District appoints deputy school chief

FORT SMITH — Martin Mahan was appointed deputy superintendent on Dec. 14, according to a news release.

Mahan’s appointment comes after Terry Morawski, who had been deputy superintendent since July 2018, was promoted by the School Board to the superintendent position on Nov. 10. The school district announced that same day that Doug Brubaker, superintendent since January 2017, had been named the lone finalist for superintendent of the Texarkana, Texas, Independent School District. Brubaker begins his new job on Jan. 4.

The School Board voted to enter into a contract with Morawski on Nov. 30, which will run from Dec. 31 through June 30, 2023.

Mahan has served as the school district’s assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction since July 2019, having-worked in public education for nearly 30 years, according to the release. Other positions he has held at the district include assistant superintendent of human resources and campus support; executive director of human resources; director of secondary education; principal at Northside High School; principal at Kimmons Junior High; assistant principal at Darby Junior High; and social worker/counselor and instructor at Belle Point Alternative Center.

Mahan holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Henderson State University, a master’s in education from the University of Arkansas, and an educational specialist degree from Arkansas Tech University, the release states.

“Mr. Mahan brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this role,” Morawski said in the release. “He is Fort Smith Public Schools proud and I am honored to serve with him as he enters this new role with the district.”

“As deputy superintendent, I look forward to continuing to work alongside the incredible educators and staff at Fort Smith Public Schools,” Mahan said in the release.