Conway, Arkansas – In a dramatic move during a specially-called Sunday meeting, the Conway School Board voted to part ways with Superintendent Jeff Collum, finalizing a separation agreement that will cost the district a hefty sum of $461,000. The board’s decision came after a tense two-hour session where they reached an agreement with Collum to pay him the significant amount by January 2026.
The large payout stems from the two remaining years left on Collum’s contract, with board member Linda Hargis explaining that the payout was higher than the agreed-upon settlement because of those unfulfilled contract terms. Additionally, part of the payment, $61,500, was previously owed to Collum under a separate agreement, according to Dr. David Naylor Jr., another board member.
Despite the agreement being reached, the decision was not without controversy. Board members Trip Leach and Barrett Petty voted against the separation agreement, citing concerns over the financial burden it places on the district. Both expressed that the money could have been better utilized within classrooms, where they believe funding is sorely needed to address issues such as teacher support and educational resources.
“I voted no to the proposal tonight because I felt the financial terms were more than I was comfortable accepting, even though I do agree with the board and Doctor Collum that we should separate,” Leach stated, highlighting his discomfort with the large sum involved. Petty echoed similar sentiments, adding, “I voted no, and maybe it’s two different funds, maybe it’s not, but I just think about our teachers’ needs and the things they need in their classroom, and they’re lacking, and the money to come out of the district is not right.”
The two dissenting votes underscore the tension between the need for fiscal responsibility and the board’s obligations to fulfill contractual agreements. Petty and Leach’s concerns reflect the broader conversation taking place about how public funds are allocated, especially when it comes to addressing the needs of teachers and students. The financial commitment required for Collum’s departure has sparked debate about prioritizing the district’s needs, with critics arguing that this money could be more effectively spent on resources that directly impact education.
While the separation has been formalized, the board is already looking to move forward. In the wake of Collum’s departure, Deputy Superintendent Jason Black has been appointed as the interim superintendent, ensuring the district’s leadership continues during this transition period. Board President Sheila Franklin indicated that the position will be formally posted, and the district will engage a consultant to assist in the search for a permanent replacement.
This leadership change at the top of the district comes as Conway faces significant challenges in navigating a rapidly evolving educational landscape. The board’s decision to part ways with Collum is part of a larger trend of district leadership turnover seen across the nation. As the board embarks on a search for a new superintendent, it remains to be seen how the community will respond to the fiscal and leadership shifts, and whether the next leader will be able to meet the growing demands of Conway’s educational system.
The Conway School District, with over 10,000 students, is one of the largest in the state, and its leadership decisions are closely watched by parents, staff, and the community. The outcome of this separation agreement, and the impact it will have on the district’s finances and educational quality, will likely remain a point of discussion in the months ahead. As Conway prepares for the transition, the board’s future decisions will undoubtedly be scrutinized as the district works to balance fiscal accountability with its responsibility to provide a quality education for all students.
This high-profile departure serves as a reminder of the complex and often difficult decisions faced by school boards, as they navigate both financial realities and the pressing needs of the classroom. As the Conway School Board moves forward, the community will be looking closely at how these decisions shape the future of education in the district.
