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By Matt Burks
Courier Staff Bryant Superintendent Richard Abernathy is exploring the possibility of leaving the school district for Fayetteville after learning that he now is the only candidate being considered to replace the district's retiring superintendent, Bobby New.
“They have to think about what is best for Fayetteville, and I have to think about what is best for my family,” Abernathy, 43, said. “We are still a long way from making any final decisions at this point.”
The Fayetteville Board of Education called a special meeting late Wednesday to discuss the the superintendent search, which already had narrowed its search to four candidates. However, after a 90-minute executive session and finding out that two of the candidates from out of state had taken other jobs, the board announced Abernathy as the only candidate.
The board decided not to interview Fayetteville Associate Superintendent Randy Willison for the position. Board members Becky Purcell and Tim Hudson voted against interviewing Abernathy as the only candidate, citing a need for additional ones.
Abernathy said he told the Fayetteville School Board president to continue with the process, but said he still wants to discuss the issue with his wife. “We are still exploring the concept. I understand that a few board members want a few more candidates, and I certainly understand that. I think we are both exploring at this point.”
Abernathy, who has been superintendent in Bryant since 2003, said his family is still “very happy” with the Bryant School District, but wants to at least explore the opportunity Fayetteville is presenting. He said he was asked by a Fayetteville school official to apply for the superintendent’s vacancy and also said he discussed the decision to apply for the position with the Bryant School Board before he actually applied.
“He did inform the board,” Bryant School Board President David Passmore said. “I hope that he is happy in Bryant and certainly we don’t want him to go, but he is a young and talented superintendent. He has been sought after before and if he decides to stay, he’ll be sought after again. In Bryant’s opinion, we have the best superintendent in the state and others will want him.”
Abernathy’s current salary is $142,151, but is not aware of how much he could be offered with the Fayetteville School District. He said this would not be the only determining factor in his decision.
“That topic hasn’t even come up yet,” Abernathy said. “There are a variety of factors to be weighed. It will not be based solely on compensation ... My kids currently have great teachers here in Bryant, and I need to see what they want. It isn’t just about Richard Abernathy. My family’s happiness is the biggest part of that decision.”
New, 60, who is completing his 12th year at Fayetteville, said that whoever replaces him will have a unique situation as he will continue working with his successor for a year.
“The current plan is to hire a superintendent-elect who would start working for the district next year,” New said. “I think it will help that person make a smooth transition into the new school district and could give them a good leg up.”
New said he doesn’t not know of any specific dates to interview Abernathy or the timeline to hire a superintendent, but believes it will be very soon.
“I believe it is going to be a window that is relatively short,” New said.
Passmore said if Abernathy is offered and accepts the position, they board will be proactive in choosing his replacement.
“Bryant is an example of a model school in the state and that starts with the superintendent,” Passmore said. “We’ve been through this before, but we aren’t going to do anything until we find out more during the process. We’ll be proactive if that time comes.”
Abernathy, who graduated from Mena High School in 1983, comes from a long line of superintendents and Arkansas legislators. His father previously served as the Mena superintendent and currently serves in the Legislature. Abernathy’s grandfather also was a superintendent in Oden and served 40 years in the Legislature. Abernathy holds several degrees from the University of Arkansas including a master’s degree, an education specialist certificate and a doctorate. He has been a teacher, principal and superintendent in several school districts including Paris, Alma, Clarksville, Lavaca and Ozark. |
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