MEET OUR BOARD

The Pulaski County Special School District Board of Education was elected in November of 2016 and seated on Tuesday, December 13, 2016. At their first meeting, the Board drew for terms and elected officers.

The Board will meet in regular open session on the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. These meetings are open to the public. All regular meetings will be held in the Board Room in the Administrative Services Building (925 East Dixon Road, Little Rock, AR 72206).

STEPHEN DELANEY, BOARD PRESIDENT

Board Zone: 1
sdelaney@pcssd.org
Term Ends: 2029

Stephen Delaney represents PCSSD voters who live in Landmark, Shannon Hills, Saline County, Alexander, southwestern Pulaski County, and the West Little Rock neighborhoods of Woodlands Edge, Brodie Creek, Cherry Creek, and Spring Valley.

A product of PCSSD schools, Stephen attended Mills University Studies High School, Fuller Junior High, Jacksonville Elementary, and College Station Elementary. He volunteers with the Junior League of Little Rock (since 2009) and AR Kids Read (since 2015).

Stephen is also a member of the Committee of Practitioners which is an advisory body authorized under Title I of the Elementary & Secondary Schools Act of 1965. The COP reviews rules, regulations, or policies relating to Federal Programs and advises the State of Arkansas on how to best serve the children of our state.

TINA WARD

Board Zone: 2
tward@pcssd.org
Term Ends: 2025

Tina Ward has two adult daughters, a grandson and 2 granddaughters along with several children in which she has had the opportunity to mentor throughout the years. Her daughters both attended Mills Middle formerly known as Fuller Elementary and Junior High, Daisy Bates Elementary and Mills University Studies High School. Ms. Ward has mentored children for more than 30 years within her community and church. She joined the Pulaski County Special School District Board of Education to help support the District by making good, solid decisions and encourage policies that ensures quality education for all.

HEATHER SMITH, BOARD SECRETARY

Board Zone: 3
hsmith@pcssd.org
Term Ends: 2026

Heather Smith is a former PCSSD student having attended Sylvan Hills Elementary School and Northwood Junior High School from 1980-1988. She graduated from Mt. St. Mary's Academy 1992, and furthered her education at the University of Central Arkansas and Pulaski Technical College. Pursuing her true talents, Smith attended Lee's School of Cosmetology and graduated in 1994.

In 1999, she bought a salon from its second owner and created Studio H Salon. The studio just celebrated 22 years under her ownership and over 50 years in this location at the Lakewood House.

Smith and her husband, Shane, live in Sherwood and have two children who attended Sylvan Hills Elementary and Sylvan Hills Middle School in the past. Both children shoot on a trap team in which her husband is also a coach. In their free time, the family enjoys spending time at their cabin where they can fish and hunt.

KARYN MAYNARD, DISBURSING OFFICER

Board Zone: 4
kmaynard@pcssd.org
Term Ends: 2029

Karyn Maynard, has lived in north Pulaski county for over 40 years and has deep roots in the area. She is married to Mitch and they have two daughters, both of whom graduated from PCSSD schools, following in their mother's footsteps. Karyn herself attended Pinewood Elementary, Southside Junior High, and Jacksonville High School. Karyn and her husband have one grandson with whom they spend all of their free time.

Karyn studied Business Management at UALR. She spent 25 years in retail as a district manager, where she oversaw 18 stores across three states. In 2015, Karyn transitioned from retail to start her own consulting business, Maynard Advising Inc. Her team helps small business owners with various tasks, including managing employee benefits and setting up payroll systems.

WENDY POTTER, LEGISLATIVE REPRESENTATIVE

Board Zone: 5
wpotter@pcssd.org
Term Ends: 2028

Biography - coming soon.

ELI KELLER

Board Zone: 6
ekeller@pcssd.org
Term Ends: 2025

Eli Keller is a Lieutenant with the Maumelle Police Department. During his time with the MPD, he has served in the Patrol Division (Day/Night Shift), the Criminal Investigations Division, the School Resource Officers Division and Training/Professional Standards. Within each division, Keller has been a member of the Special Response Team (SWAT School at ALETA), a certified Law Enforcement Instructor, a Firearms Instructor and a certified Defensive Tactics Instructor in Gracie Survival Tactics.

Keller serves as the State Director for the Law Enforcement Torch Run's executive council for Special Olympics. The Law Enforcement Torch Run is the largest public awareness vehicle and grass-roots for Special Olympics fundraiser for Special Olympics.

DR. LAUREL "LAURIE" TAIT, BOARD VICE PRESIDENT

Board Zone: 7
ltait@pcssd.org
Term Ends: 2026

Dr. Laurel "Laurie" Tait has been a podiatrist for more than 40 years having had offices in California, Missouri and Mississippi. She is currently semi-retired working in local nursing homes and serves as a member of the AR podiatry state board.

She is married and her husband works as a physician at the VA medical center in Little Rock. Together, Dr. Tait and her husband have five grown children , five in-laws and soon-to-be 25 grandchildren. Her grandchildren each attended or are currently attending public school. Her parents both were teachers in Dade County Florida and her mother lives in Little Rock.