Dr. Martin W. Schoppmeyer, Jr.

Photo: Todd Gill

A local charter school founder and superintendent is so far the only resident to announce a bid to fill the soon-to-be vacant Ward 3, Position 2 seat on the Fayetteville City Council.

Martin Schoppmeyer Jr., 45, a lifelong resident of Fayetteville, founded the first open-enrollment public charter high school in the state, Haas Hall Academy, where he serves as superintendent and an active faculty member.

He is a graduate of the University of Arkansas where he earned a Doctorate in Educational Administration, a Masters in Educational Technology, and a Bachelor in Political Science. He received the Baum Award from the University of Arkansas Teaching Academy for Teaching Assistant Excellence. He was also corporate placement director in the university’s College of Engineering.

“Fayetteville is a city that truly has it all. A flagship university, superb schools, diverse culture and civically-minded citzens,” said Schoppmeyer while standing beneath a shade tree at Gulley Park. “My focus will be on preserving the extraordinary quality of life we know and appreciate in Ward 3 and in this great city.”

Schoppmeyer had another supporter in attendance besides the group of close friends and family who surrounded him Thursday morning.

Alderman Bobby Ferrell, who recently announced he will not run for re-election after eight years in office, said he believes Schoppmeyer will help lead Fayetteville in the right direction. “As evidenced by his credentials, Dr. Schoppmeyer is a hardworking dedicated person who will ask questions when they need to be asked,” he said. “That is a very, very important part of being a City Council member.”

Profile

Name: Dr. Martin W. Schoppmeyer, Jr.
Age: 45
Residency: Lifelong resident of Fayetteville in Ward 3
Employment: Founder and Superintendent, Haas Hall Academy
Education: University of Arkansas: Doctorate in Educational Administration, Masters in Educational Technology, Bachelor in Political Science
Political Experience: Currently serves on the Fayetteville Civil Service Commission

Questions

What made you decide to seek election to the council? Is it something you’ve been considering for a while?
A number of people contacted me about the possibility of running after Alderman Ferrell decided not to run. I met with Bobby and have thought about this for months.

Is there anything in particular that drove you to reside in Ward 3? How would you describe that part of town?
I grew up in Ward 3. They are my proverbial stomping grounds.

Are there any recent citywide or Ward 3 council decisions you agree or disagree with?
There is a recent issue in Ward 3 that I really support. The old Jackson place near Root Elementary School is being rezoned as a neighborhood that will allow affordable housing. This project will allow for the students to safely walk to and from Root school. Connectivity is provided by the city as well. This is a very good project that I fully support.