The Dierks School Board has approved the reassignment of Paul Ernest from head football coach to the high school principal’s position and hired current Dierks staffer Lantz Castleman as new Outlaw head football coach.
The decision was made in a special meeting called on May 1.
Ernest will replace Scott Feemster, who announced his resignation last month, and will keep his athletic director role.
Also during the special meeting, the board set the administrative salaries for elementary principal ($80,000), high school principal ($85,000) and superintendent ($100,000).
According to Dierks Booster Club’s announcement of Castleman’s promotion, the coach “brings a wealth of experience, a proven track record of player development, and a relentless work ethic to this leadership role.” He has been a member of the coaching staff for two years and served as head track coach and assistant football coach, winning track district championships both years and compiling a 25-12 combined record in junior and senior high.
“The Outlaw HC was a four-year starter and was named First Team All -Conference for the Muleriders” of Southern Arkansas University, according to the booster club.
Castleman is married to wife, Ariel, who teaches at Dierks and they have four children.
