Fort Smith Public Schools has added two new coaches to its Athletics and Student Activities staff and a new Assistant Director of District Innovation:
Dr. Samantha Hall, Coach. Mahmoud Ihmeidan, and Coach Kim Dameron .
Dr. Hall and Coach Dameron’s hirings were unanimously approved at Monday night’s Board of Education Meeting, while Coach Ihmeidan’s hiring was approved at the May 18 Board of Education Meeting.
Dr. Samantha Hall
Dr. Samantha Hall will assume the position of Assistant Director of District Innovation, reporting to the Director of the Career Education Center and District Innovation.
In this role, Dr. Hall willplan, develop and implement a sustainable and innovative virtual school model, launch new and innovative campus-based programs, and assist with the development and implementation of high-quality curriculum and career plans to meet state requirements and track student progress.
Dr. Hall previously served in the Fort Smith Public Schools district as the Supervisor of Professional Development at the Rogers Center (2013-2020). Prior to her position at the Rogers Center, Dr. Hall served as the Southside High School Assistant Principal (2007-2013), Darby Junior High Assistant PRincipal (2003-2007), and Chaffin Junior High Classroom Teacher
(1991-2003).
Dr. Hall holds a B.A. in Math and French and an M.Ed. in Secondary Educationfrom the University of Arkansas.
“I am honored to be part of the District Innovation team. The last few weeks have highlightedthe need for educators to embrace innovation, to eliminate barriers that prevent all learners from succeeding, and to be flexible and responsive in a rapidly-evolving world. I am very excited for this opportunity,” said Hall.
Mahmoud Ihmeidan
Mahmoud Ihmeidan will assume the position of Head Soccer Coach and PE/Health Teacher at Southside High School, reporting to the FSPS Athletic Director and SHS School Principal.
In this
role, Coach Ihmeidan will lead the boys and girls soccer teams at Southside High School, teach knowledge and skills in physical fitness and health education, and plan and create balanced physical education programs.
Coach Ihmeidan previously served as a Youth Academy Soccer Trainer at the New York Red Bulls Soccer Club in Harrison, New Jersey (2017-2020), and a Head Soccer Coach and Health/PE Teacher at Al- Ghazaly Junior/Senior High School in Wayne, New Jersey (2017-2020).
Prior to his positions in New Jersey, Coach Ihmeidan served as the Southside High School Head Soccer Coach on a voluntary basis (2015-2017), Fort Smith Express Soccer Club Head Soccer Coach (2015-2017), Vice Prncipal at Annor Academy in Fort Smith (2013-2017) while briefly interning as a soccer coach at Northside High School (2013).
Coach Ihmeidan holds a B.S. in Kinesiology from Midwestern State University and an M.S. in Teacher
Leadership from Walden University.
“I feel blessed for the opportunity to work with the Southside Soccer Program and I look forward to working for one of the best districts in the state. Go Mavs!” said Ihmeidan.
Kim Dameron
Kim Dameron will assume the position of Head Football Coach at Southside High School and SHS Athletic Coordinator, reporting to the FSPS Athletic Director and SHS School Principal.
In this role, Coach Dameron will lead the boys football teams at Southside High School.
Coach Dameron previously served as a Senior Defensive Analyst at Kansas University in Lawrence,Kansas (2019-2020) and head football coach at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois (2014-2018).
Prior to his head coaching positions, Coach Dameron served as a Defensive Coordinator at Louisiana Tech University in Ruston Louisiana (2013) and Defensive Coordinator at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York (2011-2012). He has also served in various roles
including the University of Mississippi, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Stephen F. Austin State University, University of Cincinnati, University of Nevada - Las Vegas, the Canadian Football League, Murray State, Missouri State, Prairie Grove High School Newark High School,and as a Graduate Assistant at the University of Arkansas under Coach Lou Holtz.
Coach Dameron holds a B.S. in Physical Education from the University of Arkansas, where he played from 1979-82 as a wide receiver and defensive back. As a Razorback, he played in four bowl games including the 1979 Sugar Bowl.
“We are extremely excited about this opportunity to lead the Southside Mavericks Football Program as well as coming home to the state of Arkansas after a long absence,” said Coach Dameron.
