BENTONVILLE (KFSM) — The Bentonville School District superintendent submitted his resignation to the school board Monday (April 18).
Superintendent Michael Poore will fulfill the rest of his contact with the school district and his resignation will be effective June 30, according to school district spokesman Paul Stolt.
“He is accepting the challenge to lead a district that is in need of strong, disciplined leadership,” Stolt said. “He always puts kids first and will maintain that focus as he serves the students, parents, and staff in Little Rock Schools.”
The resignation coincides with an announcement from Little Rock Mayor Mark Stodola that it appears the Little Rock School District will not be renewing Superintendent Baker Kurrus’ contract.
Stodola made the following statement:
“I cannot believe that Baker Kurrus’ contract is not being renewed. I have had many conversations with him about the positive progress being made with the Little Rock School District. Baker Kurrus has worked his heart out for the schoolchildren of Little Rock and has brought a level of stability and common sense to the administrators and teachers of the District. I have a call in to Governor Hutchinson and I predict a major blow-back if this decision is not reversed.”
Little Rock’s KHTV reached out to Little Rock schools and the state board Monday, but both declined to comment.
Karrus was hired by the LRSD last July after the Arkansas Board of Education took over the district because of poor test scores. He was also an opponent of expanding charter schools in Little Rock.