UPDATE FEB 10, 2025
The Benton School District Board of Education released a statement Monday night that they are “proud to announce the selection of Dr. Chris Nail as the new Superintendent of Schools.” Read more below.
With 27 years of experience in education and nine years as a superintendent, Dr. Nail brings a wealth of knowledge, leadership, and passion to his new role at BSD.
Dr. Nail’s impressive career includes two years as Superintendent of Rose Bud School District and the past seven years leading Beebe School District. Before his tenure as a superintendent, Dr. Nail served in a variety of educational roles, including teacher, coach, building administrator, curriculum coordinator, and athletic director. His diverse experiences have taken him to eight different school districts, where he has consistently demonstrated his dedication to improving educational outcomes for students and fostering strong relationships with staff and the community.
“I am excited and honored to return to the Benton School District, a place that holds so many fond memories for my family and me,” said Dr. Nail. “I look forward to working alongside the Board of Education, staff, and community to continue the tradition of excellence in BSD and support our students’ success.”
Dr. Nail and his wife, Dr. Caroline Nail, share a deep commitment to education. Caroline has 27 years of experience in education and currently serves as Co-Director of Teaching and Learning at the Arkansas Public School Resource Center. She has held roles as a teacher, building administrator, and assistant superintendent in two districts. Married for 26 years, Chris and Caroline are proud parents to two sons, Brooks and Christian. Brooks is a junior, and Christian is a sophomore, both studying at the Walton Business School at the University of Arkansas.
Dr. Nail’s educational credentials include a bachelor’s degree from Hendrix College, a master’s and specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University, and a doctorate from Arkansas Tech University.
Returning to Benton School District, where he previously worked for seven years, Dr. Nail is eager to reconnect with the community and lead the district to new heights. “Benton is an excellent school district with an exceptional reputation. My family and I are thrilled to come back to this community and contribute to its continued success,” Dr. Nail shared.
The Benton School District Board of Education is confident that Dr. Nail’s leadership will build on BSD’s legacy of educational excellence and ensure a bright future for all students.
UPDATE FEB 5, 2025
The Benton School Board will come together in a Special Meeting on Thursday, February 6, 2025, at 7:00 p.m., to interview two candidates for Superintendent. The Board met Tuesday for an initial discussion about a new hire, without candidates present.
See the names of Superintendent Candidates below.
This will be a public meeting, so parents and students may come. However, note that any discussion about the candidates is considered personnel discussion. Therefore, that discussion will be in Executive Session, which is in a private room.
Board President Tadd Farmer told MySaline that a decision will not be announced on Thursday. Previously, Farmer stated the Board hopes to announce a hire by the next regular school board meeting. The next meeting is February 10th.
The meeting location is the Professional Development Center at 211 N. Border in Benton, AR 72015. Benton School Board Members are:
• Tadd Farmer, Zone 4 & Board President
• Karen Hammer, Zone 5 & Board Vice-President
• Boyd Goodner, Zone 2 & Board Secretary
• Justin Dorsey, Zone 1
• Luke Fulcher, Zone 3
• Paul Childress, At Large
• Randy Wright, At Large
See the names of Superintendent Candidates below.
Meeting Agenda Feb 6, 2025:
I. Call to Order
II. Establishment of Quorum
III. Executive Session
IV. Adjournment
MySaline reported on January 17, 2025 that the current Superintendent at Benton Public Schools, Dr. Kim Anderson will retire this summer. Since then, the Board of Directors opened an application period for a replacement. The window closed on Sunday, Feb 2nd, and there will be six candidates, according to Board President Tadd Farmer.
There original six candidates for Superintendent were:
• Dr. Judy Hubbell formerly at Fordyce
• Mr. Joel Linn at Lakeside
• Dr. Steven Watkins at Decatur
• Dr. Erin Slater at Fort Madison, Iowa
• Dr. Chris Nail at Beebe
• Dr. Katina Ray at Responsive Ed. Solutions of Arkansas
Watch for updates here on MySaline.
