By The Arkadelphian

A total of 18 school administrators from around the state so far have applied for the top spot of Arkadelphia Public Schools.

An 18th candidate, Laura Strickland, of Helena-West Helena, submitted her resume this week. Strickland is currently the deputy superintendent of Helena-West Helena School District, a position she has held since June 2021. Prior to that Strickland had, since 2009, held administrative roles at Pine Bluff School District, Little Rock School District and Lee County School District in Marianna.

The interviewing process is expected to begin in May, according to School Board President Casey Motl.

The search for a superintendent began in February, when Karla Neathery accepted the top position at Sheridan Public School District.

The entire list to date includes:

• Suzette Anderson

• Bobby Applegate

• J. Lance Arbuckle

• William Jason Arrington

• Jennifer Barbara

• Bruce Bryant

• Marvin Burton

• Rick Gales

• Gabriel D. Jackson

• Lloyd Jackson

• Lisa Kisser

• Robert Keith McDaniel

• Carla Narlesky

• Michael D. Odom

• Jeff Spaletta

• Laura Strickland

• Tiffany Thrash

• Steven Watkins