Jeff Collum

Hallsville ISD Superintendent Jeff Collum is leaving the district to lead Conway Public Schools in Conway, Arkansas.

The school board in Conway approved Collum’s hire at a board meeting Tuesday night.

“Serving as the superintendent of schools for HISD for the past five years has been a distinguished honor and one of the best experiences of my career,” Collum said in a statement. “I sincerely appreciate this school board working with me and supporting me as we have accomplished a lot of great things together over the past five years in the best interest of our students.”

He has been a superintendent for almost nine years, arriving in Hallsville ISD after serving at Benton School District in Arkansas.

Collum said Wednesday that the board is set to discuss his official last day and name an interim superintendent until his replacement is hired.

During his tenure at Hallsville ISD, the district passed a $55 million bond package to build a new elementary school and auditorium and to perform districtwide upgrades. He also has overseen starting the Texas Virtual Academy at Hallsville, which now serves more than 11,000 students.

Conway is a top-performing district like Hallsville, Collum said. Though he was not looking for the position, he said he was asked to apply.

He also said he wanted to stress that he is not leaving because of any problems in Hallsville ISD, but he just decided the position in Conway was good for him and his family.

Collum said he has enjoyed the community and school board support in Hallsville, and he respects the school board and loves the community in Conway.

“While it is exciting to take this next step, it is with heartfelt sincerity that I extend my appreciation and gratitude to this board and school district for embracing our family and educating my three sons,” he said Wednesday. “HISD will always hold a special place in our hearts. Thank you for all that you have done for the Collum family.

“This is an amazing place to work, live and raise a family. The district will continue to thrive and move forward as they are in excellent hands with the leadership of the board, district administrators and amazing teachers and support personnel.”