quorum Court.

Allan Marshall, chief communications and engagement officer with FSPS, said Monday (Feb. 17) that due to the forecasted weather, the called board meeting scheduled for Tuesday is canceled. The agenda items will be placed on the Feb. 24 meeting, he said.

Whoever is chosen to fill the seat will then have to run for election for the position in the May 13 school elections. The filing period for those wanting to run for a seat of the Fort Smith Public Schools Board of Education begins March 3. As of Feb. 14, six had applied for the seat: Ashante Arnaud, Gregory Carthon, Daniel Williams, Yuri Richardson, Maria Martinez, and Eric Toran.

“By state law, the board has 30 days to appoint a qualified individual living in Zone IV to the seat,” the posting states. “Candidates should be aware that interviews could be scheduled immediately afterward, and candidates should plan to be available for a possible interview.”

Seats up for election in the annual school board elections include the At-Large Position VI, held by Matt Blaylock, and the At Large Position VII, held by Davin Chitwood. Candidate packets are available at the Sebastian County Clerk’s Office. The filing period for the election is Feb. 24 through noon March 3.