PEA RIDGE — Educator Dr. Roland Smith is coming out of retirement one more time.

Smith was unanimously approved as the interim superintendent of schools at a special School Board meeting Thursday night. He will earn $100,000 beginning July 1 for a 220-day contract.

Smith was the superintendent of Rogers schools from 1993 to 1999.

“I was extremely impressed with his ... commitment to continue to grow Pea Ridge and really improve the school district,” board member Joshua Ramsey said.

“I think he has tremendous knowledge with leadership and successes with previous roles,” board member Ann Cato said.

The board authorized paying Smith $506 per day during June to work with outgoing superintendent Mike Van Dyke.

Smith, who said he has retired five times, said of Pea Ridge: “The finances are in good shape.

I knew that the test scores were good and I asked for the latest results which are very good.

“It’s a good district. I’m starting with a good district and a good community.”

News, Pages 1 on 06/08/2011