Article by Emily Wang, White River Now
The Batesville School Board approved the hiring of Dr. Ginni McDonald as the district’s next superintendent during a special meeting Friday night.
McDonald will succeed Superintendent Dr. Kenneth James, who assisted the board in identifying candidates for the position.
McDonald brings extensive experience in educational leadership, having served in several roles within the Fort Smith School District:
- Executive director of strategic initiatives and planning
- Director of secondary education
- High school principal at Northside High School
- Assistant principal at Northside High School
- Assistant principal at Kimmons Junior High School
- She also worked as an assistant principal in the Greenwood School District and as a special education teacher.
- McDonald is leaving the Russellville School District, where she has served as superintendent since March 2022.
Recently, the National School Public Relations Association recognized McDonald as one of the top 25 superintendents in the nation with fewer than five years of experience. The award cited her dynamic leadership and strong communication skills.
The Batesville School Board plans to finalize McDonald’s contract in the coming days. Her tenure as superintendent will begin July 1, 2025.
Image provided by the Batesville School District
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