Focus of new Fort Smith schools communication director includes transparency

The Fort Smith Public School District (FSPS) has filled the vacancy in the communications department hiring Kimberly Mundell as executive director of communications and engagement.

Mundell, who started with the district Oct. 1, fills the vacancy left when Allan Marshall resigned in May. Marshall was announced as the new communications and engagement director on Dec. 5, 2024.

Prior to joining FSPS, Mundell worked in state government for 24 years. This included 12 years as the communications director for the Department of Workforce Services and 12 years as the director of communications for the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE).

She has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Central Arkansas in Conway and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

While Mundell visited Fort Smith many times over the years, this is her first time living in the city. She grew up in DeWitt in southeast Arkansas and lived in central Arkansas for 25 years before moving to the Fort Smith area.

“During the short time I have lived in the area, I have found it to be a great place,” she said.

Mundell said her main focus in the communications department is to support Superintendent Marty Mahan, the school board, the leadership team, and educators by ensuring information is accurately communicated internally and externally in a timely manner.

“From telling the positive, heartwarming stories to supporting Mr. Mahan’s goals for the district, communication plays an essential role,” Mundell said.

The development of a comprehensive communications plan is one of Mahan’s goals this school year, and thus is one of Mundell’s.

“That project is critical, as the plan will serve as the blueprint for how the district will communicate with stakeholders,” she said. “I am currently working with the outstanding communications team to identify current practices, determine what works well, and identify areas of improvement.”

Having worked at ADE for 12 years, Mundell considers it a privilege to work for the district.

“It gives me greater insight into how districts are implementing state and federal initiatives and how those programs are impacting educators and students,” she said. “I also am learning about the many robust educational programs developed on the district level. Seeing the students firsthand who are positively impacted by these efforts is both rewarding and inspirational.”

Mundell also supports Mahan’s goal for transparency with the public.

“Having worked in state government for 24 years, I feel it is essential to be transparent,” she said. “That does not change in my new role. We are public servants and must be good stewards of taxpayers’ dollars. While sharing positive efforts and good stories with the public is a part of it, the district has a responsibility to be transparent and honest with our stakeholders. My role with the district is to assist with conveying those messages.”