The Lake Hamilton School District Board of Education voted unanimously during their regular meeting on Monday, December 16, 2024, to name Dr. Tony Thurman as the district’s next Superintendent of Schools. Dr. Thurman will assume his role on July 1, 2025, following the retirement of Superintendent Shawn Higginbotham.
Dr. Thurman will be the 15th superintendent since the district’s founding in 1945, bringing a wealth of experience and an impressive record of achievement to the position.
A Career Marked by Excellence
Dr. Tony Thurman, a Monticello native, has dedicated 36 years to public education. He began his career as a school bus driver and substitute teacher and rose to leadership roles through hard work, commitment, and an unwavering focus on student success.
Highlights of Dr. Thurman’s career include:
2015 Arkansas Superintendent of the Year
by the Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators (AAEA).
Recipient of the 2013 Alumni Award for Achievement and Merit from the University of Arkansas at Monticello.
Superintendent of the Cabot Public School District since 2007, overseeing 10,500 students and 1,450 employees.
Selected for the Harvard Superintendents Academy and participant in the Leadership Development Program at the Center for Creative Leadership in North Carolina.
Service on the Arkansas Child Health Advisory Committee, Arkansas ACT Council, and Arkansas Leadership Academy Advisory Committee.
Recognized for exemplary leadership in AASA's "Leaders Matter" campaign, showcasing districts achieving measurable outcomes under his leadership.
Honored to represent Arkansas on a Lifetouch Memory Mission trip to build a school in the Dominican Republic.
Dr. Thurman has also been an adjunct professor at Arkansas State University since 2004, where he mentors aspiring leaders through The Power of Positive Leadership as a certified trainer by Jon Gordon. His proudest accomplishments are his two successful children, Ryane and Rhett, both of whom are Cabot High School graduates.
The Expertise Driving Dr. Thurman’s Selection
The Lake Hamilton Board of Education proudly shared the key qualities that led to their unanimous selection of Dr. Thurman:
· Proven Leadership Experience: With decades of success leading one of Arkansas’ largest and most dynamic school districts, Dr. Thurman brings unparalleled expertise to navigate both opportunities and challenges with confidence and precision.
· Unwavering Commitment to Excellence: Dr. Thurman’s dedication to student achievement and fostering a culture of innovation has resulted in sustained academic success. We are excited to see his leadership inspire similar outcomes for Lake Hamilton.
· Exceptional Relationship Builder: Known for his personable and approachable nature, Dr. Thurman has a gift for building trust and cultivating strong connections with students, staff, and the community. His leadership style is one that motivates and unites.
· Visionary Insight and Practical Solutions: Dr. Thurman combines a forward-thinking approach with actionable strategies, positioning the district for sustained success and growth.
· Collaborative Leadership: Dr. Thurman prioritizes teamwork and open communication, fostering a culture where educators, staff, and families feel valued and empowered to contribute to the district’s mission.
· Deep Community Focus: His commitment to engaging with parents, educators, and local stakeholders ensures that every voice is heard, creating a unified vision for educational excellence.
Board President Dr. Tiffany McCain remarked, “Dr. Thurman exemplifies the qualities we were seeking in a superintendent—experienced, innovative, and deeply committed to building strong relationships. His vision aligns perfectly with our district’s goals, and we are confident his leadership will be transformative for Lake Hamilton.”
Dr. Thurman’s Vision for Lake Hamilton
Dr. Thurman expressed his gratitude and excitement about this new chapter:
“I am truly honored and grateful to the Lake Hamilton Board of Education for the opportunity to lead this exceptional district. Lake Hamilton is recognized statewide for its excellence, and I look forward to continuing the important work already in place. I am eager to meet the dedicated faculty, staff, students, families and community members who make Lake Hamilton so special. Together, we will foster a supportive, innovative, and empowering learning environment for all students. The best is yet to come!”
Dr. Thurman also acknowledged the accomplishments of outgoing Superintendent Shawn Higginbotham:
“Mr. Higginbotham has done incredible work during his tenure. I am committed to building upon the strong foundation he has established.”
Community Opportunities to Meet Dr. Thurman
Dr. Thurman will begin meeting district leaders, teachers, and staff in January and throughout February of 2025. A Community Meet & Greet will be held on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, in the Alumni Hall of Wolf Arena during the Lake Hamilton vs. Lakeside basketball game. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. and continue until halftime of the boys’ game.
“We are excited to introduce Dr. Thurman to our students, parents, and community members,” said the Board. “This is an exciting new chapter for Lake Hamilton, and we are confident his leadership will positively impact our district for years to come.”