SPRINGDALE, Ark. — After 39 years as Superintendent of Springdale Public Schools, Jim Rollins has resigned his position, effective June 30.
His letter of resignation was accepted by the Springdale School Board at a specially called session on Tuesday, June 2.
"I want to thank the school board members, past and present that I have worked with for the privilege of serving in the Springdale School District," Rollins said. "Springdale is a great place to serve and a great place for families to raise children."
Rollins became Superintendent of Springdale Schools in fall, 1982, after serving two years as Director of Secondary Education in the district. He served as a principal, assistant principal and teacher in Little Rock and North Little Rock before moving to Springdale.
"For nearly 40 years Dr. Rollins has built a legacy of growth, innovation and excellence to our district," said school board President Michelle Cook. "His vision of 'Teach Them All' has become a way of life."
It is believed Rollins served as Superintendent in one district longer than any person in Arkansas history.
“Yes, certainly is, was very hard for me to separate from what I believe to be one of the great educations teams in the country," Rollins said.
Rollins will be taking on the new role of President at the Northwest Technical Institute.
“He understands curriculum, he understands state processes and I think his capacity as a leader is something we really were attracted too,” said Derek Gibson, Vice-Chair of NWTI Board.
The school has courses designed to prepare students with technical skills they can apply in the real world.
“What the world is interested in is what the students can do with their learning. That’s front and center to the Northwest Technical Institutes mission," Rollins said.
With a hands-on approach to learning, Rollins says he's working on developing a clear vision for the future of NWTI.
“Opening the doors wide and inviting the business community to the table where we set and visit and understand the needs of this growing dynamic workforce in the Northwest Arkansas region," Rollins said
He says despite the sadness he feels over leaving the Springdale School District, he hopes his work at NWTI will help build even stronger relationships with local schools and businesses.
His first day as President of NWTI will be July 1.