The Pope County Quorum Court selected Jason Cunningham on a roll-call vote as the interim Zone 1 member of the Russell School Board, filling a vacancy left by Holly Hall through March 2026.

Cunningham was chosen after both he and John Crawford gave five-minute presentations and answered questions from the court. County Attorney Jacob Phillips reviewed applicable law, citing Arkansas code on school-board vacancies and explaining that when a board cannot appoint a replacement, the matter may be decided by the quorum court in an open meeting pursuant to the statute and Act 7-26 procedures. Phillips said the court must discuss and act in open session but that the quorum court is not strictly required by the statute to adopt a specific outcome, and that tabling the matter would itself constitute action.

Why it mattered: The appointment fills an immediate vacancy so the school board will have a full membership through the election cycle. Several justices said the decision was difficult because both candidates were experienced and the election for the seat is scheduled for March 3; one justice moved to table the matter but no second was offered.

What the candidates said: Jason Cunningham, who described himself as an educator and a program analyst for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, outlined priorities of academic excellence, teacher and staff retention, student well-being and transparent governance. He said Russellville has resources the district can leverage and pledged to be a team player during the interim term.

John Crawford, a business executive and current volunteer in school booster activities, emphasized operational and financial experience, including work with budgets, reporting and controls. Crawford told the court he would place “quiet, consistent service” and the work of the position above personal gain if appointed.

Conflict and residency concerns: Justices asked whether either candidate’s outside activities would create conflicts of interest. Members asked Cunningham about his son attending Pottsville schools and whether that would affect his service; Cunningham said his family ties did not constitute an obstacle to representing Russell School District and that he had moved a son previously for educational reasons. Members asked Crawford about a tutoring business (Huntington franchise) he and his wife own; Crawford said the business does employ part-time tutors from several local districts but that parents pay directly and he would recuse himself from votes that directly affected his employees.

Vote and outcome: The court first voted on Cunningham; the roll call produced eight yes votes, two no votes and one abstention, and the chair declared Cunningham selected under Act 7-26. A subsequent roll call on Crawford returned two yes, eight no and one abstention. The quorum court read a resolution with Cunningham’s name inserted to memorialize the appointment.

Next steps: Cunningham will serve as interim Zone 1 member through March 2026, when the regular election will determine a longer-term representative. The court noted the appointment will be reflected in the official order and minutes.

Attribution: Direct quotes and attributions in this article come from the court record and from the candidates’ remarks to the quorum court.