Fort Smith Public School district loses another communications director

The Fort Smith Public School District continues the struggle to retain a communications director. Kimberly Mundell, who began with the district on Oct. 1, 2025, has resigned. She cited administrative professionalism as a reason for her departure.

The district confirmed Mundell was no longer an employee, but declined to provide information about her departure. The district also would not comment on any ongoing or planned efforts to hire another communications director. The salary range for the position is $115,000 to $125,000, according to the district.

Mundell filled the vacancy left when Allan Marshall suddenly resigned in May 2025. Marshall was announced as the new communications and engagement director on Dec. 5, 2024. Marshall followed Shari Cooper, who held the job for less than 18 months. The district then declined to discuss her sudden departure.

Prior to joining FSPS, Mundell worked in state government for 24 years, including 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.

Following is a complete statement from Mundell provided to Talk Business & Politics.

“For twenty-four years I have had a wonderful career in the field of Communications. For 12 years I held the position of Communications Director for the State Department of Workforce Services. From there I moved on to a larger role as the Director of Communications for the Arkansas Department of Education holding that position for 12 years as well.

“At both agencies I was blessed to be in an environment of the highest professional standards, particularly when it came to interaction with teammates and administration.

“In October of 2025 I accepted an opportunity to join the Fort Smith School District as its Executive Director of Communications and Engagement. I was thrilled to accept the position and excited about what the future held for not just myself but the District as well. In the past six and a half months I have been fortunate to work with and come to know some phenomenal people….People who deeply care about children, education and their role of service to both.

“However, during that same time the professionalism of the Administration has not met the standard of my expectation. That standard is one I hold dear to, without compromise or waiver. I feel certain and comfortable that I have done everything in my power to make the relationship work but sadly I have not been able to accomplish that goal. Therefore, I made the very difficult decision to resign my position with the District and submitted my resignation on Monday April 20th effective that day.

“As I move on to a new chapter in my life and career, I want to wish the District, its students, parents, staff and the community it serves nothing but joy and success.”