HOISINGTON — Hoisington has a new superintendent of schools, the USD 431 Board of Education announced Monday morning. Patrick Crowdis, one of three finalists that the board interviewed last week, has accepted the board’s offer and will begin his leadership on July 1. 

The search began in early January when the current superintendent, Cherie Nicholson, resigned effective June 30, 2020. 

According to the press release, Mr. Crowdis has broad educational experience as a teacher and administrator. He has been Assistant Principal of Dodge City High School and previously Middle School and High School Principal for Spearville. 

“Input from the teachers, administrators, parents and community members as a whole was very helpful to our process,” Board President Don Fisher said. “We are excited for the upcoming school year and for what the future holds for the Hoisington school district.” 

He added that as a board team, they made the right selection to serve the students and the community. 

Crowdis attended a meet and greet with the community on Tuesday, March 10, where he shared his career journey, starting with his first teaching job as a science and biology teacher at Nickerson. He soon began working towards administration, serving in various capacities in McPherson, Nickerson, Gardner and most recently Spearville and Dodge City. 

Crowdis and his wife have two children, one in high school and one in middle school, and both are multi-sport athletes. He looks forward to having everyone in the same district.