Fort Smith School Board At Large Zone 6: Q&A with candidates Gregory Carthon and Brad Harding

Gregory Carthon and Brad Harding are candidates in the At Large Zone 6 race for the Fort Smith Public School District Board of Education. The election is set for May 13. Early voting begins May 6 and ends May 12.

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. Blaylock and Chitwood did not seek re-election.

Following are responses submitted by Carthon and Harding to questions from Talk Business & Politics. The responses have not been edited. Carthon did not answer a question about the recent process to hire a superintendent. Harding did not provide a picture.

Q: What would be your top priority if elected?
Carthon: My top priority would be ensuring that every student has access to a high-quality education in a safe, supportive environment. This means focusing on academic excellence, supporting teachers and staff, promoting transparency in decision-making, and ensuring that resources are used efficiently to meet the needs of all students. I am committed to moving Fort Smith’s schools forward, and the only way that’s possible is with all of us doing it together!

Harding: Supporting teachers would be my top priority because it has the greatest impact on student experience and academic success. Everything we do should enable teachers to perform at their best and partner effectively with parents. This includes improving licensed personnel policies, providing greater support for classroom behavior correction, and fostering a true culture of caring across the district. All of these activities will create better outcomes for students.

Q: What experience do you think would be an asset to the school board if elected?
Carthon: My experience working collaboratively with diverse groups, managing budgets, and focusing on long-term strategic planning would be an asset to the school board. I understand how to balance immediate needs with future goals, and I have a deep commitment to public education and community service. My leadership experience has taught me how to listen carefully, build consensus, and always keep students’ best interests at the center of decision-making.

Harding: With over 15 years of experience in process improvement, project management, and consulting across industries, I bring a practical, problem-solving mindset to the board. I’ve led large-scale organizational change efforts, managed complex budgets, and built consensus across diverse teams. My strengths lie in transparency, accountability, and aligning day-to-day operations with long-term strategic goals – skills that directly support effective school governance and community trust.

Q: What is your stance on the recently-concluded process to hire a superintendent?
Harding: The process is somewhat limited to public knowledge due to personal information and interviews of the candidates, which is understandable. I think Mr. Mahan will make a good superintendent. He has shown decades of commitment to FSPS and we can rely on his service for a long time. What I think is glaring, is that we only had 3 recommended candidates out of 20 applicants. FSPS is not garnering the attention needed to draw more qualified candidates. We need to make FSPS the top place to work in Arkansas.

Q: What should school administration do to ensure and/or promote transparency with the community and media?
Carthon: School administration should communicate openly and regularly, offering clear access to information about upcoming decisions across various platforms, as well as updates after those decisions are made. It is essential that we stay current with new communication methods and continually explore the most effective ways to engage with the community. Transparency builds trust through consistency, honesty, and accessibility.

Harding: School administration should focus on strengthening change management practices. This includes clearly communicating policy changes, explaining decisions openly, and maintaining full financial transparency. Families and staff need timely, clear information to stay engaged and trust the leadership of the district. Additionally, the board should receive regular updates on key statistics, such as the number of complaints filed, resolutions achieved, and progress in teacher recruitment and retention. Tracking and discussing these metrics openly will ensure the district remains accountable and focused on continuous improvement.

Q: Arkansas’ education system is now more open to public-enrollment charter schools. What should the Fort Smith Public School District do to best compete with the rise in such charter schools?
Carthon: Fort Smith Public Schools should continue focusing on high-quality, innovative programs that meet the diverse needs of our students. Our expanded career and technical education offerings, including the Peak Innovation Center, Health Sciences Academy, and the upcoming Cyber Security Program, alongside our advanced academics, strong arts programs, and extracurricular opportunities, already set us apart – not just from charter schools in Fort Smith, but from any district in the state. We must also continue to listen to our families, highlight our strengths, and strive for continuous improvement to ensure that FSPS remains the top choice for education in our community. I truly believe we have a program and a staff that parents and students can Believe in, an environment and culture that students want to Belong to, and a place where they believe they can Become whatever they set their hearts on.

Harding: To compete with the rise of charter schools, Fort Smith Public Schools must prioritize strong academics and offer elite clubs and sports programs. Parents want to know their children are receiving the best education possible, and students want to be part of successful, winning teams that build pride and opportunity. The district must also focus on attracting and retaining the best teachers, as great educators are the foundation of any strong school system. Strengthening community partnerships and engaging local businesses for financial support will provide the resources needed to enhance programs, improve facilities, and create more opportunities for students.

Q: The Arkansas Legislature recently passed Senate Bill 433, which requires display of the 10 Commandments and “In God We Trust” in public school classrooms and other public spaces. What do you think of the new law?
Carthon: I believe public schools must comply with state law while ensuring all students and families feel respected and included. For Fort Smith Public Schools, our primary focus should be on fostering a welcoming environment for every student, regardless of their background or beliefs. Any required displays should never overshadow our core mission: to provide a supportive, inclusive learning environment for every child.

Harding: I respect the law and the values it represents, but public schools must remain inclusive and welcoming to students of all faiths and backgrounds. It’s important that we comply with the law thoughtfully while maintaining classrooms that prioritize education, civic responsibility, and respect for diverse beliefs. Schools are still awaiting additional guidance on implementation, and it will be crucial to apply this law in a way that continues to support every student’s right to feel valued and respected.