“We followed all of our protocols”: Springdale Public Schools speaks on murder suspect hired by district

SPRINGDALE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — The superintendent of Springdale Public Schools is speaking for the first time since details of the alleged Devil’s Den murderer’s background surfaced.

After being arrested by Arkansas State Police for the murder of Clinton and Cristen Brink, details about Andrew McGann’s employment at Springdale Public Schools started to be revealed.

Springdale Public Schools confirmed July 30 that Andrew James McGann, 28, had been hired as a teacher candidate for the upcoming school year.

KNWA/FOX24 reached out to Springdale Public Schools for a public statement on his hiring. Watch the video above to hear his response in an interview with KNWA Today’s Ashlyn Brothers.

“There are things that happen in life that don’t make sense—tragedies that happen. And as we reflect through our own practices of hiring—the way we research references, the way we interview—we followed all of our protocols. The biggest thing that I personally think about are those little girls and those families that are impacted. And I tell you, personally, my heart breaks for them. It is really, really hard to make sense of something that’s senseless—that’s why we say senseless. Trying to put a really square cube in a round hole that doesn’t fit doesn’t make any sense. And for people who are really sick—to be fooled the way other districts, and even us, appear to have been fooled—because references were good, credentials were good—we’re going back to square one to look at anything that we could have possibly missed. Because when someone is in the public trust, like we are, it’s important to us that we remain in the public trust. And I am focused—highly intentional—that we stay in good standing with our public. And, you know, it’s a tough, tough position to be in. We love Springdale. We love our kids. And we’re focused on making sure that we continue to be in a position of trust—and we value that position. I’m very thankful to our law enforcement for their quick actions and their miraculous moves in such a short period of time. We may have the best there is in the country right here locally. And I’m confident that they saved other lives. I’m just sorry that there was any aspect, or any part, that was played by that young man coming to Northwest Arkansas. If I could take it back, I would. There are a lot of things in life that you wish you could take back that have happened. Even in my own personal life—I lost a brother years ago in a car wreck. I wish there were things I could do, that conversation I could take that day, to change those things. If there was anything I could do to take back what happened on that particular day for him not to be here—I would. But we’ll do the best we can to improve any aspects that we need to in our hiring practices moving forward. And everything’s under review. So, I appreciate the delicateness in which you’ve asked the question. And I appreciate our community’s support. And again, I appreciate all the things that our governor, the state police, the FBI, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, and others have done. And know that we will support them—and we will be at the ready, should they need anything from us.”
Superintendent Dr. Jared Cleveland, Springdale Public Schools

Andrew McGann has an arraignment hearing scheduled for August 14.

To read more on McGann’s arrest, click here.