Springdale Names Fink and Tisher Associate Superintendents

Melissa Fink

Melissa Fink has been named an Associate Superintendent for Springdale Public Schools.

"I am honored to begin my new role as an Associate Superintendent for Springdale Schools. I look forward to supporting our teachers to personalize student instruction and to prepare our students to live the lives they dream." Fink said. "I want to thank Dr. Cleveland and the school board for their support and belief in my ability to positively impact our school community."

Fink has been with the Springdale School District for 24 years. From 1999-2004 she was a teacher at Parson Hills Elementary, from 2004 - 2007 Assistant Principal at Jones Elementary, and from 2007-2020 Principal at Jones Elementary. For the past 3 years, she has served as Assistant Superintendent for Elementary and Middle School Education in the Central Office.

Jared Cleveland, Springdale School District Superintendent, said Fink has an intense focus on academic achievement for every child.

"She is an example of homegrown leadership excellence. She is a product of Springdale Schools and has served her entire career in Springdale. She knows Springdale and will continue to provide leadership that will impact our community." Cleveland said.

Marcia Smith, Deputy Superintendent, says Mrs. Fink will be an exceptional Associate Superintendent "She is dedicated to the students, staff, and families in Springdale and possesses a remarkable ability to foster collaboration among administrators, teachers, and students." Smith said. "Her strategic planning skills and keen understanding of curriculum development have led to the implementation of effective programs that address the diverse needs of students."

Fink has a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Arkansas, a Master of Arts and Teaching from the University of Arkansas, an Educational Specialist from the University of Arkansas, and is currently working on a doctorate degree. "As Associate Superintendent, I’m committed to ensuring every student has access to a high quality education beginning at the pre-kindergarten level. I will support our teachers and staff to ensure they have the tools, training, and resources to provide rigorous, grade level instruction." Fink said. "My goal is to continue to work closely with our executive team to carry out the mission and vision of our district."

Springdale is Fink's hometown. She attended Springdale Schools for grades K-12. She has been married to Dewayne for 28 years and shares three beautiful children: Lauren, Ashlynn Grace, and Johnathan. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, spending time at the lake, and reading books.

Shannon Tisher

Shannon Tisher has likewise been named an Associate Superintendent for the Springdale Public Schools.

"It is an honor to be named Associate Superintendent." Tisher said. "I would like to thank Dr. Cleveland and the Springdale School Board for supporting me and having the confidence in me to allow me to lead our work in a new role."

Tisher has been with the Springdale School District for 24 years. She began at Springdale High School as an English teacher, was at Har-Ber High School as an Instructional Facilitator, an Assistant Principal at George Junior High and Har-Ber High School, a Principal at Southwest Junior High and Don Tyson School of Innovation, and most recently, has been the Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Schools.

Jared Cleveland, Springdale School District Superintendent, said Tisher will continue to provide excellence in leadership.

"Her experience and drive is second to none. She brings a dedication and focus to this role that will keep Springdale the destination school district in Arkansas. " Cleveland said.

Marcia Smith, Deputy Superintendent, says Mrs. Tisher has visionary leadership and enthusiastic commitment. "Mrs. Tisher's move to Associate Superintendent will support the district’s mission of empowering a community of learners. She has brought about positive change and innovative practices within the school district. Moreover, her exemplary leadership has become an inspiration to her colleagues and a catalyst for excellence in education." Smith said.

Tisher has a Bachelor of Arts in English, Master of Arts in Teaching, and an Education Specialist from the University of Arkansas.

"I hope to bring positivity and enthusiasm as I continue leading, facilitating, and supporting the amazing work we are already engaged in. It is an honor to support the work of our administrators, teachers, and support staff across the district." Tisher said. "I am excited about the opportunity to assist our district in continuing to develop as a Professional Learning Community. I will also be focused on our district's goal of every student in grades K-12 having the opportunity to engage in college and career readiness planning that leads to placement after high school. Those placements may include college, community college, technical school, the military, or the workforce. In partnership with local industry, we will continue to increase internship and apprenticeship opportunities for our high school students to assist in meeting this goal."

Tisher has been married to her husband Mitch for 21 years. They have two children: Max is a 2023 graduate of Har-Ber High School and an NWTI Industrial Maintenance program completer at DTSOI. Miley is entering 9th grade at Central Junior High.