Noble doesn't make the final cut in Blytheville's Superintendent race

Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Deanna Coronado

Jerry Noble Superintendent of Kennett School District No. 39
[Click to enlarge]

Members of Blytheville Public School's Board of Education decided in a special session meeting on Friday not to hire Kennett Public School's current Superintendent, Jerry Noble, as the replacement administrator to fill the shoes of retiring leader, Dr. Bruce Daniels.

According to a report from Blytheville Courier News, Richard Atwill, who has served as principal of Blytheville Middle School for the past six years, will become superintendent following the board's decision on Friday. Atwill will take on the new role July 1, 2009.

Noble, Atwill, and two other candidates, Marvin Burton of Little Rock, Ark., and Dr. Arthur Tucker of Texarkana, Ark., were originally among a total of 21 applicants for the position before school board members voted to narrow the list to seven potential new-hires, and then trim the list again to only four.

According to the Blytheville Courier, Board president Marietta Jerome said seven of the eight board members voted to hire Atwill, with member Gene Henton abstaining from the vote.

Henton told the Courier in a phone interview that he abstained because he "didn't exactly agree with what had transpired."

He said he did not wish to elaborate, adding that he wants to "wait and see what happens."

Jerome told the Courier that Atwill was the best choice for the position after the interviews were concluded.

"He rose to the top" of the heap of 21 applicants, Jerome said. "He will do the best job for our schools and our community," she later added.

Noble interviewed for the Blytheville superintendent position on Monday, Feb. 23.

Of his decision to consider his options with another district, Noble said "I was provided the opportunity to interview and felt like I should at least take advantage of the chance and see if it would be a good fit for me."

As superintendent for Kennett Public Schools, Noble's contract will see him through the 2010-2011 academic year.