GENTRY — Judy Winslett, assistant superintendent of the Gentry School District, submitted her letter of resignation on Monday, May 15, and, after June 30, will be working full-time as an assistant professor in the graduate education program at John Brown University in Siloam Springs, where she will teach classes in education and in school counseling.
Winslett said she was torn between continuing her work in the Gentry School District and expanding her work as an assistant professor at the JBU graduate school to help train educators and counselors in working with children and families. After prayerful consideration, Winslett said she believes she was led to accept the full-time post at JBU.
Winslett spearheaded the work to make Gentry High School a conversion charter school and to provide more career training for students at the high school. She has worked together with businesses and colleges to bring career training to the Gentry district and to obtain the necessary instructors, equipment and supplies to do the training.
"I have enjoyed every position that I have had the honor of holding, but have especially enjoyed the conversion charter movement, as it has provided additional educational opportunities for Gentry students," Winslett said. "Without the support of our community, we would not have been able to see this to fruition. Whether college bound, career bound, or both, Gentry students have the opportunity to leave high school prepared for the next step in life."
In addition to helping Gentry High School obtain charter school status, she also has worked hard to get a diesel mechanics lab and career classroom facility for Gentry students. And that facility is currently under construction, thanks to the district voters approving a millage increase for that facility and for a new classroom facility at the Gentry Intermediate School.
Winslett has been with the Gentry Public Schools for 18 years. She also worked three years in Gravette and two years in Jay, Okla., prior to coming to Gentry.
Winslett summarized her work in the Gentry School District — three years as a high school counselor, five years as assistant high school principal, three years as high school principal, four and one half years as federal programs/curriculum coordinator and two and one half years as assistant superintendent.
The Gentry School Board, following an executive session, accepted Winslett's resignation and unanimously approved buying back her vacation and sick leave time with the district.
The school board is currently working on forming a screening committee made up of a board member, school staff and community members to help in the selection of a new assistant superintendent.
A special meeting to set up this committee has been called for immediately before the Gentry high School graduation ceremonies at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 21. Anyone interested in serving on the committee should contact a school board member.