By JOEL PHELPS | The Arkadelphian

In a special-called meeting Thursday evening, the Arkadelphia Board of Education voted 5-1 to appoint Lori Smith to fill the Zone 4 vacancy left by Jeff Root.

The board made its decision following a nearly 50-minute executive session during which the panel discussed the appointment. Upon reconvening in public, board member Matt Johnson made the motion to accept Smith’s nomination, followed by a second from Gina White. A show of hands led to the 5-1 vote, with Kenneth Harris Jr. dissenting.

Smith was one of four candidates who submitted a letter of interest to fulfill the vacancy.

Smith is a doctor of nursing practice and advanced practice registered nurse at Compass Healthcare in Arkadelphia. She holds medical degrees from the Baptist Health School of Nursing, University of Central Arkansas and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center.

Smith’s term will run through November 2024, at which time the position will be up for re-election.