Administrator Spotlight

Dr. Harold Jeffcoat

Superintendent, Van Buren School District

Dr. Harold Jeffcoat, Superintendent for the Van Buren School District, says that while he can’t remember the exact moment he decided to pursue a career in education, he does remember being confident it was the right move. "Initially, I thought my career would be in the construction industry, and at one point I had my Residential Contractor’s License," he says. "I still have an interest in that area and enjoy working through school-related construction projects." He thinks perhaps the shift started as a result of his involvement in youth ministry, stating, "Cindy (my wife) and I were always very involved in children/youth ministry at our church. We coordinated Vacation Bible Schools and also took kids to church camp each summer. I’m sure those experiences had some level of influence over my decision to pursue a degree in education."

Since then, Dr. Jeffcoat says he has been blessed to have many great job opportunities in his career. His first teaching job was teaching 5th grade at Mabelvale Elementary in the Little Rock School District. After that, he became a teacher, and later an assistant principal, in the Benton School District. He next transitioned to Sheridan as the principal of East End Intermediate School, then served at the Cabot School District for 7 years as a Curriculum Director and later the Deputy Superintendent. He is now going into his tenth year as the superintendent of the Van Buren School District.

Dr. Jeffcoat says his favorite part of the job is building relationships with teachers and staff and seeing students succeed. "I have served in many positions in the field of education and I’m not so far removed from the classroom that I don’t remember how difficult it is to be a teacher," he says. "I genuinely appreciate everything our teachers, administrators and staff do to provide our students with the very best every day." He says the most challenging aspect of being a superintendent is managing district finances. "If you looked at my desk at any given time, you would see several piles of papers. More than half of those papers have numbers on them. Revenue and expenditures require constant monitoring and adjusting. Schools have limited resources and it is essential that funds are being spent appropriately based on needs/priorities."

Dr. Jeffcoat's advice to someone thinking of a similar career is "Being a superintendent is an amazing job. However, it does require thick skin and a persistent work ethic. There are many keys to success but none are more important than having a strong and supportive school board. Much of the progress in the Van Buren School District is attributed to a common vision shared by myself and our school board."

? Q&A ! with Dr. Harold Jeffcoat

What is the best advice you have ever received?

Talk less. Listen more.

What major changes have you seen in education during your career?

The most impressive changes I have personally witnessed over the course of my career are those related to the advancements in technology. Technology has transformed education. Teachers and students are embracing sophisticated hardware and software and it remains to be seen how far artificial intelligence will infiltrate the classroom.

What is the most daring thing you’ve done?

I have been skydiving twice. During my second jump, my parachute malfunctioned requiring me to cut away and deploy my backup parachute.

What do you feel is your greatest professional accomplishment?

We all find meaning in the different seasons of our careers. Being a superintendent in an outstanding school system is certainly an accomplishment that brings great pride. However, as a teacher, I know that for many of my students, I impacted their lives in a positive way. I probably can’t recognize all of them as adults today, but I can still remember their young faces from when they were in my classroom. My greatest professional accomplishment, at least in my mind, comes from knowing that I made a difference in their lives. I know it’s cliché but it’s true.

What is one of the things on your “Bucket List?”

I have an adventurous spirit, so my bucket list is focused on travel. I would love to take my family on a trip to New Zealand or Switzerland to enjoy the sheer beauty and experience the culture.

When people look back at your life, how do you want to be remembered?

Essentially, I hope my legacy as a school leader is positive in the minds of those living in the communities and/or working in the schools I have served over the years. I also hope the people I have had the privilege to work with, including all certified and classified team members, know that I always valued and appreciated their commitment to our district and especially our students.

What do you see as the biggest benefit of AAEA membership?

School administration can be difficult and lonely at times and it is important to build relationships with colleagues in other school systems. My AAEA membership has afforded me the opportunity to meet and learn from some of the best leaders in the state. Without AAEA, I would not be the superintendent I am today.