FAYETTEVILLE -- Fayetteville High School has a new principal but one familiar with the district and the challenges ahead.
Dr. Chad Scott, who was formerly principal at Bentonville High School, was hired in a special board meeting Monday. Scott has lived in Fayetteville for 17 years, has a son graduating this spring and a daughter about to come to Fayetteville High as a freshman.
"I'm really excited about being a part of this community, this is more than a job for me," Scott said after the meeting. "This decision was a family decision. It's an opportunity to do something really special where I live."
Scott said there will be challenges but also opportunities to re-imagine the high school and let patrons see the great things going on at the school.
"I promise everything we try to do we will absolutely try to do it with excellence," Scott told board members.
Scott's employment is effective July 1. He will replace principal Steve Jacoby, who is retiring June 30.
Scott received his bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Texas at Arlington, a master's degree in educational administration from Texas A&M University-Commerce, and his doctorate in educational administration from the University of Arkansas.
Prior to serving as principal at Bentonville High School, Scott served as assistant principal at Bentonville High School and as an assistant principal for the Springdale Public Schools.
"Dr. Scott is well known in Fayetteville as a community member and as a parent in our schools," said Paul Hewitt, Superintendent of Fayetteville Public Schools. "We have been fortunate to have a leader of Mr. Steve Jacoby's stature at Fayetteville High School for so many years. I am confident that Dr. Scott will carry forward the creativity that has always characterized Fayetteville High School."
Hewitt recommended Scott for the position on behalf of a search committee and the Board of Education vote, with six members present, was unanimous.
Jacoby announced in March he was retiring.
Jacoby spent five years as principal at the school. He was principal at Bentonville High School for eight years before working in Fayetteville. He also spent one year as an assistant principal at Heritage High School in Rogers, worked for one year with the Arkansas Advanced Initiative for Math and Science and was a principal at two high schools in Texas for 30 years.
Jacoby has asked the district for a part-time position, saying he still wants to contribute to the district after his retirement.
NW News on 05/05/2015