Smith, Birchfield seek seat on Smackover-Norphlet School Board

On Tuesday’s ballot, regardless of party, voter within the Smackover-Norphlet School District will choose a new school board member.

Incumbent Lynn Birchfield, 60 of Smackover, and challenger Nathaniel J. Smith, 61 of Smackover, are both vying for the five-year term as the Zone 3, Position 1 representative. Occupation Birchfield: Bookkeeper at Smackover Motors,

Inc. Smith: Retired Education Birchfield: Accounting night classes at Oil Belt Vocational-Technical School, now known as the East Campus of South Arkansas Community College. Smith: Bachelor of science in education. Family Birchfield: One son in Magnolia, one stepson and stepdaughter in Smackover, two grandchildren in Smackover and three grandchildren in Magnolia.

Smith: Three children: Nathan Smith, of Garland, Texas; Brian Smith, of Huntington Beach, California; and Brandon Smith, of Smackover. Four grandchildren. Past political experience, if any Birchfield: Served on the Smackover-Norphlet School Board since 2007.

Smith: Served on the Norphlet School Board from 1997-2014, including as past president.

What are the responsibilities of the position and how would you tackle the job? Birchfield: “We must be in compliance with state and federal laws. School boards establish policies and regulations which govern our school. To work with our school staff and our community and improve student achievement in our schools.” Smith: “Ensure that we are in compliance with state mandates; support administration and staff by ensuring that they have the proper resources to be successful in the classroom; keep a balanced budget.” Why did you choose to run? Birchfield: “I love our school and combined communities.” Smith: “Concerned about the future of our youth.”

What makes you the best person for the job? Birchfield: “I have experience being on the board since 2007. I work well with the superintendent and other board members, but have no problem voicing my opinion when needed.”

Smith: “Past school board experience and concerned about future of our youth.”

What is your position on the Public School choice Act?

Birchfield: “I am for school choice.” Smith: “I think that a child should attend school in the district that they reside. But we must look at each case individually.”

The Smackover-Norphlet School District has worked to provide opportunities for students to study STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and other career/technical education. Is there any other area you want it to explore next? What direction would you like the district to go in? Birchfield: “We have so much to offer students now. I like the path we are going in now and want to continue to look for more opportunities for our students.”

Smith: “I think that we are headed in the right direction. Students can decide to pursue a college or technical degree.”

With active shooter incidents at multiple schools across the country in mind, how do you think administrators should tackle school security?

Birchfield: “As we are now doing at SNSD. We have an on-site resource officer, training for our staff, seeking advice from others and looking at all areas of security for our students and staff.”

Smith: “Administrators must constantly look at ways to improve security. Because what’s working today may not work as well next year.”