Melissa Powell has been named Assistant Superintendent for the El Dorado School District, replacing Rhonda Simmons who retired this summer. Mrs. Powell also oversees Human Resources.
Powell has been in the El Dorado School District for over 20 years and is beginning her 28th year in education. She began her teaching career in the Camden-Fairview School District as a 4th and 5th grade teacher. She moved to El Dorado in 2000 as a Counselor at Yocum Elementary. Powell has served this district as an Assistant Principal in each of the elementary schools, then as a Principal at Northwest and Yocum.
In 2016, Mrs. Powell was promoted to the Director of Human Resources and moved to the Administration Office. She says she has really enjoyed the transition from being a Principal to Human Resources because it fits her personality and passion. “Supporting and helping people develop into the best they can be – whether that is students or teachers – is really what education is all about. I’m grateful for the people that poured into me to help me become a better teacher and I just want to do the same for our teachers now.”
In addition to her duties as Director of Human Resources, Mrs. Powell’s new role as Assistant Superintendent will include being involved in school finances, facilities, and initiatives. “I look forward to taking on new challenges,” Powell says. “I believe my career thus far has prepared me for this new role and I look forward to continuing to support our staff in all respects so they can better support our students.”
Powell received her bachelor’s degree from Henderson State University and her Master’s in Counseling from Southern Arkansas University. She also holds certification as an Administrator and most recently completed her Superintendent’s certification from Southern Arkansas University.