GREENLAND — The School Board plans to do a statewide search for a new superintendent, following the resignation Wednesday of Charles Cudney.
Cudney will become the director of the Northwest Arkansas Education Services Cooperative in Farmington on July 1. His resignation was accepted by the board at a special meeting.
Several board members expressed their sadness to lose Cudney who's in his fourth year as the superintendent. He was hired in 2010 as the district was emerging from fiscal distress and a state takeover. He has guided the district back to financial stability.
The district will post an advertisement on the Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators today, seeking a letter of interest, a resume, proof of certification and references from prospective applicants for the job. The board decided to keep the job open until it is filled rather than to specify a due date for applications.
Board members also said they would prefer to see applicants with superintendent experience.
Fayetteville and Berryville are the only other districts in Northwest Arkansas looking for a superintendent. Statewide, there are nine superintendent positions advertised on the state association website, including Fayetteville and Berryville.
The board decided against hiring a search service to assist in finding a new superintendent.
"You can buy a lot of iPads for $10,000," said Terry Reed, a board member. She was referring to the need for more technology over spending money for a search firm.
The board also expressed interest in meeting with all employees to develop a list of characteristics they would like to see in the next superintendent. Meetings will be scheduled to accommodate the schedules of teachers, administrators and support staff. It was decided others will have an opportunity to participate in writing, such as overnight janitors.
Pat Anderson, board president, probably will lead the meetings. Dan Marzoni, board member, offered to assist as needed.
The board wants to have the new superintendent on board on July 1. Cudney said he expects the board will begin receiving applications quickly. The board received about 30 applicants four years ago when Cudney was hired.
In other business, the board heard a report on the proposed snow makeup days, if the Arkansas State Board of Education doesn't waive six snow makeup days the district has requested. If necessary, school will be held on March 24-26, May 3 and June 5-6. Cudney said the proposed makeup days were determined by a survey of teachers.
NW News on 03/13/2014