BENTONVILLE -- Christie Jay will begin Monday as the School District's new director of federal programs.
Jay will take over the responsibility for federal programs from Debbie Jones, whom the School Board recently chose as the district's new superintendent.
Jay has served as director of federal programs and English as a second language in the Fayetteville School District for the past seven years, according to a Bentonville news release. She holds building principal and superintendent credentials from the University of Arkansas and completed her doctorate in 2014.
"(Jay) can step into the job day one and know what she has to do with federal programs and carry out that work," Jones said. "And she will begin working with administrators on their school improvement plans."
Her love for English-as-a-second-language students also makes Jay a valuable addition to the staff, Jones said.
"As we diversify within the district, we really need that attention to our populations that are (English as a second language) students," Jones said.
The release quoted Jay as saying she's excited to work with Bentonville educators.
"The Bentonville Public Schools District has an excellent track record of serving families and students in Northwest Arkansas," she stated in the release.
Jay will earn $89,383 in her first year on the job, according to Paul Stolt, district director of communications.
Federal programs have to do with programs funded by the federal government. That includes money provided for school meals, professional development and English as a second language, Jones said.
Jones handled federal programs during her stint as the district's deputy superintendent, before she was promoted to superintendent two weeks ago. She has no immediate plans to name a new deputy superintendent.
"At least not for a year," she said. "I wanted to know the demands of the (superintendent's) job before I brought someone in and started sharing those demands. I think it's really important for me not to send someone else out to meet community and take over roles at least for this first year until I get to know people better. And do that firsthand myself."
NW News on 07/27/2016