HOISINGTON —  The USD 431 Board of Education met at 7 a.m. Tuesday morning, Jan. 22, in executive session. Following the meeting, the media was informed the board had reached a decision and had selected Cherie Nicholson to fill the spot of Bill Lowry upon his retirement at the end of the 2018-2019 school year.  She will begin her Hoisington position on July 1. The Board of Education released the following to local media.

Cherie has broad educational experience, as a teacher, administrator and an educator of educators. 
She is currently the Turnaround Officer/Title Programs with USD #501 in Topeka. Besides experienced in the supervision and evaluation of staff, she is also responsible for analysis and facilitation of Federal and State Grants of approximately $10 million. She has held administrative positions for elementary and secondary level buildings and worked for the Kansas State Department of Education in accreditation, school improvement, and Title Programs.
Students in our schools succeed because they are quality students focused on preparing for their future. We feel our staff and administration support student learning and educational opportunities that will ensure they prepare for career or college.
Board President Don Fisher says that Cherie emerged from a very thorough search process as the right candidate to lead the District. “The Board is certain in our choice of Cherie and confident that under her leadership USD 431 will continue to be recognized as a quality school district striving for the best instruction and opportunities for our students.”
Don Fisher, Board President, explained that community input, including the involvement of a committee of stakeholders was a key factor in the success of the superintendent search process. The committee included teachers and administrators, parents, and community members.  “The input from the community as a whole was very helpful to our process.”
The Board selected three finalists, who were interviewed by the Board. 
As a board team we feel we made the right selection to serve our students and our community.

Other candidates included USD 495 Larned High School Principal Troy Langdon and USD 482 Dighton Superintendent Dr. Kelly Arnberger.