Josh Vest, who currently serves as a principal of Cooper Elementary School in Bentonville, will be recommended to be the new principal of Happy Hollow Elementary effective July 1, 2024. The school board will vote on the recommendation at their April 25 meeting.
“I am pleased to welcome Josh to Fayetteville Public Schools,” said superintendent Dr. John Mulford. “I am confident that his background and experience will make him an excellent fit for Happy Hollow.”
“I am excited to be a part of the Happy Hollow school community,” said Vest. “ This is a great opportunity to build upon the success of a fantastic school and to come home. Fayetteville has been my home for over 20 years. My wife is an RN for Fayetteville Public Schools, and my son is a 2nd grade student in the district. Next year, my daughter will begin her journey through Fayetteville Public Schools when she starts kindergarten. I am thrilled to join the Happy Hollow family, and I look forward to working with each student, staff member, and parent.”
Vest currently serves as the principal of Cooper Elementary School in Bentonville. He earned a bachelor’s degree in English and a master’s degree in Teaching from the University of Arkansas. He earned his educational specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University.
Vest will replace current Happy Hollow principal Jay Mirus, who has been named the new principal of Root Elementary School.
Vest will meet with the Happy Hollow staff on Friday, April 19 after school. Happy Hollow parents are invited to stop by the school and meet Mr. Vest between 4:30 and 6:00 p.m. on Friday.