Pea Ridge’s superintendent set to leave his post in June

PEA RIDGE — Pea Ridge School District Superintendent Rick Neal has notified the School Board he is resigning.

“I’m saddened because I don’t think there’s any question the district is better off as it is now than it was when he took office,” Jeff Neil, School Board president, said at a meeting on Monday.

The district had 1,858 students when Neal became superintendent five years ago and now has an enrollment of 2,240. He was hired in 2006 as principal of the high school.

Neal’s resignation is effective June 30.

“I’m looking for the next chapter in my life,” Neal said.

Neal, 58, was one of two finalists for director of the Northwest Arkansas Educational Cooperative, a position for which Bryan Law, 57, superintendent of Farmington, was hired.

“Unfortunately, that didn’t work out, but I have other options available,” Neal said.

The School Board president commended Neal on his work getting a new football stadium built. A new high school and gymnasium are under construction.

“We’ve taken a model — a small school district model — and mentality and reached out across the region and state and been very creative working with partnerships. That’s what’s been different in what I’ve done,” Neal said, explaining how he helped facilitate growth while maintaining the roots of community.

Neal, who has been in education for 36 years, said he plans to stay in the area.

“I’m excited about remaining a part of the community and helping this community move forward,” he said.

Neal earns about $127,230 per year in base salary.