HOPE, Ark. – Hope Public Schools Facilities and Transportation director Maurice Henry recently was named Plant Manager of the Year.
The award, which is given by the Arkansas Association of Education Administrators, was presented by AAEA Executive Director Dr. Mike Hernandez during the Hope Board of Education's monthly meeting April 18 at Hope High School. AAEA Assistant Executive Director Mike Mertens said the annual award recognizes an Arkansas school plant manager who has made significant contributions to positive learning and teaching environments, and exhibited exceptional leadership in both the school community and the larger community.
Mertens said the award is presented after a vetting process of nomination, service and professionalism scoring.
"I didn't know anything about this," Henry said. "First, I thank God for this. I want to thank the Hope Public Schools board for the opportunity to serve the students and the community. It's what life is about."
A 1981 graduate of Hope High School, Henry earned an HVAC certification from the former Red River Vocational Technical Institute before beginning employment with the HPS in 1982. He began his career working in the school district bus garage, transferred to the grounds and maintenance department and later became the department supervisor of custodial services before being named director of Facilities and Transportation.
Henry is pastor of Corinth Baptist Church and has served as a Hempstead County reserve sheriff's deputy. He has been active professionally on the state and national levels, serving as president of the Arkansas School Plant Managers Association in 2007 and president of the National School Plant Managers in 2012.
He holds an Arkansas State Facilities Director Certification, has served as vice chairman of the Arkansas Public Employee Retirement System and is a member of the State Fire License Protection Board. He also serves as vice Ppesident of the Hempstead County Labor Board at Fulton.
Henry serves on the Hope/Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce board, the Hempstead County Farm Service Agency board and is a member of the Brotherhood of Fulton and Hope Kiwanis Club.
Superintendent Dr. Jonathan Crossley acknowledged Henry's commitment.
"Beyond having successful experience as facilities, maintenance, custodial and transportation director, Maurice brings an unwavering commitment to educational equity and ethical leadership to Hope Public Schools," Crossley said.