FAYETTEVILLE -- The School Board named John L Colbert as superintendent at a special meeting Thursday.
Colbert has been serving as acting superintendent since former superintendent Matthew Wendt was placed on leave April 7.
The School Board unanimously fired Wendt on Monday. He was hired July 1, 2016.
The board decided Wendt broke his contract when he violated the district's sexual harassment policy with his derogatory and offensive conduct and communication with a female subordinate employee, according to Susan Kendall, lawyer with the Kendall Law Firm in Rogers and the School Board's legal counsel.
This district has had only had 10 superintendents since 1871. Colbert will be the fourth in nine years.
Colbert worked within the School District for 39 years, serving as a teacher and principal before holding his most recent position of associate superintendent for support services for about 10 years.
He earned his bachelor's degree in special education and elementary education, his master's degree in special education, and his doctorate in educational leadership all from the University of Arkansas.
"I've had my fingers in most every part of the district," Colbert said. "It has a special place in my heart. Fayetteville Public Schools believed in me and trusted me. It's very special."
Colbert said he will start by focusing on leadership within the district and ensuring everyone follows the policies and procedures in place.
"We have to remember why we are here: to meet the needs of students," he said.
Board President Justin Eichmann said the details of Colbert's contract as superintendent will be ironed out in the near future.
"The naming of Dr. Colbert as superintendent begins a new chapter for the leadership of Fayetteville Public Schools," Eichmann said. "He has been a cornerstone of Fayetteville Public Schools for many years. We have every confidence in Dr. Colbert, and he will have our full support."
NW News on 06/22/2018