Pulaski County Special School District

Temporary hearing procedure for PCSSD during state operation

On June 20, 2011, Arkansas Education Commissioner Dr. Tom Kimbrell exercised his authority pursuant to the Omnibus Education Act of 2003 allowing the state to take over operations of the Pulaski County Special School District (“the District”). Dr. Kimbrell has appointed Dr. Jerry Guess as superintendent. Dr. Jerry Guess will administratively operate the District under the supervision and approval of Dr. Kimbrell. Accordingly, Dr. Kimbrell now serves as the “Board of Education” for the District. As a result of the state intervention, student disciplinary appeals and employee hearings, routinely heard by the District’s Board of Education, will now be heard by an impartial three-member panel which will make findings of fact and recommendations to Dr. Kimbrell for his consideration in making a final decision on the matters. The Commissioner will appoint five (5) members to the panel who will serve on a rotating basis, and the panel will be chaired by Mr. Danny Knight, a former educational administrator.

PCSSD has a new full-time Superintendent

Arkansas Education Commissioner Dr. Tom Kimbrell today announces that Dr. Jerry Guess, a respected veteran school administrator, has been appointed as superintendent of the Pulaski County Special School District.

Guess comes to the PCSSD with more than 30 years experience in education. He’s been the superintendent of the Camden-Fairview district in Ouachita County for 15 years.

A message from Dr. Tom W. Kimbrell

Students, Parents, Staff and Communities:

The Arkansas Department of Education has taken control of the Pulaski County Special School District. The superintendent and school board have been dismissed.

Former Superintendent Bobby Lester will lead the district until a permanent district leader is hired. Mr. Lester is well respected throughout Arkansas education circles and is dedicated to helping restore accountability and confidence in the district. Mr. Lester retired from the PCSSD in 1999 after 34 years, including 15 as superintendent.