Top Fort Smith Public Schools communication person resigns

For the second consecutive time in less than 18 months, the Fort Smith Public School District has suddenly found itself without a public relations-communications leader.

Allan Marshall, who was announced Dec. 5 as the district’s chief communications and engagement officer, has resigned. Addie Reith, a communications specialist with the district, said Marshall “resigned from his position for personal reasons.”

District leadership did not respond Thursday (May 22) to attempts by Talk Business & Politics to learn more about Marshall’s departure.

Prior to the school’s top communications job, Marshall was the executive director of advancement at Arkansas Colleges of Health Education (ACHE), overseeing the Office of Advancement and Alumni Engagement.

Marshall has a bachelor’s degree in political science from Baylor University and a master’s degree in higher education administration from Dallas Baptist University.

Shari Cooper left the top communication job sometime in the second quarter of 2024. The district then declined to discuss her sudden departure, and Cooper also declined to comment.

Martin Mahan on April 8 was selected to be the district’s next superintendent following the departure of Dr. Terry Morawski. Mahan is acting superintendent until July 1 when he will begin a contract as superintendent with the district. Marshall was involved in helping Mahan with a 100-day plan to engage with district employees, stakeholders, and others in the community. The plan is set to begin July 1.

FSPS has 27 campuses including two high schools, four middle schools, 18 elementary schools, an alternative education center, an adult education center and the Peak Innovation Center. The district employs more than 2,200 and has approximately 13,700 students.