Mahan on the Move
Meet the Superintendent
Four public "Meet the Superintendent" meetings will be held throughout the school year. These events will give families, staff, and community members the chance to connect directly with Mr. Mahan. Each session will increase accessibility, foster open dialogue, and highlight important FSPS initiatives.
Intended Attendees: Public
September 30
Location: Fort Smith Public Library (Main Branch)
Time: 5:30 PM
November 18
Location: MLK Park Activity Center/Elm Grove Community Center
Time: 11:00 AM
January 22, 2026
Location: Cavanaugh Senior Center
Time: 5:30 PM
March 17, 2026
Location: Bakery District
Time: 1:00 PM
Listening Tours
Mr. Mahan will hold a listening tour, in which he will meet with the staff at each school in the district. The purpose is to get feedback directly from staff members on the barriers of student achievement, things the district could do to improve, and what the superintendent can do to help staff have a successful year.
Dates will be updated as they are scheduled.
Intended Attendees: Staff
Community Advisory Council
The Community Advisory Council is made up of community leaders, partners, and stakeholders from across Fort Smith who come together to support the success of Fort Smith Public Schools. The council provides insight, guidance, and feedback on district initiatives, helping to strengthen partnerships between schools and the broader community. By fostering collaboration, the council ensures that district decisions reflect a wide range of perspectives and community needs.
The Community Advisory Council operates on a two-year cycle, with members selected to ensure representation from many areas of the community.
First Meeting
September 26, 1:00 p.m.
Service Center, Building B
Future meeting dates will be set during this session.
Advisory Committee Members
Cathy Creekmore - Harry Robinson
Chuck Peacock - Bruce and Terry's
Mayor George McGill - City of Fort Smith
Grace Wilmath - Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce
Greg Murray - City of Barling
Herbert McGill - Fort Smith Round Table
Isaac Salazar - Antioch for Youth and Family
Judge Leigh Zuerker - Sebastion County Circuit Court
Lori Winesburg - Arvest Bank
Lyska Dilworth - ArcBest
Malea Hendricks - First National Bank
Captain Philip Pevehouse - Sheriff's Department
Sarah Strom - Fort Kids Museum
Shannon Smith - Baptist Health
Shea Foldvary - United Way
Chancellor Terisa C. Riley - University of Arkansas Fort Smith
Tim Bailey - Candy Craze
Todd Marshell - Arkansas College of Health Education
Tracy Hudson - Noon Exchange
Zena Featherston Marshall - Mercy Community Volunteer
Parent, Guardian, and Student Council
The Parent, Guardian, and Student Council brings together school community members to share ideas, provide feedback, and strengthen connections within Fort Smith Public Schools. The council creates an opportunity for open dialogue and collaboration, ensuring that district initiatives and priorities reflect the voices and needs of the school communities.
Member Selection: Members are recommended by school principals.
First Meeting
October 2, 2:00 p.m.
Service Center, Building B
Future meeting dates will be determined during the first session.
Advisory Committee Members
Megan Cain - Sunnymede
Patrick Claggett - Ballman
Shauntae Flemming - Park
Danilla Gasperado - Morrison
Megan Hammer - Woods
Jennifer Hawley - Darby
Trey Jackson - Northside
Rocio Johnson - Kimmons
Kristi Kindrick - Northside
Malarie McFerran - Ramsey
Michelle Medina - Bonneville
Ashley Morehead - Chaffin
Amara Shepard-White - Northside
Tammy Stacy - Southside
Ande Terrell - Fairview
KimberLeighAnn Turner - Spradling
Elementary Principal Advisory Councils
Principal Advisory Councils provide a platform for students to voice opinions and ideas, fostering a sense of ownership and involvement in their school community. Members play an important role in school improvement, communication, and decision-making processes. Council members express views on school-related matters, promote positive communication between students, teachers, and administration, and develop leadership skills and teamwork abilities.
Students engage in a variety of activities, including conducting surveys, providing feedback, planning and organizing school events, and promoting positive change.
Benefits:
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Empowers students
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Improves the social climate
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Enhances learning
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Creates future leaders
Superintendent's Student Advisory Council
Since 2017, the FSPS Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council has provided solutions-oriented feedback to the superintendent and executive team. The students communicate their challenges and experiences to better inform staff about their experiences and needs. Through this volunteer work, the students develop leadership skills while collaborating with district staff. Some students apply to the council based on their interest in serving, while others serve as part of an elected position at their school.
The Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council meets monthly on these dates:
- September 17, 2025: 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
- October 7, 2025: 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
- November 12, 2025: 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
- December 2, 2025: 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
- January 13, 2026: 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
- February 10, 2026: 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
- March 10, 2026: 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
- April 7, 2026: 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Application Process
Students are selected for the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council through an annual application process. Applicants should demonstrate an interest in leadership, collaboration, and representing the student voice. Details about the application timeline and requirements are shared with schools each year.
