Smith pick to aid struggling schools

Stacy Smith, assistant commissioner for learning services in the Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, will become the state superintendent for coordinated support and service, effective July 1, Arkansas Education Secretary Johnny Key said Thursday.

Smith will replace Mike Hernandez in the role in which he and his staff worked with academically and financially struggling schools.

Hernandez has been hired to be the executive director of the Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators. He will start with the association on July 1, replacing Richard Abernathy in the organization’s top position when Abernathy retires in December.