The Arkadelphia Public Schools Board of Education approved four administrative hires to replace the recently announced retiring administrators. Those hired include Tasha Boozer-Hines, Shannon Prince, Trent Smith and Mary Snowden.

“We are pleased to announce the new additions to our leadership team in Arkadelphia Public Schools,” Superintendent Dr. Donnie Whitten said. “It is always great when we can promote from within the district and welcome former employees back to Arkadelphia.  I look forward to working with them as we continue providing our students with a first-class experience in APS.”

The Board of Education hired Tasha Boozer-Hines to serve as the APSD PreK Director. Hines received a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Henderson State University. She holds an Education Specialist Degree in Reading from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, where she is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Reading Philosophy.  Hines is a National Board Certified Teacher. She has seven years of experience teaching fourth grade at Peake Elementary School and six years of experience as an Instructional Facilitator in Hot Springs School District.

“I am very excited to be home, where it all began,” Hines said. “I just hope to support the Arkadelphia community the way they have supported me.”

Shannon Prince will serve as the elementary principal for Central Primary School. Prince received both her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and master’s degree in reading from Henderson State University. She also completed a program of study for building level administration at Henderson State University. Prince is a National Board Certified Teacher, and has 21 years of teaching experience at Perritt Primary School and six years of experience as an Instructional Facilitator at Peake Elementary School.

“I am so excited to be given the opportunity to lead Central Primary in the upcoming school year,” Prince said. “Working with the professional staff, along with the supportive families of our students, we will make great strides in continuing to provide Central students the opportunities they need to excel. I am looking forward to the 2017-18 school year and many more!”

The Board of Education hired Trent Smith to be the Dean of Students for Arkadelphia High School. Smith received his bachelor’s degree in physical education from Henderson State University and his master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University. Smith has 15 years of experience teaching and coaching at Goza Middle School and one year of experience teaching and coaching at El Dorado.

“I am very thankful for the opportunity to continue to serve the community of Arkadelphia as the dean of students at Arkadelphia High School,” Smith said. “I look forward to working with the students, parents, teachers and staff to help make every day a great day to be a badger.”

The Board approved Mary Snowden as principal for Peake Elementary School. Snowden received both her bachelor’s degree in Middle Level Education and master’s degree in Advanced Instructional Studies – ESL from Henderson State University. She completed Henderson State University’s program of study for building level administration. Snowden has 11 years of teaching experience at Peake Elementary School.

“I’m really excited to begin this next chapter in my life as the new principal at Peake Elementary,” Snowden said. “I feel very blessed to be chosen to fill such a position. I know at Peake I’ll be fully supported, because I know firsthand what an awesome staff our school has. I am looking forward to having a prosperous year this next school year and for many more years to come!”




 Arkadelphia Public Schools serves more than 2,000 students in Clark County, Arkansas, ranging from 6-weeks-old through college- and career-readiness - and is home of the Arkadelphia Promise.

APS News hanna.dean@arkadelphiaschools.org