GENTRY — The School Board agreed Monday to promote one of its administrators to be the School District's next superintendent.
Terrie Metz, the district's federal programs and curriculum coordinator, will take over as superintendent July 1. She'll succeed Randy Barrett, who's retiring at the end of the school year after serving as Gentry's superintendent for nearly 25 years.
Barrett sent an email to staff members Monday night announcing the board's decision.
"I believe her leadership style will foster a dedicated, highly committed approach to the mission of the district which is ... to work with the community in providing safe and successful experiences for each student," Barrett wrote. "I offer her my personal congratulations and look forward to working with her in the transition."
Metz was one of eight applicants eligible for the job. Jay Chalk, principal of Gravette High School; and Christopher Ferrell, assistant superintendent of the Manila School District, also were interviewed for the job, according to Gary Dunlap, a board member and chairman of the committee screening the candidates.
The district consists of four schools and an enrollment of about 1,400 students.
Metz has spent nearly 30 years in education. This is her 12th year with Gentry and her second year as the district's federal programs and curriculum coordinator. She served five years as assistant principal at Gentry High School and taught math at the intermediate and middle school levels prior to that. She was twice chosen as teacher of the year at the intermediate school.
Metz earned her bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Wyoming and is working on an advanced degree from Harding University. She and her husband live in Gentry, and her two children are graduates of Gentry High School.
Metz wasn't available for comment Tuesday.
Barrett notified the board in November of his intention to retire at the end of this school year. The board appointed a nine-person committee to screen candidates for the job.
Dunlap said Metz's familiarity with the district and the impact she's had on students during her time in Gentry made an impression on the committee.
"I think the committee felt she was the best fit for the district now and in the years to come," he said.
Barrett, 61, is Benton County's longest-serving school superintendent. He started in 1992 after serving five years as a junior high school principal in Dumas.
As superintendent, Barrett has overseen the addition of several facilities, managed seven successful millage campaigns and almost doubled the beginning teacher's salary from what it was when he started, according to a list of accomplishments he provided. The board rated him as proficient during his most recent annual review in December.
Whereas he's spent much of his time focused on improving the district's facilities, Barrett said he believes Metz will focus more on teaching and learning.
"I think that's her strength. She will be a different superintendent than what I've been. I'm not saying that's good or bad, I'm just saying it's different. I believe what she will bring to the table in her leadership is what the district is needing now."