At a called board meeting on March 31, 2025, the RSD Board of Education announced the top 2 finalists in the Superintendent Search with Education Partners. Mr. Jeff Holt, current Deputy Superintendent of Russellville School District, and Dr. Luke Lovins, current Superintendent of Bay School District, are the two finalists who will continue in the search process. Information on each candidate can be found below.
Mr. Jeff Holt
Education & Credentials:
Mr. Jeff Holt holds a Superintendent Certification from the University of Central Arkansas, a Master’s in Curriculum Instruction from Harding University, and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems from the University of Arkansas – Fayetteville. He is a licensed Arkansas educator with extensive experience in operational management, financial planning, and strategic district leadership.
Professional Experience:
With nearly 30 years in education, Mr. Holt currently serves as Deputy Superintendent of Russellville School District (since 2022). Previously, he was Assistant to the Superintendent - Operations (2021-2022) and Director of Safety (2015-2021). He has also held leadership positions as an Assistant Principal, Head High School Football Coach, and Business Teacher. His career spans district operations, safety management, financial strategy, and instructional leadership, with a focus on student success, staff development, and stakeholder engagement.
Key Achievements:
Strategic Planning & Educational Leadership: Assisted in leading the development of the district’s first strategic plan since 2014, ensuring alignment with internal and external stakeholders.
Operational & Financial Management: Oversaw district-wide operations, including facilities, transportation, technology integration, child nutrition, and extracurricular activities. Directed financial planning, staffing operations, and capital improvements for long-term sustainability.
School Safety & Crisis Management: Established a district-wide emergency alert system, developed comprehensive safety procedures, and launched the Commissioned School Safety Officer Program to enhance campus security.
Professional Learning & Teacher Collaboration: Designed and implemented Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), ensuring structured teacher collaboration to improve instructional effectiveness.
Community & Stakeholder Engagement: Created initiatives such as the RSD Staff Ambassador Program and the Faith Council, fostering strong partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and leaders.
Student-Centered Digital Learning: Ensured access to technology and digital learning tools to enhance student achievement and provide teachers with cutting-edge instructional resources.
Dr. Luke Lovins
Education & Credentials:
Dr. Luke Lovins holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Arkansas Tech University, an Education Specialist Degree (Ed.S.) and a Master of Science in Education (M.S.E.) from Arkansas State University. He is a licensed District and Building Administrator in Arkansas and certified in multiple subject areas, including Social Studies, Language Arts, Science, Math, PE/Wellness, and Coaching.
Professional Experience:
With over 18 years in education, Dr. Lovins currently serves as Superintendent of Bay School District (since 2020). Previously, he led Rose Bud School District as Superintendent (2018-2020) and served as Principal at Paragould High School (2015-2018). His career spans teaching, coaching, and administrative leadership, focusing on student success, faculty growth, and district-wide innovation.
Key Achievements:
District Leadership & Strategic Planning: Spearheaded district-wide vision and mission development, ensuring alignment with community and stakeholder priorities. Managed multi-million-dollar budgets and oversaw district-wide financial planning, staffing, and policy development.
Educational Technology & Innovation: Led cultural shifts in technology integration, incorporating diverse teaching strategies, digital tools, and instructional innovations to enhance student learning outcomes.
Community & Legislative Engagement: Built and maintained relationships with school board members, parents, local universities, business leaders, and elected officials to advocate for policies positively impacting student achievement.
Staff Development & Retention: Designed and implemented comprehensive professional development programs that foster faculty growth and internal leadership promotion. Monitored and supported instructional staff to improve pedagogical effectiveness and student achievement.
School Safety & Facility Management: Ensured the security and maintenance of district facilities, providing safe and conducive learning environments for students and staff. Oversaw renovations and infrastructure improvements aligned with long-term educational needs.
Student-Centered Initiatives: Expanded extracurricular programs, advanced STEM and technology initiatives, and implemented student success strategies, including targeted interventions and academic enrichment opportunities.
The resumes for the finalists can be found here: https://www.rsdk12.net/documents/superintendent-search/finalist-resumes-%26-profiles/782090
Next Steps: Information regarding further details in the search process will be provided soon.
For more information on the Superintendent Search, go to the RSD Superintendent Search landing page found here: https://www.rsdk12.net/page/rsd-superintendent-search