Nehus eager to lead HSSD
Stephanie Nehus, associate superintendent of learning service, was eager for the chance to succeed Mike Hernandez as superintendent of the Hot Springs School District after he submitted his resignation earlier this month.
Hot Springs School Board President Steve White said during a special meeting on April 6 Hernandez’s resignation was accepted with “deep regrets” during a spe-
cial meeting at the Jones School Historic Building. Hernandez was hired by the Arkansas Department of Education and the Southeast Arkansas Education Service Cooperative in Monticello as superintendent of the state office of coordinated support and service.
“I was approached as to my interest and was, of course, very interested,” Nehus said. “I have been in the district for eight years and have had the opportunity to work hand-in-hand with Dr. Hernandez over the last two years and be involved in everything that’s going on in our district. Mr. White said it was a ‘natural fit,’ and it really was.
I can step in and continue the work we are doing.
“So the transition will be smooth and that was the goal. Any time there is a change in leadership, there is a lot of uneasiness and a lot of concern of what is going to happen, what might change and what might not change.”
Nehus started as a mathematics teacher at Benton Junior High School in 1998 and later became secondary curriculum coordinator for the Benton School District.
“I love teaching and I love being with kids,” Nehus said. “I was presented an opportunity because of my performance in the classroom to move out of the classroom, which sometimes happens, to become a curriculum coordinator. When I took that administrative step, it just evolved.”
Nehus was an assistant principal and principal in the Stuttgart School District until she was hired as principal of Langston Aerospace and Environmental Studies Magnet School. She became the district’s director of secondary education before she transitioned into her most recent role.
Her experience includes classroom and direct interaction with students from prekindergarten through the eighth grade. Her administrative roles with Hot Springs included duties for Hot Springs World Class High School.
“I don’t know that I ever dreamed to be a superintendent,” Nehus said. “I didn’t when I started. I feel like I am a fabulous right-hand person. I am a hard worker and I can get things done. Him moving on and realizing all that I have done and all of my experiences, I knew I was prepared. I’m ready.”
Nehus is originally from Kansas, has lived in Hot Springs since 1988 and her children attend Park International Baccalaureate Magnet School. She received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Henderson State University in Arkadelphia and a Doctorate in Educational Administration and Curriculum from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
Hernandez was hired by Hot Springs in April 2013. The district hired the McPherson and Jacobson executive search firm to conduct the hiring process and received 27 applications from administrators in 10 different states. Nehus was not among three administrators within the district to apply.
“I was probably ready then, too,” Nehus said. “I just wasn’t sure that was that step I wanted to take then. I have had a lot more experiences in the last two years that I am totally confident I can take off on July 1 and keep moving.
“I really do not see much changing come July 1, other than Dr. Hernandez not being here to ask questions if I need to ask them, but he will still be close.”
The school board interviewed Nehus in executive session during the same special meeting on April 6 in which Hernandez’s resignation was accepted.
“I really am very, very excited, I am very honored and I am very humbled to have the opportunity to serve,” Nehus said. “I consider myself a servant leader. That is the direction I will go to serve the district to the best of my ability, serve our staff, serve our students, serve our families and serve our community.”
Nehus said she plans to work closely with Hernandez through the end of the school year to transition into the role. She said her goal is to do whatever is needed for the district to ensure students have the best opportunities and become productive members of society.
“I feel like that is our No. 1 job as a school system — to make sure we produce citizens that can give back to our community,” Nehus said. “That is going to be my focus. I am going to be easily accessible. I want people to feel comfortable. I feel like we have a great rapport with our community and a great reputation, and I want that to continue.
“I hope people already feel like they can come and talk any time they have any questions, concerns or ideas. I want that to continue. I look forward. I am very, very excited for the opportunity.”