Kelly Carlson on left, Joel Dunning on right. Courtesy Bentonville Schools
Applications are now being accepted to fill two vacancies on the Bentonville Schools Board of Education.
Kelly Carlson, an at-large board member, and Joel Dunning, who represents Zone 1, are both stepping down soon as they each prepare to move out of state for employment opportunities.
At the school board meeting on Tuesday, June 17, Carlson wasn’t ready to share details of his move. Dunning was not present as he was in the process of moving to Arizona, a district spokesperson said.
The School Board provides oversight and makes key decisions across all areas of operations for the school district, which serves most of Bentonville and parts of Bella Vista, Cave Springs, Centerton, Highfill, Little Flock and Rogers.
Applications will be accepted through the close of business on June 25.
Both Carlson and Dunning’s resignations are effective July 1, which means they could help the other board members select their replacements. The board is expected to make decisions on both positions at a meeting on June 26.
The selected applicants will serve the remainder of the terms, which both end in March 2026. The positions are unpaid.
Eligibility Requirements:
Be a U.S. citizen
Be registered to vote
Live in the Bentonville School District
For Dunning’s seat, applicants must live in Zone 1
For Carlson’s seat, applicants can live anywhere in the district
Not currently employed by the Bentonville School District
Must not have ever been convicted of — or pleaded no contest to — serious crimes such as embezzlement, bribery, or forgery