The position replaces the more conventional, and better known, athletics director and was described in the job listing as a “newly reorganized role is responsible for enhancing all aspects of student-athlete development in the classroom, on the practice and event field, and in the community for all student interscholastic activities as outlined by the Arkansas Athletic [sic] Association (AAA).”
The list of 20 was released by the district after a Freedom of Information Act request and the listed salary range is $81,881 to $116,108.
Among the applicants are some familiar names as well as some with widely divergent backgrounds, but all have at least some roots in coaching and education.
Whomever is hired will be replacing Gary Davis, who spent 43 years at the district, before retiring this past May. The district hasn’t released a timeline of the hiring process and they’re also seeking a new football coach, to replace Randy Sandefur, who left the school after 40 years to be the new director of Parks & Rec for the city of North Little Rock.
As for the familiar names, that’s Wes Bilon.
Currently an assistant principal at the high school, Bilon is a former basketball coach, who was a long-time assistant for the ‘Cats while also leading the wildly successful junior program that spent most seasons undefeated.
Bilon would also be the most conventional choice and has among his references most of the current athletic department.
There’s also some strong applicants like Nick Newman, a former All-American football player at the University of Central Arkansas, and current athletics director at Vilonia schools, as well as some strong contenders with current collegiate experience.
North Little Rock: Search for new 'athletics director' gets wide range of applicants
North Little Rock: Search for new 'athletics director' gets wide range of applicants
North Little Rock: Search for new 'athletics director' gets wide range of applicants
A total of 20 people have applied to be the new “Director of Student-Athlete Development and Academic Engagement” at North Little Rock School District.
The position replaces the more conventional, and better known, athletics director and was described in the job listing as a “newly reorganized role is responsible for enhancing all aspects of student-athlete development in the classroom, on the practice and event field, and in the community for all student interscholastic activities as outlined by the Arkansas Athletic [sic] Association (AAA).”
The list of 20 was released by the district after a Freedom of Information Act request and the listed salary range is $81,881 to $116,108.
Among the applicants are some familiar names as well as some with widely divergent backgrounds, but all have at least some roots in coaching and education.
Whomever is hired will be replacing Gary Davis, who spent 43 years at the district, before retiring this past May. The district hasn’t released a timeline of the hiring process and they’re also seeking a new football coach, to replace Randy Sandefur, who left the school after 40 years to be the new director of Parks & Rec for the city of North Little Rock.
As for the familiar names, that’s Wes Bilon.
Currently an assistant principal at the high school, Bilon is a former basketball coach, who was a long-time assistant for the ‘Cats while also leading the wildly successful junior program that spent most seasons undefeated.
Bilon would also be the most conventional choice and has among his references most of the current athletic department.
There’s also some strong applicants like Nick Newman, a former All-American football player at the University of Central Arkansas, and current athletics director at Vilonia schools, as well as some strong contenders with current collegiate experience.
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There’s also several who currently work for the state Department of Education.
List of applicants
Tyler Chenault, Department of Education, former North Little Rock teacher and coach
Jasmin Davis, Counselor, Conway schools
Eric Redmon, Teacher and coach LRSD, who also applied for football job
Jerry Bruce, Teacher and coach PCSSD
John Anderson, Teacher and coach PCSSD
Wes Bilon, Assistant North Little Rock High principal, former teacher and coach
Terry Lawson, Teacher, LRSD
Nick Newman, Athletics director Vilonia
Karissa Campbell, Teacher/coach Fayetteville public schools and former college adminitrator
Daniel Muilenburg, Department of Education
Donald Thomas, Teacher and coach, Decatur schools
Belford Williams, University of Oklahoma, Student Athlete Development & Well Being Coordinator
Charles Kinser, Administration, Sheridan schools
Desha Parker, Parks & Rec director, city of West Memphis. Is also a lawyer and former Quorum Court member
Nick Anderson, Assistant principal and athletics director LRSD
Arron DeGracia, Administration at Pulaski Tech
Fredrick Holmes, Assistant AD for Compliance and Academics, Metropolitan State University of Denver
Jessica Hickman, Department of Education
Jamie Carter, head coach football coach at Osceola, former NFL player
Dale (Chip) McDonald, Coach/teacher Calico Rock