By JOEL PHELPS | arkadelphian.com

After a stint as superintendent at the Gurdon Public School District, a longtime Arkadelphia principal is returning to take the reigns as the leader of Arkadelphia Public Schools.

Following an executive session during a special-called meeting Tuesday evening, the Arkadelphia Board of Education voted unanimously to name Nikki Thomas as superintendent.

In a pool of 23 candidates, Thomas was one of four the school board interviewed for the position. She begins her new role on July 1.

“I think [hiring Thomas] proves the unity of this board in representing our community that it was a unanimous decision,” school board member Blake Bell told The Arkadelphian following the meeting.

School board president Casey Motl said he is “thrilled” to have Thomas return to Arkadelphia Public Schools. “She built most of her career here, and we’re all too happy to bring her back on board and help lead us forward.”

School board member Kenneth Harris Jr. added: “She worked at every level. She knows the system from kindergarten through 12th grade. She should be a great superintendent. She knows curriculum and she knows instruction.”

The terms of her contract with the school district are pending.