Khristopher J. Thexton, superintendent of Marysville School District 364, has been hired by USD 428 as the new director of finance, operations and federal programs.  A quorum of four school board members met in a special meeting Thursday, waiving their right to three days prior notice.  After a five minute executive session, they voted to make the offer, which he has accepted.
It is a position currently held by Dan Brungardt, assistant superintendent. Brungardt will take a job as the superintendent at Bonner Springs on July 1.
“We are very pleased to have Mr. Thexton come on board,” said Tom Vernon, superintendent. “He has big shoes to fill, but we are confident he will be a good fit for us.”
Thexton has been the superintendent at Marysville since 2009. Before that he was the principal at West Middle School in Liberal from 2005-09, a principal at McDermott Elementary School in Liberal from 2004-05 and a junior high and senior high school teacher in Marysville from 1999-2004.
He also coached girls’ golf, boys’ basketball, football, softball and girls’ track at the junior high and high school level. He is a graduate of  the University of Kansas in 1999, Kansas State University in 2004 and Fort Hays State University in 2008.
In his application, Thexton  described his leadership style as open and honest.
“I do my best to discuss all possible situations with those that the decisions will affect the most,” he said. “I plan to generate as much feedback as possible to make the best decisions. I want to make sure I communicate the facts and make sure all people involved understand the reasons behind the decisions.”
Thexton will move to Great Bend with his wife, Rachel, and their two children, Paige, 6, and Kade, 2.