Hot Springs, Arkansas – The Hot Springs School District has officially separated from Superintendent Dr. Stephanie Nehus following weeks of public scrutiny surrounding her husband’s legal troubles. Zachary Nehus, Dr. Nehus’s spouse, was arrested for a probation violation related to a previous conviction involving child pornography, which led to intense pressure on the district and its leadership. The school board met in a special executive session Thursday night to discuss the situation, emerging with a decision to approve a separation agreement with Dr. Nehus after a short discussion.
Dr. Nehus, who had served as the district’s superintendent since 2016, will remain on administrative leave until June 30, 2025. According to the terms of the agreement, she will receive compensation equivalent to one additional year of salary and benefits. In a statement, the Hot Springs School Board of Education expressed their intention to resolve the situation efficiently, balancing the needs of the district with fiscal responsibility. “In an effort to continue moving the district forward, the Board of Education has reached an agreement that honors the terms of Dr. Nehus’s contract while maintaining the Board’s fiscal responsibility to the district. This resolution allows both parties to move forward without incurring unnecessary time or legal expenses,” the statement read.
Though the district took swift action regarding Dr. Nehus’s departure, the leadership changes did not end there. In a move to stabilize the district’s leadership, the school board announced that Dr. Mike Hernandez would return as superintendent starting July 1. Dr. Hernandez, who previously served as superintendent from 2013 to 2016, is familiar with the district’s workings and will aim to guide it through this period of transition. Most recently, Dr. Hernandez held a leadership position with the Arkansas Department of Education.
“I really just want to focus on our staff, our students, and our community,” Dr. Hernandez said Thursday, expressing his commitment to providing support during this challenging time. “And really just be there as a resource, answer questions when I can.”
While the district acknowledged Dr. Nehus’s years of service, the decision to part ways has sparked mixed reactions from the community. Some parents have voiced strong support for the move, while others have expressed frustration over the delay in taking action. Sara Jeffers, a parent in Hot Springs, expressed relief at the decision but shared her disappointment that it took more than two weeks for the board to make a final determination. “I feel very good about the decision,” Jeffers said. “I’m still very disappointed in our board and administration that it’s taken us over two weeks to get here.”
The events surrounding the arrest of Zachary Nehus have cast a shadow over the district, and the school board recognized the emotional toll it has had on students, staff, and parents. The board reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the safety of its students and ensuring a positive educational environment moving forward. In their statement, district officials expressed gratitude for Dr. Nehus’s contributions to the district’s growth during her tenure, adding that they were optimistic about the future under Dr. Hernandez’s leadership. “We sincerely appreciate Dr. Nehus’s contributions and look forward to a positive path forward under Dr. Hernandez’s leadership,” they concluded.
With Dr. Hernandez returning to the helm, the district hopes to restore stability and confidence in its leadership, focusing on student safety and academic success. As the community continues to navigate the fallout from recent events, the school board is emphasizing its dedication to addressing the needs of the district’s staff, students, and families while fostering a positive and productive learning environment.
