FARMINGTON — Greenland Superintendent Charles Cudney was named the new director for the Northwest Arkansas Education Services Cooperative by the board of directors composed of superintendents from three counties.
He will replace Mike Van Dyke who is retiring at the end of his contract year, June 30. Cudney's appointment begins July 1. Van Dyke submitted his resignation in January for personal and health reasons.
Cudney, 60, is in his fourth year as Greenland's superintendent. He was hired as the school district was emerging from fiscal distress and a state takeover because of recurring financial problems. He has guided the district into financial stability.
He began his 37-year career in education as a social studies teacher and assistant high school principal in Prairie Grove. He spent 27 years in administrative positions in Missouri, retiring as superintendent of the Monett School District in 2008. He was hired by Greenland in 2010. He grew up in Green Forest.
"I'm honored to be given this opportunity," Cudney said. He will submit his resignation to the Greenland School Board at a special meeting. The date of that meeting hasn't been set.
"I have a lot of pride in the Greenland School District," Cudney said.
Pat Anderson, president of the Greenland board, said a search will be launched after Cudney's resignation is submitted.
"He's done an excellent job for our school," Anderson said.
The education services cooperative has 16 member school districts in Benton, Washington and Madison counties. It provides training and programs for teachers and administrators on all aspects of teaching, learning, school operations and state laws.
NW News on 03/11/2014