Fayetteville names superintendent

Fayetteville -- Paul Hewitt, associate professor at the University of Arkansas, will become the next superintendent, effective July 1.

Hewitt, 68, is a retired California public school teacher and administrator for 35 years, who joined the University of Arkansas faculty seven years ago and now heads up the education leadership program in the College of Education and Health Professions. He will resign his university position.

The terms of his contract, including length and salary, will be negotiated in the coming weeks, said School Board President Tim Hudson. The contract is expected to be approved at the board's May 22 meeting, Hudson said.

Hewitt likely will start with a one-year renewable contract, both men said after the special meeting.

"I really want to do this," Hewitt said. "I bring a great deal of knowledge and expertise to the role of superintendent," he said.

His biographical information on the university website states his expertise is in the area of school finance, budgeting, collective bargaining and school cultures. He said he became interested in the position over the last few weeks after conversations with Hudson, his former neighbor, on conducting a successful search. He noted he has served as consultant on nine different superintendent searches for other districts. "I love this community. I choose to live in Fayetteville and this is an opportunity to give back," he said.

Web only on 04/30/2014

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