Mike Poore, a former superintendent of LRSD, discusses Dr. Jermall Wright’s resignation

Little Rock, Arkansas – After learning about Jermall Wright’s departure, former superintendent of the Little Rock School District Mike Poore expressed his opinions.

Poore claimed that learning that Wright, the incumbent superintendent, had departed after two years caught him off guard.

Poore remarked, “I hate that we have to go through this transition right now.”

Beginning in 2016, Poore led LRSD for six years as superintendent. Poore commended Wright’s numerous achievements and succeeded in removing the LRSD from state control.

“His work was excellent,” Poore stated. “He and the board had accomplished a great deal.”

Greg Adams, a member of the LRSD school board, stated in May 2022 that the district is the second largest and most complex in the state following the announcement of Wright’s hiring.

Poore concurs that the fact that LRSD is located in the state capital of Arkansas and receives distinct attention “whether there’s good things going on or something more challenging” makes it a special district.

The battle of enrollment is one of the difficulties Poore mentioned he had to deal with, and it remains a problem for LRSD.

According to Poore, “it is a much more competitive situation with the LEARNS Act.” “Obviously, charters have always existed and are a factor in Little Rock, but since I left, they have added a few more.”

According to the former superintendent, LRSD needs to “have a great educational delivery that starts with being able to get kids to read” in order to compete. I am aware that was Dr. Wright’s and my team’s main focus.

When children move to post-secondary education, he continued, it’s critical to have a strong career program, which LRSD “has done exceptionally well at.”

Working with the board of directors was difficult for him at the time, but Poore noted that “that’s not uncommon for any place in this country.”
He claimed that because LRSD has nine board members as opposed to other districts’ seven or five, things are a little more complicated.

Poore stated, “As you try to move forward with people accepting change, there’s always sometimes a little tension.” “Yes, that did occur occasionally during my tenure, and Dr. Wright has experienced some of that as well.”

Poore isn’t ruling out a comeback while the board is going through a transition.

“I would do anything to help the board or Dr. Wright—as everyone knows, I love Little Rock and the Little Rock School District,” Poore declared.

Poore pointed out that while it may take some time to find the ideal substitute, this could be a positive indication.

“Having something this complicated and significant means it shouldn’t be decided upon quickly; instead, it should be carefully considered,” he stated.

The board of the Little Rock School District met on Monday to talk about Dr. Wright’s departure and the succession plan for his replacement. Nothing was decided. There will be another meeting on Thursday at 5:30 p.m.