GRAVETTE - The Gravette School Board voted unanimously Thursday to offer a twoyear superintendent contract to Andrea Kelly, CEO / superintendent of Meridian Technology Center in Stillwater, Okla.
The district's superintendent position came open when Superintendent Curtis Spann announced his resignation March 26. Spann will move to the Rose Bud School District near Heber Springs.
"We feel like she (Kelly ) had the best qualifications where we needed them," said Gravette School Board president Marion Harris. "She is an exceptional leader and very professional."
Harris, board member Jack Skillett and board member Jim Singleton, also chairman of the selection committee, returned minutes before the board meeting Thursday evening from Stillwater, where they visited with Kelly's colleagues and key leaders at Meridian Technology Center.
Harris said the community visit reaffirmed the board's belief in considering Kelly for Gravette superintendent.
"We got nothing but positive comments," Harris said.
On acceptance of the contract, which pays $ 105, 000 a year, Kelly will assume superintendent responsibilities July 1.
Kelly has served in various leadership positions at Meridian Technology Center for 26 years. She holds a Bachelor of Science and master's degrees in business education and a doctorate in educational administration from Oklahoma State University.
In April 2006, Kelly received the Administrator of the Year award from the Oklahoma School Public Relations Association.
After receiving applications for the position, the board narrowed the search to Kelly, Bentonville High School Principal Steve Jacoby and Douglas Domer, assistant superintendent for the Joplin (Mo. ) Public Schools. The three candidates were interviewed earlier this month.
Current Gravette superintendent Spann accepted White County's superintendent position to be closer to his parents and wife's parents in Searcy and Greers Ferry.
Singleton said in a Daily Record article April 29 that Gravette's community "revolves around the school district. So the superintendent has to not just be a school leader, but a community leader."
The Gravette School District has 1, 765 students.
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