ROGERS — Paul Hines, superintendent of the Benton County School of the Arts, resigned Monday night during a special meeting of the charter school’s board.
Hines confirmed the resignation Tuesday morning, but offered no further comment. Hines’ resignation is effective July 1.
All seven members of the School Board attended Monday’s meeting, according to a copy of minutes from the session. The board met for two hours in closed session, when they returned to open session Hines handed in his resignation, said Wes Abbott, board president.
“I don’t think we expected that,” Abbott said.
Darlene McLernon, board member, made the motion to accept Hines’ resignation. The motion was seconded by Tony Beardsley and passed unanimously.
Discussion on Hines’ evaluation for this school year and contract for the coming school year was scheduled for discussion during a Feb. 5 meeting, but was tabled that night in a motion by McLernon and seconded by Alicia Knotts, according to minutes. Board member Howard Alsdorf wasn’t present at that meeting.
A search committee will be assembled in the next few weeks Abbot said.
“(Hines) has been an asset to the district during his time here,” Abbot said.
Hines has been with the Benton County School of the Arts for five years, according to his resignation letter.
“I wish continued success for years to come for the students, staff, and school community,” Hines said in his letter.