Mr. Ben Darley is the Director of Accountability and Administrative Services for the Conway School District.

He is originally from Mobile, Alabama and is the son of missionaries. Mr. Darley lived in Japan from the age of four until he attended Ouachita Baptist University, studying History and Political Science. Upon graduating from OBU, he joined the Air Force where he served as a linguist. 

After leaving the Air Force, Darley began his teaching career in San Antonio, Texas before coming to teach in Conway in 2007. He served as the Principal of Conway Junior High School before coming to the Administration Office.

Clint Ashcraft was hired in 2008 as Conway’s Head Football Coach. In 2018, he became the Athletic Director for Conway Schools.

Presently, Mrs. Renee Bennett serves as the district's Director of Finance. Bennett came to Conway School District in the fall of 2006 as an Assistant Principal at Simon Middle School. In 2012, she became Principal of Simon, and in 2017, became the district's Director of Programs and Professional Development.

Mrs. Bennett received her administration certificate and Masters in Business Education at the University of Central Arkansas. Previously, she worked in the Little Rock School District for 19 years as a business teacher and assistant principal.

Mrs. Bennett and her husband Mike have two children, Kaley and Chase, and one grandchild, Iris.

Dr. Keisha Jefferson earned her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership through the University of Central Arkansas and her Doctoral Degree from Capella University. She has taught a variety of grades, as well as been an Assistant Principal and Principal here in the Conway School District. Dr. Jefferson joined the Central Office as the Director of Federal and Supplemental Programs in 2020, and became Human Resources Director in 2022. 

"Dr. G" enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her family.

Kelli Gordon became the Director of Special Education for the Conway School District in 2021. She was hired by Conway Public Schools in 2001 and has been a special education teacher, middle school literacy teacher, literacy instructional facilitator, special education instructional specialist, and secondary special education supervisor. 

She is a graduate of the University of Central Arkansas with degrees in elementary and special education.   She has a master’s degree as a reading specialist from UCA, and administration and special education supervision certifications from Arkansas State University. 

Kelli Gordon and her husband Clay have three children, Hannah, Elizabeth, and James.  

Dr. Karen Lasker works with all employees from recruitment to retirement. Lasker joined Conway School District in 2010 as the Principal of Bob Courtway Middle School. In July of 2017, she was promoted to Director of Personnel and now serves CPSD as the Director of Staff Recruitment and Student Services.

Prior to coming to Conway, Lasker worked at Carrollton Farmers Branch ISD in Carrollton, Texas for seven years as an Assistant Principal. She served as Assistant Principal and Teacher/Coach in Fort Smith School District and Helena-West Helena from 1988-2003.

Dr. Lasker has a Bachelor of Science in Education in Physical Education, and a Masters in Special Education and Vocational Education from the University of Central Arkansas. She received her Educational Specialist and Doctorate Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. Karen is a native of West Helena, Arkansas.

Jason Lawrence is the Director of Support Services for the Conway School District.  He has been in education since 1996 and has taught in the Marion, Conway, Malvern, and Mayflower School Districts.  He has served as a teacher, coach, principal, and career technical education supervisor.  Lawrence worked as a teacher and coach here in the Conway school district from 2002-2005 and returned in 2012 to be the Director of the Conway Area Career Center for four years.  Before moving to the Central Office, he served as the Principal of Conway High School for 2 years. 

Mr. Lawrence received his Bachelor’s Degree from Henderson State University in 1995, a Masters in Educational Leadership from Harding University in 2009, and an Educational Specialist Degree from University of Central Arkansas in 2016.

His wife Pam is from Oshawa, Ontario, Canada and they have twin daughters, Abby and Avery.