CHASTAIN CHOSEN TO HEAD KELSO

NEW HAMBURG -- Rick Chastain, embattled principal at Meadow Heights schools, has been chosen as superintendent of Kelso C-7 schools.

"The community is very supportive," Chastain said. "Everyone I've talked to has had nothing but good things to say. I'm excited about the opportunity of working with Kelso C-7 and the school board."

Chastain was selected by the Kelso C-7 board at its meeting Thursday.

Dorothy Dirnberger, president of the Kelso C-7 school board, said Chastain was easily the best candidate for the job. "With his experience and qualifications, he was the best," she said.

Dirnberger said the board is particularly interested in improving education of technology in the district and recently installed a computer lab. While at Meadow Heights, Chastain helped oversee development of computer instruction at the school.

"I'm looking forward to being there for a long time," Chastain said. "I'm also looking forward to taking Kelso to the next level of education."

The district has about 180 students in grades kindergarten through eight. Chastain follows Becky Couch in the job of superintendent. He will make $36,000 a year and signed a two-year contract. Technically, Chastain comes to the district as a principal with the stipulation that he get his superintendent certification during his first year with the district.

Chastain has been high school principal at Meadow Heights schools for five years. He and the Meadow Heights school board reached an impasse this spring when the board voted not to retain him as principal for the coming school year.

Chastain blew the whistle last year on financial problems in the district. The problems eventually lead to the resignation of then-superintendent Tom Waller.