USD 398 hires superintendent years ago
By SUSAN MARSHALL
News editor
Following a week of interviews with four highly recommended candidates for the superintendent position of Peabody-Burns USD 398, the board of education Monday night voted to hire Rex Watson of Scott City.
Watson has accepted the position.
Watson and his wife were in Peabody Saturday evening for the interview and a catered dinner with board members. He is currently principal of a K-4 facility in Scott City.
"I think he will be excellent," said board member Duke Eldridge. "He is very personable and easy to talk to. I think he will fit into the community very well."
Eldridge said he thought all the candidates would fill the district's needs.
"The selection committee found us strong people to interview," he said. "I think this is a credit to (current superintendent) Tom Alstrom's reputation across the state. He is well-known and well-respected."
Eldridge said that Watson and his wife spent some at the Main Street benefit auction after the interview.
"They enjoyed the fun. They want to be involved in the community and I think they have some interest in historic preservation," he added.
Superintendent Alstrom echoed Eldridge's enthusiasm for Watson.
"The board was lucky to have four good people to choose from," he said. "I think they are excited about their selection.
"Rex is a terrific candidate. He is innovative and he will fit in well in the Peabody and Burns communities."
Alstrom and his family will be leaving the district this summer. He will take the superintendent position at Cheney.
