New superintendent named for Arkansas School for the Deaf
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – A new superintendent has been named for The Arkansas School for the Deaf after an extensive search by the school’s board.
Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Secretary of Education Jacob Oliva said in a joint release late Tuesday that Nicole Walsh has been named the school’s new superintendent. A spokesperson said Walsh is a veteran educator who is certified in K-12 deaf/hard of hearing and visual impairment.
Walsh will collaborate with Arkansas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired leadership, officials said.
A spokesperson for the governor said the board of trustees for both schools interviewed a total of 10 candidates. The board voted to hire Walsh at its Tuesday meeting.
Officials said Walsh had previously been a deaf/hard of hearing teacher and program specialist for Volusia County Schools in Florida, where she provided coaching support to general education and special education teachers. In 2021, she was named president of the Florida Educators for the Deaf/Hard of Hearing, a position she held for three years. She also has advanced skills in American Sign Language.
“I am excited to have the opportunity to serve as superintendent,” Walsh said. “Although there is much work to be done to improve student learning and facilities, I am eager to roll up my sleeves and collaborate with experts at both schools and ADE, as well as families and the community, to maximize learning opportunities and create an educational experience that deaf/hard of hearing and blind/visually impaired students throughout the state deserve.”
Sanders spoke highly of Walsh’s qualifications.
“Nicole Walsh has years of experience in deaf and hard of hearing education from around the country and is the perfect candidate to lead the Arkansas School for the Deaf,” the governor said. “All Arkansas students deserve a quality education in an environment tailored to their needs, and I know Nicole will help us fulfill that commitment.”
Sanders continued that Walsh would be a key partner in improvements to both schools, a project she announced in February.
Secretary Oliva spoke about Walsh’s commitment.
“Not only is she an educator, but Ms. Walsh is committed to ensuring students at both schools receive a high-quality education, have access to state-of-the-art facilities, and receive the support they need to excel both at school and in life,” Oliva said.
Parent celebrates first year of Arkansas LEARNS Act-funded Education Freedom Accounts
Sanders announced $30 million in upgrades and new facilities coming to the Arkansas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired and Arkansas School for the Deaf in February.
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