Newark, Ark., May 2, 2023 – The Cedar Ridge School Board met at the end of April and announced Shawn Craig as the Early Childhood Director for the 23-24 school year, following Lori Goings' upcoming retirement after 33 years with the district.
Craig moved to Newark from Helena in 1982 after his father, Larry, took a job at the Independence Steam and Electric Plant (now Entergy). He graduated from Newark High School in 1994, and went on to attend Williams Baptist University from 1994-1998 on a baseball scholarship. Craig graduated from Arkansas State University in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science in Social Science, and earned his Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership in 2009.
With a total of 23 years in the district, Craig has held leadership experience both in and out of the classroom. He has held positions such as High School History Teacher, Middle School Leadership Teacher and Assistant Basketball Coach, just to name a few. Most recently, Craig has served as the Elementary Assistant Principal and Leader in Me Director.
Craig lives in Newark with his wife Lorie of 22 years, their son Ian (14), and their dog Lexie. They attend Newark Southern Baptist Church.
“I want to work where it all begins,” says Craig about his new role. “We focus so much on the education of our students, and I know that education starts in Early Childhood. I want to foster new and lasting relationships that will ensure each child who enters the building will receive the best education possible.”