Conway Public Schools is proud to announce two key leadership appointments for the upcoming school year. Dr. Bryce Bennett has been named Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, succeeding Dr. Megan Duncan. Preston Echols will serve as the new Director of Student Services, taking over for Dr. Ben Darley.
We extend our heartfelt thanks and best wishes to Dr. Duncan and Dr. Darley for their years of dedicated service to Conway Public Schools. Their leadership has made a lasting impact on our students, staff, and community.
Dr. Bryce Bennett – Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction
Dr. Bryce Bennett brings extensive experience and a deep passion for instructional leadership to his new role. He began his career as a secondary social studies teacher, teaching U.S. History, Psychology, Sociology, and Government. His dedication to student success and educator support has guided his path through various leadership roles, including Assistant Principal, Principal, Director of Teaching and Learning, and most recently, Director of Academic Assessment Services for Conway Public Schools.
Dr. Bennett earned his Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Arkansas. His dissertation, Exploring the Relationship Between Novice Teacher Autonomy and Workplace Engagement, Burnout, and Intentions to Remain in the Teaching Profession, reflects his commitment to educator retention and wellbeing.
He has led districtwide initiatives in curriculum and instruction, assessment systems, school improvement, AP programming, and English Learner services. A certified Science of Reading Trainer-of-Trainers, Dr. Bennett also served as President of the Arkansas Association of Middle Level Administrators (AAMLA), where he advocated for the unique needs of middle-level students and school leaders.
Conway Public Schools is excited to welcome Dr. Bennett to this pivotal role and looks forward to the vision and expertise he brings to our district.
Preston Echols – Director of Student Services
With over 14 years of experience in public education, Preston Echols joins the district leadership team as the new Director of Student Services. Mr. Echols has served as a physical education teacher, coach, assistant principal, and principal across several Arkansas districts, including Pine Bluff, Watson Chapel, PCSSD, and Conway Public Schools.
In Conway, he served as Assistant Principal at Conway Junior High School for three years before becoming Principal at Maumelle Middle School. For the past three years, he has led Conway Junior High as Principal, earning the respect of students, families, and staff alike.
Family and service are central to Mr. Echols’s philosophy. Raised in a family of educators, he credits his parents—and especially his wife Carise, an elementary school principal—for inspiring his commitment to education. Together, they are raising two daughters who continue to motivate his dedication to student success and wellbeing.
Conway Public Schools is thrilled to have Mr. Echols stepping into this important role, where his leadership will support and strengthen services for all students.